UN Women Pakistan, in collaboration with KOICA, recently held a Digital Startup Roundtable in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to promote women’s participation in the country’s digital transformation and innovation landscape. The event provided a platform for government officials, business leaders, academics, and women entrepreneurs to discuss achievements and challenges in building a more inclusive technology sector.
The roundtable included representatives from the Directorate of Science, Technology & IT and KP Information Technology Board, as well as private sector micro, small, and medium enterprises such as Durshal Mardan. Leading academic institutions, including Women University Mardan and Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, contributed educational insights, while members of the Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry Mardan Division, tech startup innovators, and young women entrepreneurs shared their experiences.
Participants addressed the importance of empowering women to play an active role in the digital economy. The discussions explored partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and initiatives that can nurture women-led startups and support greater gender equality in Pakistan’s technology sector. Through stories of success and practical strategies, the forum emphasized the collective effort required to ensure that women are both shaping and benefitting from ongoing digital transformation in Mardan and beyond.
