In a remarkable achievement for Pakistan’s youth, two teenage girls, Mahroosh Umer and Maryam Farhan, have clinched the top spot at the prestigious International Women’s Day Global Techathon 2025 (IWD2025). The duo, representing Team Futuristan, won in the “Teens in AI” category with their innovative AI-powered platform, Menova, designed to support women undergoing menopause.
The Global Techathon, which saw nearly 2,000 participants from over 150 cities around the world, was an event organized by Sage Foundation and Red Hat. It encouraged young minds aged 12-18 to develop artificial intelligence solutions addressing real-world challenges. The “Teens in AI” category, in particular, stood out for its focus on youth-led innovation in the ever-growing field of AI, data science, and design thinking. Girls made up a significant 55% of the participants, highlighting the growing gender inclusion within technology fields.
Menova, the brainchild of Mahroosh and Maryam, is an AI-powered platform aimed at providing personalized support for women experiencing symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. What made Menova unique was its culturally sensitive design, catering specifically to the needs of women in communities where menopause is often stigmatized and overlooked.
The teenage inventors explained, “Menova bridges the knowledge gap and provides personalized AI-driven support for women experiencing menopausal symptoms — all while respecting cultural sensitivities.” Their project resonated with the global audience, as research shows that while 80% of women experience menopause-related symptoms, 60% of them receive little to no medical guidance on managing these symptoms, resulting in a substantial impact on their health and productivity.
The Techathon, held in celebration of International Women’s Day, was an empowering experience for the participants. With guidance from Noorulain Zafer, CEO and founder of Mind Works International, Mahroosh and Maryam meticulously developed their platform. Their victory marks an important milestone as they become the first-ever Pakistani team to secure a win at this global event.
This year’s Techathon featured workshops focused on AI ethics, design thinking, and pitching skills, delivered across 41 countries in 24 regional languages. The event not only showcased the impressive technical skills of young innovators but also emphasized the importance of using technology to uplift underserved communities and address global challenges.
A representative from the Teens in AI initiative stated, “It’s not just about technology; it’s about using innovation to uplift underserved voices and solve challenges that transcend borders.”
The Global Techathon’s success reflects the growing influence of AI in addressing societal issues and promoting inclusive solutions for global problems. With an AI-powered solution like Menova, Mahroosh and Maryam’s achievement is a powerful example of how young minds are shaping the future of technology to create meaningful change.
Their story serves as an inspiration for young girls in Pakistan and beyond, showing that with innovation and perseverance, even the most significant barriers can be overcome. Their victory also sheds light on the immense potential that young innovators from emerging markets like Pakistan hold in solving complex global challenges.
