Digital divide deteriorates gender disparity in Pakistan: NCSW Nilofar

News Desk

ISLAMABAD: National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar on Tuesday said the digital divide had deteriorated the gender disparity in the country.

The policymakers, political leaders, and relevant stakeholders need to understand the importance of having women at the forefront facing technology, Nilofar Bakhtiar stressed.

She was speaking at an event organized by the NCSW in collaboration with the UNFPA, UNDP, UN Women and Jazz in Karachi.

Our heartfelt gratitude to our development partners who supported us in achieving this milestone. Our focus remained Pakistani women as we undertook a comprehensive series of consultations across Pakistan. Our strategic plan is out & we are ready to deliver. #NcswStrategicPlan pic.twitter.com/A5owaOszqI

— National Commission on the Status of Women (@ncswpk) February 14, 2022

The event was the third consultative session out of four, which were planned by the NCSW to be held in all provinces of Pakistan.

The purpose of organizing this series of events is to get recommendations from different stakeholders and compile it in the form of a report, which will be presented at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

The speakers spoke on the risks that automatically arise with the increase in technology in society, namely the risks and dangers for women as well as the increasing digital divide in the nation.

Sima Kamil, deputy governor of the State Bank, spoke on the nuances of culture [across the world] and the digital sphere. Sima Kamil said, “Threat assessment training is crucial for those using it.”

Procter & Gamble CEO Adil Farhat spoke on the role his organization was playing to increase gender inclusivity in the digital sphere.

Sindh Secretary Information Asif Ikram spoke at length about the precedent set by women throughout history which played a large role in the advancement of society.