In the field of technology, where men traditionally dominate, Pakistani women have emerged as trailblazers, making significant contributions to the field.

As the world gears up to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, it’s essential to spotlight the achievements of seven remarkable women in technology.

Nida Farid, an aerospace engineer, stands out for her extensive work in energy efficiency. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Farid made substantial contributions to aerospace engineering, managing programs for manufacturing electro-structural components of planes in Switzerland. She also spearheaded the ‘Karachi Energy Conservation Awareness’ project in Pakistan, addressing the country’s power crisis through innovative solutions.

Maria Umar, from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, founded The Women’s Digital League in 2009, providing digital literacy and work opportunities for Pakistani women. Recognized as one of only two organizations officially partnered with Facebook in Pakistan, Umar’s initiative empowers women with limited mobility due to traditional restrictions.

Jehan Ara, a digital icon in Pakistan, served as the president of the Pakistan Software Houses Association for two decades. She founded The Nest I/O, an organization supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, and Katalyst Labs, an accelerator for startups in Pakistan. Ara is also a member of the World Bank’s gender advisory council, advocating for women in tech.

Kalsoom Lakhani, the founder and CEO of Invest2Innovate, supports entrepreneurs in Pakistan through accelerator programs. Lakhani, a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers, has played a pivotal role in graduating 46 startups, raising over $7.5 million and creating 2,000 jobs.

Zartaj Waseem, a STEM education specialist, co-founded the Pakistan Space Science Education Centre and leads the STEM Studio at Haque Academy. Her flagship program, Mission to Mars 2025, aims to inspire students to pursue STEM fields, particularly encouraging girls.

Madeeha Hassan, a co-founder of Savaree, a ride-hailing startup, has contributed to solving commuting issues in Lahore since its launch in 2014. The app has undergone various stages of incubation and acceleration, providing innovative solutions to transportation challenges.

Fiza Farhan, a global expert on inclusive economic growth, climate change, and women empowerment, co-founded the Buksh Foundation. This nonprofit organization focuses on providing clean energy and water in rural areas of Pakistan, earning recognition from the UN Foundation and UN-Habitat for its International Best Practices. Farhan’s leadership has led to the implementation of numerous projects addressing women’s challenges and ensuring reliable energy solutions in Pakistan’s rural areas.