ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (Alliance News): Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, reiterated the government’s commitment to closing the digital gender divide, emphasizing the importance of women’s access to technology and the internet.
Speaking virtually at a conference titled “Digitalization and Women in Politics” in Doha, Qatar, Shaza Fatima highlighted that digital tools are vital for empowering women and facilitating their entry into mainstream politics.
“The government is actively working to eliminate barriers preventing women from accessing mobile phones and ICT tools,” she said, citing socio-economic challenges as significant obstacles to women’s political participation.
She also announced progress on the Gender Digital Divide Policy, which aims to improve women’s access to the digital economy. Additionally, the Smartphones for All Policy is under development to ensure broader access to digital devices.
The Minister emphasized the pivotal role of the Prime Minister’s Free Laptop Scheme in providing digital tools to young women, aiding their socio-economic empowerment and political engagement.
