A digital skills initiative has been established to empower women in rural Punjab.

The Punjab government has launched a significant digital empowerment effort led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, intending to provide IT and digital skills to 27,000 rural women.

As part of the programme, women will receive scholarships during training and be provided desktop computers and free Wi-Fi devices upon completion.

The Punjab Skills Development Department (PSDF) will administer a six-month online training program, enabling women to apply remotely through the official website.

The curriculum encompasses information technology, web development, programming, digital marketing, e-commerce, social media management, graphic design, freelancing, data entry, office automation, and cybersecurity. Participants will receive certifications and job placement support after training.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz highlighted that women will be able to start freelancing, launch tech firms, or run online businesses from home, eliminating barriers to employment.

She underscored that digital training will facilitate economic empowerment, enabling women to participate in the global IT market and contribute to Punjab’s digital transformation.

The initiative aligns with broader goals of education, gender equality, and reducing economic disparities, positioning rural women as key players in the province’s digital transformation.