The Code To Change 2016 Amsterdam; We Rocked!

By | | , ,
Comments Off on The Code To Change 2016 Amsterdam; We Rocked!

C2C 2016 conference Team announcmentsThe Code To Change 2016 (kickoff for the mentoring program) was back with a bang this November! The speaker line-up fr the second edition was even more amazing than last year! Over 20 Tech leaders and emerging leaders from across the industry shared their stories and journey into the IT sector. The topics included security, big data, high performance computing, design, sharing economy, art and tech, Artificial Intelligence, social media, digital marketing.

The talks inspired our participants (and graduates Code Newbies from the Code To Change bootcamp) to pursue their dreams and learn new digital skills in order to join the technology sector.

Please take a look at the Conference description here.

For conference programme details, see here.

To catch a glimpse of the excitement at the kickoff, take a look at our short video of The Code To Change bootcamp

Watch highlights from the Code To Change conference 2016 here!

#WomenInTech Innovations Panel at Grace Hopper Celebration 2016

By | |
Comments Off on #WomenInTech Innovations Panel at Grace Hopper Celebration 2016

Programming, Technology and Community: Women in tech, K12, immersive coding programs and tech investments:

panel-on-communities-innovation-ghc16

#WomeninTech & Innovations panel at GHC16, Houston, Texas

The Code To Change was invited to be part of #WomeninTech panel discussion at the Grace Hopper Celebration (an Anita Bog Institute event). The event was attended by 15,000 women technologists from around the world.

The panel highlighted the work of The Code To Change, Women Techmakers, ChickTech and Pipeline Angel investors to encourage girls and women to enter, stay and advance in tech roles and career paths. The discussions focused on how local communities and organizations are involved across all tech programs to impact diversity across the tech spectrum spanning international societies.

The panel was hosted by Anita Borg Institute’s Systers community and moderated by the amazing Rose Robinson.

 

 

Speaking at Luncheon at German Ambassador’s Residence, The Hague

By | |
Comments Off on Speaking at Luncheon at German Ambassador’s Residence, The Hague

I had a great honour to speak at the lunch meeting hosted at the German Ambassador’s residence in the Hague, Netherlands.  I spoke about the role technology can play in the empowerment of women, particularly those who are under-privileged and have limited opportunities. I spoke about digital literacy and how ChunriChupaal and The Code To Change is empowering women to embrace new challenges in life and learn digital skills to reach their full potential and join the digital economy.

The event was attended by 20 diplomats from five continents. Take a look at write-up at the official website of the mission in question!

Keynote at Ada Lovelace Festival, Berlin, Germany

By | | ,
Comments Off on Keynote at Ada Lovelace Festival, Berlin, Germany

Plugging The Digital Skills Gap: Investing in potentialiffat-ada-berlin-2016

Excited to share that I was invited by the Euroforum  folks to give the closing keynote at the Ada Lovelace Festival in Berlin, Germany this October. The festival is an annual event which celebrates contribution of women to the emergence of the digital age. Among them was Ada Byron Countess of Lovelace (1815–1852), a mathematician now considered a software pioneer, after whom this event is named. In the mid-19th century, she developed a program for Charles Babbage’s “Analytical Engine”, a forerunner of the modern computer which was sadly never completed.

The keynote highlighted the importance of investing in potential to plug the digital skills gap through The Code To Change program.

 

WSIS Forum 2016 High Level Panel on Financing for Development

By | |
Comments Off on WSIS Forum 2016 High Level Panel on Financing for Development
©ITU/I.Wood

©ITU/I.Wood

I was selected as High Level Track Facilitator, an innovation at the World Summit on the Information Society – WSIS Forum 2016  to move from policy speeches to an interactive dialogue and actions. I moderated the high level policy session on “Financing for Development and the Role of ICTs.” One of the most interactive policy sessions, the panel on ‘financing for development’ included Ministers and high level government officials from United States, Namibia, Portugal, Argentina, Tunisia and Azerbaijan.

With 1,800 participants from 140 countries, including 85 ministers and 250 high-level representatives this year, the WSIS Forum is growing in importance. Last December at the WSIS+10 Review, the outcome explicitly called for the close alignment between the WSIS process and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As the first meeting after that review, the Forum was an opportunity to gather the wider community to discuss the way forward.

Photo credit: Ritu Sharma

More details at the ChunriChoupaal’s website on this link.

WSIS Forum 2016 High Level Panel on Inclusion

By | |
Comments Off on WSIS Forum 2016 High Level Panel on Inclusion
©ITU/I.Wood

©ITU/I.Wood

I was invited to speak at the high level policy session as a High Level Speaker (civil society) on Inclusion at WSIS Forum 2016 which took place in Geneva,Switzerland. I highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion of women in the existing workforce. My intervention included challenges faced by community leaders and grass-root organisations to implement digital literacy programs for girls and women. Other issues I highlighted were unconscious bias, safes spaces (both online and offline) for women to learn, work and express themselves, attitude of men towards inclusion.

The panel included High level government officials and ministers from around the world. Continue reading →

Workshop: Gender Equality and e-Skills Gap at WSIS Forum 2016

By | |
Comments Off on Workshop: Gender Equality and e-Skills Gap at WSIS Forum 2016
WSIS CC panel

Photo Credit: Diana Eggleston

I am proud to have chaired a thematic workshop on gender digital divide and digital inclusion for financial and social empowerment three years in a row. This year’s workshop focused on the e-Skills gap and how The Code To Change is bridging this gap.

We championed the message of inclusion of women and girls in the digital economy through bridging the skills gap at the WSIS Forum 2016 in Geneva, Switzerland. The event was attended by 1,800 participants from 140 countries, including 85 ministers and 250 high-level representatives. ChunriChoupaal has been championing the message since WSIS+10 High Level Forum 2014 and we are proud that our contributions to the process were noted in the outcome document which was adopted by the UN General Assembly last December. Continue reading →

Speaking at ABI.Amsterdam Launch event

By | |
Comments Off on Speaking at ABI.Amsterdam Launch event
Photo credit: Robert Franken

Photo credit: Robert Franken

It was an honour to be one of the community leaders to initiate a community for women in technology in Amsterdam, ABI.Amsterdam, in collaboration with Anita Borg Institute for Women in Computing.

I spoke about “Digital inclusion: the importance of e-skills training for economic empowerment.” It was an honour to share the stage with Rose Robinson from Anita Borg Institute, who spoke about he role of local communities in empowering women in technology.

The sponsors included Google UK and eBay-Marktplaats. For details of this event, please go to the event page on this link.

Lecture: Empowering “Hidden” Women through digital inclusion

By | |
Comments Off on Lecture: Empowering “Hidden” Women through digital inclusion

VROUWENDAG LOW RES - 168I had the honour to speak on ‘inclusion and economic empowerment of ‘hidden’ women through digital technology’ at the Hague’s International Women’s Day celebrations at The Hague University on Sunday, 13 March 2016. The festival was organized by Gemeente Den Haag (The Hague Municipality). The main theme for 2016 was ‘Pay it forward.’

It was a great experience for me to share stories of women empowerment from Pakistan and how my work in the Netherlands to empower women through digital skills is helping them explore careers in the technology sector. The lecture focused on how technology can play a role in social and economic empowerment of women who are confined to their homes due to cultural norms and have limited contact with the outside world.

 

Featured on BBC: In pictures: Women making technology work for them

Link

By | |
Comments Off on Featured on BBC: In pictures: Women making technology work for them

I am honored to be featured in Internet Society’s ‘Shine The Light’ campaign which features digital trailblazers and leaders who are using technology to empower themselves and others.

Screen Shot BBC article on Shine The Light campaign

The campaign launched by Internet Society and featured on BBC, aimed at recognizing the many contributions made by women today to the development and growth of the Internet. By encouraging others to “Shine the Light” on women who are using the Internet to innovate and make a difference in people’s lives, the organization hopes to celebrate the online achievements of women and draw attention to the issue of gender inequality when it comes to Internet access.

Link to BBC’s article: In pictures: Women making technology work for them

Link to Internet Society’s campaign page: Shine The Light

At the 3rd World Conference of Women’s Shelters, The Hague, Netherlands

By | |
Comments Off on At the 3rd World Conference of Women’s Shelters, The Hague, Netherlands

Screen Shot 2015-11-05 at 19.29.29I had the honour to be the opening speaker for the economic empowerment track at the 3rd World Conference of Women’s Shelters on 4th of November in the Hague, Netherlands. The dignitaries included Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.

I was the speaker for “I am that Woman” theme.

Highlights of the event can be viewed here. [Link]

Workshop: The Digital Highway to social and economic empowerment

By | |
Comments Off on Workshop: The Digital Highway to social and economic empowerment
Photo Credit: Bina Shah

Photo Credit: Bina Shah

I hosted a workshop: “Digital Highway to Independence for social and economic development” at the 3rd World Conference of Women’s Shelters on 4th of November in the Hague, Netherlands. The dignitaries included Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.

The workshop explored how digital technology is transforming hopes and dreams into reality. The workshop explored how after a traumatic experience, there is an opportunity for positive personal growth. The main aim was to explore women empowerment though the power of digital media for social and economic progress by providing a platform where they can share their experiences, learn and develop new ICT skill sets which can turn into earning income. This allows women to break free from the cycle of helplessness.  [Link]

Inspiring ‘The Code To Change!’ Amsterdam, Netherlands

By | |
Comments Off on Inspiring ‘The Code To Change!’ Amsterdam, Netherlands

TheCodeToChange2015-9

The 3-day Code To Change e-Skills bootcamp and conference in Amsterdam just blew our minds! It was an amazing experience to lead this three day event for bridging the digital skills gap in connection with the European Code Week 2015.

The event introduced participants to e-skills and different fields of technology industry. This initiative was brought to the public by ChunriChoupaal’s leaders and sponsors on a volunteer basis, through the shared belief that women deserve to have their talents developed and to achieve economic independence and that employers deserve to benefit from the full range of skills humanity has to offer.

The energy, the passion, the drive and dedication of amazing participants, the wonderful mentors, volunteers and speakers; We are in awe. Thank you for a wonderful journey of learning, teaching, debating and helping each other to make steps towards empowerment. Thank you to all our supporters!

For details on the event, please see the Code To Change project page.

C2C 2015 Collage

Digital Inclusion of Women for Gender Equality at WSIS 2015, Geneva, Swtizerland

By | | , ,
Comments Off on Digital Inclusion of Women for Gender Equality at WSIS 2015, Geneva, Swtizerland

I am WSIS 2015 Panel-smallhappy to share that we presented the results of our ‘Work To Equality‘ campaign at the World Summit on the Information Society- WSIS 2015 in May in Geneva, Switzerland.

The session looked at different experiences of organizations that are working for gender equality, both internally and externally in their organizations. With these different visions and programs, we will have a better insight about what can be done to achieve #WorktoEquality. This workshop generated a debate to raise awareness and to collect possible suggestions and solutions for addressing the issue.

The panelists included Mine Ogura, head of Work To Equality campaign, Monique Morrow-Cisco, Cheryl Miller-Verizon, Catherine Mesot-Catalyst. Remote panelists included Rifat Arif- Young Digital Leaders, Hanna Luden- consultant and Miriam Tocino- Amsterdam Women in Technology and I had the honour to chair the workshop.

Details of the workshop can be seen here and recording can be viewed here.

ChunriChoupaal WSIS logo

Bringing digital empowerment of women to the Internet Governance Forum 2014, Istanbul, Turkey

By | | , ,
Comments Off on Bringing digital empowerment of women to the Internet Governance Forum 2014, Istanbul, Turkey
Iffat Gill at IGF 2014

At IGF 2014, Istanbul Turkey

I had the pleasure to share my story of digital empowerment at the UN’s Internet Governance Forum 2014. The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) took place in Istanbul, Turkey from 2 to 5 September. This UN-initiated body is a multi-stakeholder, non-decision making forum of global importance for forward-looking discussions on Internet issues.

I had the opportunity to present my women empowerment initiative ChunriChoupaal at the flash session. This session was chaired by Leana Mayzlina of World Pulse. I highlighted the issues faced by girls and women to access trainings related to the use of modern information and communication technology and how my women-only center was sensitizing women and girls and exposing them to new horizons of social and economic empowerment.

 

 

Interventions for Digital Inclusion of Women at WSIS+10 High Level Event, Geneva Switzerland

By | | , , ,
Comments Off on Interventions for Digital Inclusion of Women at WSIS+10 High Level Event, Geneva Switzerland

World Summit on the Information Society WSIS+10 High Level Event, June 9th 2014, Geneva, Switzerland I am happy to share that I presented the perspective of grassroots level women leaders from World Pulse community of 60,000, at WSIS+10 High Level Event this month. The interventions emphasised on the need for inclusion of more women in the global information society to accelerate their social and economic situation, especially in the developing countries. This current ‘gender’ digital divide calls for more advocacy efforts to enable women’s access to technology, capacity building opportunities and hence, inclusion in global work force. The success of the interventions can be seen via the following statement which was included in the outcome document following our recommendations to the event: Continue reading →

Female Digital Literacy in Europe- How different is it from other parts of the world?

By | | , ,
Comments Off on Female Digital Literacy in Europe- How different is it from other parts of the world?

Screen Shot from Cybersoek.nl websiteA few years ago, I moved to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is home to a hundred and seventy eight nationalities; the ethnic makeup of Amsterdam being 49.5% of Dutch ancestry and 50.5% of foreign origin. I am originally an activist specialized in women and youth empowerment projects. Due to my background in projects to improve female digital literacy in Pakistan, I mostly thought of the lack of resources and opportunities in the developing world. It was after I moved to Europe, that I got the opportunity to observe the digital literacy situation in a cosmopolitan city like Amsterdam.

I started working with women groups, networks and organisations in Amsterdam, working with different nationalities, ethnicities and backgrounds. During my interaction with these groups, I discovered that digital empowerment, especially for women, was needed here too!

Digital illiteracy has two levels; Continue reading →

Digital Literacy top priority for International Girls In ICT Day 2014!

By | |
Comments Off on Digital Literacy top priority for International Girls In ICT Day 2014!

Neelie Kroes @GirlsinICT DayThe International Girls in ICT Day is being celebrated globally this year today, on 24 April 2014. The purpose of celebrating the International Girls in ICT Day is an effort to provide an opportunity to empower and encourage girls and young women to consider studies and careers in the growing field of ICTs.

On the occasion of #GirlsInICT Day 2014, EU Commissioner for Digital Agenda, Neelie Kroes has released a video urging women to take part in the campaign digitally. Here is a summary of her Video message:

Speaking about the importance of digital tools that are taking over our world, Neelie Kroes stresses on how important it is for women and girls to take advantage of the unlimited potential these tools offer and the limitless opportunities and achievements it can help provide. “This is a cool new opportunity for every woman too. Working in tech is also exciting, rewarding and great fun! Learning to program or code is a new life opportunity.  In the digital age, it is like knowing how to read, write or do maths. Continue reading →

Women Empowerment through Digital Media in Pakistan

By | | , ,
Comments Off on Women Empowerment through Digital Media in Pakistan

During one of  my visits to Pakistan, while on a visit to remote areas in the Thal desert of Pakistan, my life took a very interesting turn.

I was documenting the demonstration of student nurses and taking photographs of the chador-clad women sitting in the middle of the road, a rare sight in a remote city like Layyah. Some days later, a few young ladies came to visit me. One of them was Rashda, a fresh graduate from the local college. She had been interviewed for a job at a local relief organisation. The organisation needed female staff for helping out with their female beneficiaries. The only problem was that they needed someone with computer and internet skills. Rashda asked me if I could teach her how to use the computer for data entry in a day. Continue reading →