The “Internet Dost and Internet Zabardast” project is poised to train 18,000 rural women from all over Pakistan to use Internet and digital technologies to enhance their quality of lives. In addition, 25,000 schoolchildren (adolescent boys and girls) will be educated regarding the safe and positive use of digital technology and how to be ‘safe internet explorers.’ Speaking during a keynote address speaker for the digital launch, Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, highlighted the importance of technology during the pandemic. ‘’As we embrace online life, we have understood that the Internet is a powerful tool with enormous opportunities for learning, enhancing skills and acquiring new abilities and knowledge, as highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic,’’ he added. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to bridge the digital divide and provide Internet for all. Farhan Quraishi, Regional Director for Pakistan, Bangladesh and Srilanka added,‘’ We are confident that our initiatives will build a critical role in helping the women and youth of Pakistan not only learn digital skills but also explore the online world with safety and confidence”. Experts at the digital launch highlighted how governments, development partners, community networks and big tech companies can come together to support women, men and children to gain access and skills so that dividends can be truly reaped for digital technologies. In his closing remarks, Shoaib Sultan Khan, Chairman NRSP said that a long-term strategy is needed to close the digital divide to address the issue of offline inequalities manifesting themselves online.
