Mahroosh Umer and Maryam Farhan, two young innovators from Pakistan, have made history by winning the prestigious International Women’s Day Global Techathon 2025 (IWD2025) with their groundbreaking project. Their initiative, created under the banner of Team Futuristan, directly addressed a critical issue faced by women around the world—menopause. The solution they presented not only aimed at improving the quality of life for women undergoing menopause but also focused on providing essential guidance and emotional support, an area often overlooked in discussions about women’s health.
The IWD2025 Global Techathon, which brought together nearly 2,000 participants from over 150 locations across the globe, was an event that highlighted the increasing prominence of female engagement in technology. The Techathon saw young innovators from the UK, Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East come together to develop solutions powered by emerging technologies. Notably, girls made up 55% of the participants, reflecting the growing shift in how women are engaging with fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Design Thinking.
The competition was organized by the Sage Foundation and Red Hat under the Teens in AI initiative, which was launched in February 2025 and culminated in a thrilling Global Demo Day on April 24. During the event, teenagers aged 12 to 18 worked tirelessly in teams to develop AI-driven solutions to pressing global challenges. Mentorship played a pivotal role in their journey, with Mahroosh Umer and Maryam Farhan receiving guidance from Noorulain Zafer, the CEO and Founder of Mind Works International. Under Zafer’s mentorship, Team Futuristan refined their project, eventually reaching the finals and securing a historic win for Pakistan.
The victory is especially significant, as it marks Pakistan’s first triumph at this prestigious global level. The project not only caught the attention of judges for its innovative approach but also resonated deeply with the mission of the Techathon—empowering young people to use their skills to make a positive impact on society. The team’s ability to blend technology with an urgent social issue like menopause was both timely and necessary, as it addressed a health concern that affects millions of women globally.
The IWD2025 event was much more than just a competition. It was an opportunity for young innovators to gain exposure to essential skills that are critical for success in today’s tech-driven world. Workshops on AI Ethics, Design Thinking, and Pitching were made available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish. This broadening of access to critical educational content helped to ensure that participants from diverse backgrounds could develop the tools and knowledge necessary to create impactful solutions.
The global reach of the event was also expanded significantly. Organizers delivered the Techathon in 24 languages across 41 countries, breaking down language barriers and making high-quality technical education accessible to young innovators from all corners of the globe. This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and inclusivity in driving technological advancement and fostering innovation. The success of Mahroosh Umer and Maryam Farhan at the IWD2025 Global Techathon highlights not only their individual brilliance but also the emerging potential of Pakistani youth in the global tech ecosystem. It serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that women and young innovators can play in shaping the future of technology, particularly when empowered with the right resources and mentorship.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of a rapidly changing technological landscape, initiatives like the IWD2025 Global Techathon are essential in ensuring that the next generation of innovators is well-equipped to tackle the problems that matter most. For Mahroosh, Maryam, and Team Futuristan, this victory is just the beginning. Their innovative solution for menopause is set to inspire other young women around the world to think creatively, solve real-world problems, and push the boundaries of what is possible with technology.
