In Karachi, Pakistan, Shazadi Faiza grew up amidst a backdrop of societal expectations that often placed limits on women’s ambitions. But for Faiza, these limitations only fueled a determination to chart a different course—one that would empower other women to break barriers in the tech and digital marketing industries.
“I remember the moment that sparked the idea for Digital Girls,” Faiza said. “It was during my years as a seasoned digital marketer when I realized the significant gender gap and underrepresentation of women in the tech and digital marketing industries. The statistics were disheartening, and I couldn’t help but wonder why there weren’t more opportunities for girls to thrive in this digital age.”
This realization became the foundation of Digital Girls, a social enterprise that provides accessible digital marketing training tailored specifically for women. After conversations with a like-minded group of friends, they set to work building a social business that could empower young girls with the digital skills needed to navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“Our mission was clear: to bridge the gender gap in technology and provide girls with the tools and resources to succeed in the digital world,” Faiza said. “We wanted to create an inclusive space where girls from diverse backgrounds could embrace technology, discover their potential, and access promising opportunities.”
Her entrepreneurial journey began with her selection for the Sindh Research Incubation Center, a government initiative in partnership with IBA Karachi. Digital Girls later secured incubation opportunities at NIC Islamabad and IBA-CED in Karachi. Faiza’s determination and innovative approach earned her a place in prestigious programs like Invest2Innovate and the World Bank’s Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative.
“Starting a social business was not without its challenges,” Faiza admitted. “We knew that securing funding was crucial to achieving our goals, and we poured our hearts into developing a compelling business plan that showcased the impact and potential of Digital Girls.” With seed funding secured, Digital Girls was able to scale its operations and reach communities across Pakistan. The platform offers training in essential digital skills, such as social media marketing, SEO, content creation, and analytics, combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises.
“To make our programs accessible to girls regardless of their location, we decided to establish an online learning platform,” Faiza said. “This way, girls could learn at their own pace, and we could reach those in underserved communities. Additionally, we actively sought partnerships with schools, community organizations, and businesses to broaden our reach.” Digital Girls has had a profound impact on the lives of its participants. Women who once had limited access to opportunities now see doors opening to careers in freelancing and digital marketing, significantly increasing their household incomes and fostering financial independence.
“Seeing the transformation in the lives of the girls who participated in our programs filled us with immense joy and fulfillment,” Faiza said. “It was not just about teaching digital skills; it was about empowering these girls to believe in themselves, pursue their passions, and break the barriers set by society.”
Looking ahead, Shazadi is focused on scaling Digital Girls and making Pakistan a global leader in women-led freelancing and IT exports. She plans on expanding the online platform, forging partnerships with international organizations, and continuing to inspire a new generation of female leaders. “The journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to create meaningful change through Digital Girls,” Faiza said. “We’ve come a long way, and we know that there is still much work to be done. But with passion, purpose, and determination, we are committed to making the digital world a more equitable and inclusive place for all girls.”
Through Digital Girls, Shazadi Faiza is not just building a platform for skills development but redefining what it means to create equitable opportunities in the tech industry, paving the way for a generation of women to lead and innovate on their own terms.
