As part of ‘ICTs for Girls’, Ministry of Information Technology is establishing 150 Women Empowerment Centres at Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM).
These centres are being equipped with state-of-the-art computer labs and broadband infrastructure. At these centres, thousands of young girls from a disadvantaged background will be trained by the Microsoft-led programme.
The Digital Skills programe by Microsoft comprises four Cs -computing, coding, and communication and coaching -to increase their employability potential. Under this programme first phase of training by Microsoft is completed, through which 100 Master Trainers from all across Pakistan have been trained. As part of Phase I, the establishment of computer labs with allied broadband infrastructure for 50 empowerment centers are in process to be placed.
Minister for IT Anusha Rahman said, “The present government is committed towards an all-inclusive society with the enhanced empowerment of women through a well- structured enabling environment that could guarantee their financial autonomy. We are conscious of our social responsibility. Through technological capacity building, the women and girls under this programme will prove to be a great asset for the economic engine of the country.”
PBM MD Barrister Abid Waheed Sheikh said that various steps have been taken for the renovation and upgradation of Women Empowerment Centres during last three years. He said that this programme intends to empower women through Information and Communication Technologies. The initiative exerted considerable efforts to enhance ICT technical capabilities of women, develop their entrepreneurial capabilities in order to promote their social and economic empowerment.
