Pakistan’s young women are not just part of the story—they are writing it, and by empowering them through education, leadership, and opportunity, we can ignite transformative change and shape a brighter, more inclusive future for the nation.

“No struggle can ever succeed without women participating side by side with men. There are two powers in the world. One is represented by the sword and the other by the pen. There is great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both. That is the woman”. Quaid-e-Azam said these historical words while addressing Jinnah Islamia College for Women, Lahore, on 25 March 1940.
Pakistan stands at a pivotal moment in its history in a world where progress is driven by innovation, resilience, and inclusivity. The nation is brimming with untapped potential, and if we zoom in, we will see that the heartbeat of this nation is young, vibrant, and undeniably female. From the bustling streets of Karachi to the serene valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan, a quiet revolution is brewing—one that promises to reshape the future of Pakistan by empowering its female leaders. Young Pakistani women are a powerhouse of potential, brimming with strength, creativity, and brilliance. They are visionaries with innovative ideas, trailblazers with unmatched expertise, and a force to be reckoned with, shaping the future with their determination and talent. The youth of any nation play a vital role in transforming the country and the society. Especially the young women in Pakistan are extraordinary in many ways. They have the potential to play a crucial role in securing the stability, growth, and long-term prosperity of the nation in every sector. However, their talent and skills remain largely untapped. While women are in increasingly advocating for their rights, development, and protection, there is still a long way to go, which requires constant and relentless efforts. According to the latest digital census, a significant portion of Pakistan’s population consists of young females, so it can be appropriate to affirm that the future of the country is tied to these young women in all ways, either socially, politically, or economically. The 2024 SDG report indicates that progress towards gender equality and women’s development is less than 50 percent of the required rate for Vision 2025, which identifies these as key contributors to the country’s economic future. Achieving this national goal is only possible through the active participation of women in every sector. In Pakistan, women possess a wide range of skills, and harnessing these talents while empowering them is crucial for societal development. Women's economic empowerment is a key driver of gender equality. The decision-making process and the effective use of resources must not be obstructed, ensuring that both men and women share equally in a productive life. Unlocking the potential of women is closely tied to their empowerment. When women are empowered to make decisions about their personal growth and development, they gain autonomy, allowing them the freedom to make informed choices without being constrained by mental, intellectual, or social barriers. This autonomy not only enables women to shape their own lives but also drives social progress. It encourages women to become independent, self-reliant, and confident, equipping them to navigate challenges and engage actively in socio-political development. True empowerment of women will only be achieved when societal attitudes shift, recognising and respecting women with dignity and justice in all aspects of their lives. Building on these successful examples, the government should take the following steps to better harness the untapped potential of Pakistani women in key sectors:

Unlocking Potential: Expanding Military Opportunities for Women
In Pakistan, women have made notable contributions to military service, blazing a trail and proving their competency in the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force. Historically, military careers were male-dominated, but presently, women are serving in higher ranks. In 2024, Dr. Helen Mary Roberts was promoted to brigadier, becoming the first female brigadier from Pakistan's Christian community. Before Brigadier Roberts, in June 2020 Maj Gen Nigar Johar became the first female officer to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant general by breaking gender barriers. Women in the Pakistan Navy and Air Force also play leading roles, participating in technical fields, operations, and administrative duties. The consolidation of women into Pakistan’s armed forces emulates a move towards gender equality, accepting the key contributions of women to national security and defense. This development has not only accelerated the opportunities for women but also strengthened the military's diverse capabilities in an increasingly complex world. However, we are still in the process of achieving more and more in military fields because the incorporation and empowerment of women will unlock untapped potential and bring fresh perspectives essential for the challenges ahead.
Transforming Women's Lives with Technology and Digital Inclusion
It is essential to empower women with the latest technological tools and provide them access to the digital world. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming entire societies, creating new opportunities and reshaping many cognitive jobs, even if it does not entirely replace them. For this reason, digital skills are necessary for women in Pakistan, including those already making significant contributions to the digital world.

Technology serves as a powerful facilitator of change, and the government can implement comprehensive digital training programs, freelancing opportunities, software education, online tools utilisation, and tech education initiatives across all provinces. By developing these skills, women can achieve holistic empowerment. Over the past two to three years, internet connectivity has increased, enabling more people to access its benefits. It is equally important to ensure that women have access to digital tools, as this will drive smoother economic and social transformation. By learning digital tools, women can build an online network for themselves through blogs, social media profiles, and websites by showcasing their skills, such as handicrafts, dress designing, knitting, carpet making, food business, resin art, and more to a bigger audience. This exposure can attract new opportunities and ultimately lead to financial independence. Additionally, women can participate in virtual conferences and online spaces to enhance their knowledge and expertise, further empowering them to excel in a rapidly evolving world. We need more women like Mahe Zehra Husain, a data scientist, a trained mathematician, serial entrepreneur, and an artist. She became Pakistan’s youngest woman tech CEO, leading the award-winning software house, FiveRivers Technologies (FRT) at the age of 31. Her success in a heavily male-dominated society is proof of the power of women in leadership, rewriting history and paving the way for future generations.
Technical and Vocational Training
In terms of women’s economic participation and opportunity, Pakistan ranks 145 out of 156 countries according to the Global Gender Gap Index Report. This is quite an alarming statistic since the active involvement of women in all fields of life, without gender disparities, is essential to Pakistan’s development. Organisations such as NAVTTC, NISTE, and TVET can play a significant 
Provision of Soft Loans To fully utilise the potential of young Pakistani women, the government should provide them with soft loans. This would enable them to establish their businesses and actively participate in the country’s development process. Additionally, a comprehensive guideline to start their business should be established, including access to coaches and mentors who will guide them accordingly through the process of starting and managing their business. These mentors should actively listen to women, teach them, offer advice, and create an environment where women feel comfortable, welcomed, and valued.
Promoting Cultural, Educational, Scientific, and Business Exchange Programs
For the development of any society, it is essential to educate women. The empowerment of a woman can be measured by her level of education. Women who possess skills must be allowed by the government to participate in various programs for training purposes. Such initiatives help them overcome cultural barriers that often limit their ability to pursue competitive and remunerative careers. Thus, these women can return to their home countries after acquiring new skills abroad and inspire others, contributing to the empowerment and independence of women in every aspect of life.
Provision of Equal Opportunities and Employment
Despite several skill development programs, job and employment opportunities for women remain limited, and training programs are mostly not offered on an equal basis. This can be understood through the concept of the “glass ceiling,” a term used in the business world to describe invisible obstacles that hinder women’s progress due to gender discrimination. The glass ceiling phenomenon occurs when big companies hire women ostensibly to prove that we are appreciative of women and that they support gender equality, but the nature of these jobs often affects women's mental abilities. These roles either negate or does not utilize women’s full potential. For instance, women are frequently offered positions as secretaries, receptionists, assistants which are roles primarily related to public dealings, while being denied access to higher-level positions. This practice not only limits women’s career growth but also reinforces systemic inequality. Unfortunately, Pakistani women are trapped in this same vicious cycle. Nonetheless, keeping in mind all the above suggestions and by empowering women and providing equal opportunities, we can unlock a future of innovation, leadership, and strength for Pakistan’s next generation of female leaders.

The writer is a PhD candidate and a writer. She is currently a lecturer at PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi.
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