NEWS

A launching ceremony of the Impact Analysis Report on “ICT Labs in Women Empowerment Centers” on the occasion of “International girls in ICT day” was held on Thursday in Islamabad.

While addressing the ceremony, the Chief Guest of the event, Minister of State for Climate Change, Zartaj Gul said that women are the face of humanity. We must work together to empower them in Pakistan to fully benefit from ICT facilities and make a contribution towards sustainable development of the country. The Federal Minister appreciated the efforts of Huawei, Universal Service Fund (USF) and Pakistan Baitulmal for doing such an incredible job.
Speaking at the occasion, CEO-USF said that USF established 120 state of the art computer labs in 120 Women Empowerment Centers of Pakistan Baitul Mal. Prior to USFs intervention, these centers only focussed on artisan skills. He informed that USF and PBM created a computer training curriculum and staffed teachers and over time, a number of partners added value to this program including Facebook, UN Women, Microsoft and Huawei. He further said that the results of impact assessment of this program are being launched today. The user survey data clearly show a significant positive impact, with clear indicators of increasing confidence, IT awareness, enhanced coding skills and better prospects of absorption in the job market.
While shedding light on the way-forward, Managing Director – PBM, Aon Abbas Bappi, said that he takes pride in this ever efficient project where women are given the liberty to make a living on their own. By making IT labs and facilitating girls of far flung and lesser developed areas of Pakistan we together give them immense confidence and freedom.