In a country where men dominate technological fields such as computer science and electrical engineering, initiatives are taking place to garner more female representation. The company at the forefront of such initiatives in Pakistan is CIRCLE. To learn more about their cause and the women helped through it, The Express Tribune collaborated with CIRCLE to convey the stories of women who benefitted from their cause in lieu of International Women's Day.
As the world advances digitally, technological literacy has been deemed extremely important for a person to not only survive but thrive. Among CIRCLE ('s) various enterprises, one of their most successful enterprise is 'Tech Karo'.
'Tech Karo', focuses on encouraging young women to increase their involvement in technological fields through different courses and technical skills. The enterprise focuses on encouraging women from underprivileged backgrounds and communities to take their first digital footsteps.
Tech Karo offers courses such as Coding, Digital Marketing, Graphic Designing and understanding how to use tools such as Word Press. Tech Karo's courses and provision of strong mentorship have allowed many of their graduates to prosper in various fields of technology.
It's Never Too Late to Start Anew:
Raffat Fatima's story may resound with women who have put their dreams on hold to take care of their children. In Pakistani society, the mother is expected to bear the brunt of childcare, often taking a step back from her dreams and ambitions. Although Fatima says "it was a personal choice," she also expresses how quickly "eight years had passed" and her technological skills seemed "dated."
When Fatima chanced upon Tech Karo, she described it as a "stroke of luck" and enrolled in their 'Web Development Program'. The flexibility of enhancing her skills online not only encouraged her to improve further but also instilled confidence.
The hands-on experience throughout helped me gain my lost grip on my skills while other students and I were equipped with the latest knowledge in the field. As my skills improved; so did my confidence.
The program also helped her market her skills on international freelance websites. The newfound confidence coupled with her honed skills allowed her to receive more opportunities.
Just last month, I was able to complete a project of Rs. 32000 in only two weeks for a Canada-based firm. Having my own income brings another level of self-confidence altogether. Not only do I get to spend from my own pocket on my children, but I am also saving up for more advance courses in my field. On top of everything else, TechKaro has reignited my hunger for learning and professional excellence and I am just getting started.
Fighting Obstacles:
Making ends meet was a challenge for Ramza Ali's family. A bright and enthusiastic learner, Ramza was forced to put her education on a standstill as her father; the sole breadwinner could not afford to pay school fees. Ramza enrolled in 'The Citizens Foundation' (TCF) scholarship program where she was not only able to resume her studies but was introduced to CIRCLE ('s) Tech Karo enterprise
Unaware of the importance of digital skills, Ramza enrolled in the 'Digital Media Marketing' course; where she learned a multitude of ways one can use social media and other tools to market a product or campaign. From managing Facebook ads to running campaigns; Ramza was able to use these skills to present herself in local and international markets.
“Thanks to hands on practice in the course on writing cover letters and designing resumes to be used on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed; I landed internship in an international firm GOA within a few months”
According to statistics shared by CIRCLE, Tech Karo has granted opportunities to more than 300 graduates in more than 20 cities. The majority of students are women (65%). Most of the students hail from under-served communities.
Championed and run by women, CIRCLE has inspired confidence in many young women through the development of their digital skills. CIRCLE('s) Tech Karo has also been featured in BBC Urdu, Reuters and the Business Recorder.
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