MARDAN — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Minister for Higher Education and Local Government, Meena Khan Afridi, inaugurated a multi-purpose IT centre at Women University Mardan, aimed at equipping female students with digital and technical skills.
The facility, established with support from UN Women and the Korea International Cooperation Agency, is designed to enhance access to technology training and support women’s participation in the digital economy.
Focus on digital skills and empowerment
University officials said the centre will provide training in modern IT skills under the institution’s Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), enabling students to pursue employment and remote work opportunities.
Vice Chancellor Razia Sultana said digital skills are increasingly essential and can help women build sustainable livelihoods, including from home-based work.
Institutional and government support
The inauguration ceremony was attended by members of the provincial assembly, senior education officials, and faculty members. Secretary Higher Education Muhammad Israr said women’s inclusion is critical for national development and universities play a key role in preparing students for evolving workforce demands.
Role of development partners
A representative of UN Women, Zainab Qaiser Khan, said the initiative is part of broader efforts to promote women’s financial empowerment by providing practical digital skills.
Officials said the centre reflects ongoing collaboration between public institutions and international partners to strengthen education and skills development in the province.
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