On Girls in ICT Day, Jazz reaffirmed its commitment to digital inclusion by celebrating the digital upskilling of thousands of female students and master trainers, highlighting its ongoing partnership with Tech Valley. The occasion was marked by a visit to Islamabad College for Girls (ICG), where Jazz demonstrated its dedication to empowering women and girls in Pakistan through access to technology and digital tools.
As Pakistan’s leading digital operator, Jazz plays a pivotal role in promoting digital literacy and inclusion. In collaboration with Tech Valley, Jazz has worked tirelessly to bring digital education to schools across the country. During the visit, Jazz not only celebrated the achievements of the Digital Safar program, but also co-hosted a dialogue on inclusive digital transformation with the Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT) and the Universal Service Fund (USF). The dialogue brought together key stakeholders to discuss actionable solutions for advancing digital equity and empowering women and girls to become active participants in Pakistan’s digital future.
One of the highlights of the visit to ICG was a tour of the Google for Education classroom, where both students and teachers demonstrated how the platform’s tools have enhanced their learning and teaching experiences. The classroom showcased how technology has facilitated interactive lessons, personalized learning, and made education more accessible to everyone. Through the Digital Safar program, Jazz, in partnership with Tech Valley and Google for Education, has equipped over 50,000 students and 5,000 teachers across Pakistan with the digital tools and training they need to succeed in a technology-driven world.
The Digital Safar program has become a crucial part of Jazz’s strategy to close the digital gender divide, focusing on empowering young girls with the necessary digital skills to thrive in an increasingly connected world. This initiative has not only fostered digital literacy but also emphasized internet safety, creative thinking, and collaboration through the use of tools like Google Workspace for Education and Chromebooks. These platforms have provided students with the opportunity to build essential skills and think critically about the digital world. Sarwat Salahuddin, Jazz’s Chief Compliance & Diversity Officer, expressed the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, stating,
“At Jazz, diversity and inclusion are more than values; they’re at the core of our mission. We’re creating equitable access to opportunities for women and girls, ensuring our products, services, and partnerships help close the digital gender divide.”
Umar Farooq, the CEO of Tech Valley, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significant steps taken through this collaboration to foster digital equity across Pakistan.
“We’re committed to expanding this impact across Pakistan and empowering students and teachers alike.”
The Honorable State Minister for Federal Education & Professional Training, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, also praised the initiative. She referred to the partnership between Jazz and Tech Valley as a strategic investment in the country’s future.
“The efforts being made to drive meaningful change through digital education for girls are commendable. Such initiatives help ensure that young girls are equipped with the skills needed to participate in the workforce of tomorrow.”
The principal of ICG shared the positive impact of the program on both students and teachers, noting that access to digital tools has significantly enhanced teaching methods and improved digital literacy among the students. This was further reinforced by the students themselves, who expressed their excitement about being able to learn using digital tools and platforms, which have made their educational experience more interactive and engaging.
In addition to the ICG visit, Jazz co-hosted a significant dialogue on inclusive digital transformation alongside MoITT and USF. The panel discussion, titled “From Access to Transformation,” focused on the broader implications of digital access, equity, and empowerment in the context of Pakistan’s digital age. Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, joined industry leaders in discussing how digital technologies can be harnessed to empower underserved communities and bridge the digital divide.
During the discussion, Fatima Akhtar, VP of Communications & ESG at Jazz, emphasized that while providing access to technology is vital for bridging the digital divide, real change requires much more. She explained that digital transformation involves not just connectivity but also the development of skills, confidence, and safe spaces where women can flourish.
“The future of tech must be built with women, not just for them.”
Jazz’s efforts on Girls in ICT Day reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that women and girls are central to Pakistan’s digital progress. Through partnerships with organizations like Tech Valley and Google for Education, Jazz is playing an instrumental role in creating a future where women can access the skills and resources needed to succeed in the digital economy. With these initiatives, Jazz is laying the foundation for a more inclusive and digitally empowered Pakistan, where women are not only part of the conversation but are leading it.
