The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has launched the Digital Literacy Program for Women in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance the skills of female entrepreneurs across Pakistan.
This pioneering initiative focuses on equipping women with essential digital skills, empowering them to effectively utilize digital platforms and tools for business growth while ensuring they are knowledgeable about digital security and safety.
The Digital Literacy Program for Women is strategically designed to empower female entrepreneurs by providing them with practical tools and insights to navigate the digital landscape effectively. With comprehensive training, women will be better positioned to grow, manage, and sustain their businesses in a competitive yet supportive digital environment.
Socrat Aman Rana, the CEO of SMEDA, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Digital Literacy Program for Women is one of our flagship initiatives to ensure that women entrepreneurs are not left behind in the digital age.
There is a significant gap in access to the right digital knowledge for women in Pakistan, and this program aims to close that gap, empowering them to leverage the digital world fully for their business success.”
The training program has already been successfully implemented in cities such as Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Karachi, with the goal of reaching women from diverse socio-economic and geographical backgrounds throughout Pakistan. SMEDA’s commitment is to provide equitable access to this vital training, helping women entrepreneurs overcome barriers and achieve success in the digital era.
Participants in the initial phases have expressed enthusiasm about the Digital Literacy Program for Women and its immediate impact. Many have already begun using the new tools and techniques to conduct market research and set up online platforms, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness.
Tania Buttar, the Head of the Women Entrepreneurship Development Department at SMEDA, mentioned that the Digital Literacy Program for Women will continue for the next six months, expanding its reach to additional regions across the country.
The long-term vision includes providing extended support to help women seamlessly integrate digital solutions into their businesses and streamline their operational processes, ensuring sustainable growth and success for women entrepreneurs.
