**UN Women and KOICA Launch Digital Startup Roundtable to Empower Young Women in Tech**
UN Women Pakistan, in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has inaugurated its Digital Startup Roundtable Series in Islamabad, aiming to boost the participation of young women in Pakistan’s technology sector. The initiative, part of the Digitalization for Women’s Economic Empowerment (D4WEE) project, seeks to harness digital skills as a pathway to women’s economic advancement.
The event convened government officials, development partners, and women entrepreneurs to discuss the crucial role of technology in bridging gender gaps within the digital economy. Jacqui Ketunuti, Deputy Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan, stressed the imperative of inclusive growth: “In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, leaving women behind is not an option. We must work together to invest in women, open doors to mentorship, and amplify every voice to unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s digital future.”
Sodam Baek, Deputy Director of KOICA Pakistan Office, reiterated the organization’s commitment to gender equality through technology. “Our partnership with UN Women is rooted in the belief that technology, when accessible and inclusive, can be a powerful equalizer. KOICA is proud to support initiatives that equip young women with the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy,” Baek remarked.
The roundtable featured two main discussion sessions: the first examined policy and infrastructure challenges inhibiting women’s digital inclusion, while the second highlighted strategies to foster women-led startups through mentorship, access to finance, and opportunities for market integration.
Extending across six cities, including Lahore and Peshawar, the D4WEE project aims to close Pakistan’s digital divide, ensuring that women aged 18 to 35 gain equitable access to the opportunities emerging within the country’s expanding technology sector. Through such collaborative efforts, UN Women and KOICA are working to build a more inclusive and dynamic digital landscape for Pakistan’s young women.
