Amir Saeed

Gilgit-Baltistan is experiencing a transformative shift, as women entrepreneurs harness digital platforms to empower themselves and transform traditional industries like handicrafts, tourism, and e-commerce, thereby gaining economic independence and global visibility.

Talking to WealthPK, Awais Ahmad, a GB government development officer, emphasized the role of digital empowerment in equipping women with the necessary resources to scale up their businesses. He highlighted that the initiatives taken by organizations such as SheDev, Karakoram Area Development Organization (KADO), and Rupani Foundation were crucial in providing training and mentorship programs.

He added that these programs help women overcome cultural and economic barriers, enabling them to effectively use social media platforms for marketing and sales. He believed that digital empowerment is revolutionizing industries by providing women with tools to expand their businesses beyond local markets.

Availability of digital literacy programs and e-commerce training has allowed women to leverage the social media effectively, increasing international recognition for products like Hunza apricots and gemstone jewelry. Talking to WealthPK, Farhat Saba, Coordinator at conFIDE Pakistan, highlighted the importance of digital skills in empowering women.

Organizations such as CIRCLE Women Association and Confide Pakistan have been instrumental in conducting digital marketing bootcamps in Gilgit-Baltistan, equipping young women with essential skills like SEO and content creation. She believed that digital skills were a core capability in today’s world, enabling women to leverage technology from their homes and play a significant role in the country’s economic progress.

She emphasized that these skills allow women to set up businesses and contribute to the economy even from remote areas.“The success of such initiatives is evident in the increased number of women-led startups focusing on sectors like handmade crafts and digital services, which are gaining recognition through online platforms,’’ she said. She pointed out that despite progress, GB women entrepreneurs still face challenges such as poor internet connectivity and limited digital literacy.

However, with continued support from government initiatives and NGOs like AKRSP, which provide technical skills and IT infrastructure, the region is poised to become a model for empowering women through technology and business. “Digital awakening in Gilgit-Baltistan not only empowers women but also contributes to a more inclusive and economically resilient region,” she added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk