Women Entrepreneurs Advocate for Increased Female Participation in IT
Women entrepreneurs and tech leaders emphasize that empowering women in technology is essential for driving innovation. They stress that no business sector can achieve true progress without the active participation of women in IT.
Recent years have witnessed a significant rise in female professionals within the IT industry. Flexible work models, such as hybrid and remote jobs, have facilitated their involvement, leading to a steady increase in workforce participation.
Growing Female Participation in IT
According to the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), female workforce participation in the IT sector has surged from 16% to 20%. This increase is attributed to growing awareness, corporate diversity programs, and supportive platforms like Women Tech Quest (WTQ), which continues to empower female tech professionals.
Women Tech Quest 2025: Breaking Barriers in Tech
Empowering Women Through Competition
The Women Tech Quest (WTQ) is a pioneering initiative that provides a competitive and networking platform for women in IT. Launched in 2017 by 10Pearls, WTQ has successfully offered a space for women to demonstrate their skills, gain recognition, and advance their careers.
The latest edition, WTQ 2025, was held simultaneously in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, attracting over 3,000 women from diverse tech backgrounds. The event included tech challenges, inspirational speaker sessions, and networking opportunities, fostering a community of strong, skilled female professionals in IT.
Encouraging Female Leadership in IT
Prominent female leaders in technology underscored the importance of women’s participation and leadership in IT. Mehwish Salman Ali, an award-winning serial entrepreneur and AI-driven solutions pioneer, emphasized, “Women are not just participating in IT; they are leading, innovating, and transforming the industry. The momentum is unstoppable. This is the era of women and innovation.”
Similarly, Syeda Sana Hussain, Head of People & Programmes – EMEA at 10Pearls, highlighted the event’s success: “The 9th chapter of Women Tech Quest has solidified its purpose in the minds of young female tech enthusiasts nationwide. Each year, we are breaking barriers, reaching more women, and creating new opportunities. Our next goal is to mark a decade of empowering women in tech.”
The Evolution of Women in Tech
A Decade of Growth and Challenges
The past decade has seen an encouraging increase in female IT professionals. The shift toward gender diversity is driven by:
- Increased corporate initiatives supporting women in IT
- Expanded access to STEM education for women
- Mentorship programs and inclusive hiring policies
- The rise of flexible working conditions, allowing women to balance careers and personal responsibilities
Despite progress, challenges such as gender bias, wage disparity, and limited leadership opportunities persist. Platforms like WTQ continue to address these barriers by creating avenues for learning, competition, and professional exposure.
Future Prospects: Paving the Way for Women in Tech
Key Steps Toward Gender Inclusion
For the IT industry to achieve full gender inclusion, stakeholders must:
- Encourage Early STEM Education: Promote science and technology subjects among young girls to foster interest and skills.
- Implement Inclusive Policies: Ensure equal pay, career advancement opportunities, and supportive work environments.
- Create More Platforms Like WTQ: Offer competitive, skill-based challenges and mentoring programs to help women excel.
- Leverage Technology for Inclusion: Utilize AI-driven solutions to eliminate biases in recruitment and career progression.
WTQ’s Vision for the Future
As Women Tech Quest approaches its 10th anniversary, organizers plan to:
- Expand the event’s reach to smaller cities
- Launch virtual participation options to accommodate more women
- Introduce advanced-level tech competitions
- Collaborate with international tech firms to create global networking opportunities
Conclusion
The future of IT is incomplete without women. Initiatives like Women Tech Quest continue to challenge gender barriers, ensuring that female professionals receive equal opportunities in tech. As participation rises, so does the innovation and impact of women in the global technology landscape.
FAQs
1. What is Women Tech Quest (WTQ)?
WTQ is a tech competition and networking event designed to empower women in IT by providing challenges, speaker sessions, and career growth opportunities.
2. How has female participation in IT increased in recent years?
Thanks to flexible working models, inclusive policies, and supportive platforms like WTQ, female workforce participation in IT has risen to 20%.
3. What challenges do women face in the IT industry?
Women in IT still encounter gender bias, wage disparities, and limited leadership opportunities despite increasing participation.
4. How can companies support women in technology?
Companies can implement diversity programs, ensure equal pay, provide mentorship opportunities, and foster an inclusive work environment.
5. What’s next for WTQ?
WTQ aims to expand further, introduce virtual participation, offer advanced tech challenges, and collaborate with global tech firms to enhance opportunities for women in IT.
