It was an ordinary workday, and once again, I found myself standing at the top of the stairs, preparing to go down two flights to use the bathroom. As the only woman in my team, I was also the first female employee hired by the company I had recently joined. There was no private bathroom, no prayer space, and certainly no common room for women. It felt eerily reminiscent of the moment from the movie Hidden Figures when Katherine Johnson had to walk long distances across the NASA facility just to find a bathroom she could use.
That experience was a wake-up call. It wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was a stark reminder of deep gender disparity that still exists in many tech workplaces today. As the only woman on an all-male team, I quickly realized that workplaces not designed with women in mind unintentionally convey a message about who is expected to belong—and who is not. From that moment on, I became a passionate advocate for women in tech, pushing for companies to provide the resources and accommodations necessary for us to thrive. 
The technology industry around the globe, including in Pakistan, has opened up transformative opportunities for women to build successful careers and thrive in the workplace. The rise of remote work after the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly significant in empowering women. This new flexibility allows them to balance both work and personal responsibilities, which is essential in more conservative societies. The software industry, in particular, has opened up a world of possibilities. Many women who might not have had access to traditional office-based roles are now finding their place in the digital space, contributing to their families and the economy from the comfort of their homes. This has become increasingly important in light of the recent economic challanges and rising inflation in Pakistan.
However, despite these advancements, and with the post-covid “back to office” initiative, many companies still struggle to accommodate women in meaningful ways. I have often been the only woman on my team, or one of very few, and it’s evident that there is a significant lack of resources available for women.
 The absence of necessities can deter more women from joining the workforce. Additionally, the global nature of the tech industry, which often requires working across multiple time zones, presents another challenge for women, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities. Night shifts and late calls often make it difficult for women to fully participate, leading to underrepresentation in many critical roles.
Despite these obstacles, women have found ways to carve out spaces for themselves, particularly through the digital skills revolution. The rise of e-commerce has been a game changer for many women looking to empower themselves from home. Whether selling baked goods, handmade ornaments, or offering services like makeup and photography, women have tapped into the multiple of online platforms to create their businesses. These ventures allow women to participate in the economy on their terms, breaking free from traditional roles and expectations.
Beyond e-commerce, women are increasingly engaging in tech-related fields such as Amazon reselling, stock trading, and even cryptocurrency. These are areas where digital tools and online education have levelled the technical field. Many women are teaching themselves these skills by using free or low-cost online resources, reshaping not only their personal lives but also the broader landscape of tech entrepreneurship. As more women are acquiring tech-savvy entrepreneurial skills, the narrative around women in business and technology is shifting.
In addition to running their businesses, women are also at the forefront of innova-tion in emerging technologies. From artificial intelligence (AI) to blockchain, women are contributing to some of the most exciting advancements in tech. I work in AI, specifi-cally in the cutting-edge area of generative AI, and have seen firsthand in my community how despite their low in numbers, women are making significant contribution in shaping the future of technology. While there is still work to be done, the presence of women in these spaces is a sign of progress, and it’s clear that women are making their mark on the future of tech. 
Tech entrepreneurship is another area where women are leading the way. Though the number of female tech CEOs is still small compared to their male counterparts, it is growing rapidly. More women are leaping into entrepreneurship, creating businesses, and becoming leaders in their fields. This rise in women-led businesses is not limited to small enterprises; we are actually seeing women build successful tech-driven companies that are making a significant impact. The journey comes with many challenges, but the increasing visibility of women in these roles is inspiring a new generation of female entrepreneurs.
One of the most important ways that women can continue to empower each other is through mentorship and support networks. Unfortunately, large-scale networks that cater to women in tech are still lacking, particularly in regions like South Asia and especially Pakistan. While there are smaller groups and communities where women support each other, there is a pressing need for larger networks—spaces for women to connect, learn, and grow professionally. These communities, led by women for women, provide invaluable opportunities to share experiences, offer guidance, and create a sense of belonging in an industry that can sometimes feel isolating.
The challenges that women face in the workforce often have roots in the educational system. When I was in high school, many girls, including myself, were encouraged to pursue fields like biology and medicine, while boys were steered toward engineering and computer science. This was largely due to societal norms and the influence of previous generations, where women were not seen as fitting into tech fields. However, this began to change as I moved into university. My graduating class was the first in my university’s history to have an equal number of men and women studying computer science. It was a monumental shift, and it has continued to grow with younger generations.
Despite advancements in education, the transition into the workforce remains challenging for many women. Societal expectations often discourage women from pursuing full-time careers, and the gender balance that we see in universities does not always carry over into the professional sphere. However, this is also starting to change, partly due to the growing prevalence of remote work and flexible hours. These developments make it easier for women to join the workforce, and they are helping to close the gap between education and employment. As such, remote work and flexible work hours will enable more women to enter the workforce which will benefit our crippling economy and cause it to rise. As Muhammad Ali Jinnah said on March 25, 1940, “No nation can ever be worthy of its existence that cannot take its women along with the men. No struggle can ever succeed without women participating side by side with men.” 
The future of women in tech is promising. More women are learning new skills, entering the workforce, and making significant contributions to the industry. The rise of online learning platforms, flexible work environments, and digital tools is creating new opportunities for women to excel in tech. However, it is not enough to simply open the doors. Companies and employers must continue to work toward creating environments that are welcoming and supportive of women. This means providing the resources, facilities, and policies that allow women to thrive, not just as employees but as leaders and innovators.
Women in tech are not merely a valuable addition to the workforce; they are essential to the success of both the global and Pakistan’s economies. As we look to the future, it’s clear that empowering women in tech will be key to driving innovation, fostering diversity, and ensuring that the benefits of the digital revolution are shared by all. HH

The Author is a graduate from NUST in Software Engineering, began her career as Pakistan’s first woman to lead a drilling project in the oil and gas sector.
Email: [email protected]