Telenor Pakistan has introduced two significant initiatives, ‘Nayi Raah’ and an Executive MBA sponsorship program, aimed at fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for women. These programs mark another step in the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance gender diversity, professional development, and work-life balance for female employees.
‘Nayi Raah’ is an industry-first part-time work model designed to empower women by providing them with the flexibility to balance their professional and personal responsibilities. This initiative allows female professionals to contribute to the workforce without having to compromise on their commitments at home, making it a progressive move toward work-life integration. The program is expected to attract women who may have stepped away from full-time employment due to family responsibilities, enabling them to re-enter the workforce on their own terms.
In addition to ‘Nayi Raah,’ Telenor Pakistan has partnered with the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) to offer an exclusive scholarship for Executive MBA and other Master’s programs at the Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB). This initiative is designed to support the professional growth and leadership development of female employees, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in senior leadership roles. By investing in higher education for its female workforce, Telenor Pakistan aims to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional empowerment.
These initiatives are aligned with the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ which emphasizes the need to take tangible steps toward gender equality. Speaking about these initiatives, Areej Khan, Chief People Officer at Telenor Pakistan, highlighted the company’s commitment to driving meaningful change. “Empowering women to lead, innovate, and succeed is key to driving meaningful progress,” she said. “Through initiatives like ‘Nayi Raah’ and sponsoring Executive MBA at LUMS, we are not just advocating for inclusion—we are taking action and creating pathways for women to excel in their careers while maintaining a work-life balance.”
Telenor Pakistan has been a leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), with several pioneering programs aimed at increasing female participation in the workforce. Previous initiatives such as ‘Naya Aghaaz’ and ‘Parvaaz’ have supported women in returning to the corporate sector after career breaks, while the company’s collaboration with Circle Women and the World Bank’s ‘Girls Learn, Women Earn’ initiative has helped expand digital literacy and financial inclusion for women across the country.
In addition to workforce participation, Telenor Pakistan also focuses on leadership development through programs like ‘EmpowHer for Today’ and ‘EmpowHer to Lead,’ which provide mentorship and training to equip women with the skills needed to thrive in executive roles. These programs reflect the company’s broader commitment to creating a workplace culture that prioritizes gender diversity, professional development, and equal opportunities.
By launching these initiatives, Telenor Pakistan reaffirms its dedication to women’s empowerment and career advancement. As one of Pakistan’s leading telecom companies, its continued focus on diversity and inclusion sets a precedent for the corporate sector, ensuring that more women have access to professional growth opportunities and the flexibility they need to succeed. With these efforts, Telenor Pakistan remains at the forefront of driving positive change in the workplace, championing a future where women can thrive in leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
