RAWALPINDI: Under Punjab government’s Hunarmand Nojawan Initiative, Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) held a Desktop Distribution Ceremony in Rawalpindi under its flagship initiative, Mein Digital – Empowering Rural Women through IT Training (ERWIT).

During the ceremony, 116 desktops were distributed to selected women from Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum, and Mandi Bahauddin, equipping them to participate in the digital economy directly from their homes.

After this, PSDF achieved the target of a total of 1,000 desktops have now been distributed across Punjab under Mein Digital, a major step towards expanding digital access and income-generation opportunities for rural women.

Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Umme Laila Azhar, was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, she emphasised the transformative role of digital literacy in shaping the future of women in Pakistan.

She stated, “When women are given access to technology, they gain access to opportunities. Such initiatives open doors for women to learn, earn, and lead. Empowering women with digital tools is not just an investment in women, but an investment in families, communities, and the economic future of Pakistan.”

Head of Digital Programs at PSDF, Akbar Hussain, said that PSDF have reached a milestone of delivering 1,000 desktops to merit-selected trainees who will go on to transform countless lives, families, and communities.

“The 116 women selected from this region now have the support, skills, and tools to step confidently into the digital workforce. We are already witnessing women launching online businesses, providing digital services, and reshaping their financial futures,” he said.

He said that Mein Digital is creating a generation of women who are digitally skilled, independent, and empowered to shape their own paths. Chairperson of NAVTTC, Gulmina Bilal, highlighted the long-term significance of the program, “Digital empowerment is the fastest route to financial independence for women.

She said that programs like Mein Digital accelerate this journey by giving women both the tools and the confidence to take charge of their futures.

Sharing his thoughts on the program’s progress, Ahmed Khan, CEO PSDF, stated: “Reaching the milestone of 1,000 desktops reflects the transformational energy behind Mein Digital.

The remarkable outcomes of phase I show that rural women are eager to embrace digital skills, build online income streams, and contribute meaningfully to their families.

Mein Digital is unlocking its potential by combining technology access with guided online learning, and the impact is already visible across communities.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2025