The devaluation of the Pakistani Rupee over the last 2.5 years has been a cause for concern for many. This has resulted in higher inflation, increased costs for imports, and a rise in the cost of living for ordinary citizens. Families relying on a sole breadwinner are among the most severely impacted groups by the economic instability caused by the devaluation of the Pakistani Rupee. With the current economic climate, it has become increasingly difficult for a single individual to support an entire family. Therefore, it has become necessary for more members of a family to earn their own money, and this includes women. However, the reality is that many women in Pakistan are not given the opportunity to earn their own money. According to the World Bank, the female labor force participation rate in Pakistan is only 22%. This means that out of a total population of approximately 212 million, only a small percentage of women are employed. Moreover, many women who are educated are not allowed to work due to cultural and societal norms. This situation needs to change, and it needs to change fast. It is essential to provide women with education and opportunities to earn money. By doing so, we can empower women and help them become contributing members of society.
Digital skills provide women with increased access to education and employment opportunities. In many parts of the world, traditional barriers such as geographical constraints and societal norms have limited women’s access to education and job prospects. However, with the advent of online learning platforms and remote work opportunities, women can now acquire valuable skills from the comfort of their homes. Whether it’s learning coding languages, digital marketing techniques, or data analysis, the digital realm offers multiple resources for women to upskill and pursue their career aspirations. Moreover, digital skills enable women to break free from traditional employment structures and embark on entrepreneurial ventures. The internet has democratized entrepreneurship by lowering the barriers to entry and providing a global marketplace for goods and services. Women entrepreneurs are leveraging digital platforms to launch online businesses, market their products to a wider audience, and connect with like-minded individuals for mentorship and collaboration. Whether it’s e-commerce, freelance writing, or app development, digital skills empower women to create their own pathways to economic independence and success.
One significant aspect of women’s empowerment through digital skills is economic independence. In many societies, women have traditionally been underrepresented in the workforce or confined to certain industries. However, digital skills open up new opportunities for women to enter diverse sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and education. By gaining proficiency in digital tools and platforms, women can pursue careers in high-demand fields, secure better-paying jobs, and even start their own businesses. This economic independence not only benefits women individually but also contributes to the overall socio-economic development of communities and nations.
Women who are financially independent are better able to make decisions that affect their lives and those of their families. Moreover, research has shown that when women earn money, they are more likely to invest in the education and health of their children. This has a positive impact on the entire community and can help break the cycle of poverty and it is time for individuals and society as a whole to take action. We need to empower women by providing them with education and opportunities to earn money, which will help them become financially independent and contribute to the growth of the country.
—The writer is a Digital Media Strategist, based in Islamabad. Amnah.Jabeen94 @gmail.com
views expressed are writer’s own.
