The forum was convened in collaboration with the University of Sindh, COMSATS University Islamabad, and the UNESCO Chair in ICT4D. This significant event brought together a diverse group of 41 delegates, representing 12 different institutions. The participants included persons with disabilities (PWDs), representatives from rural communities in Sindh, and leaders from various minority groups.
This diverse assembly aimed to foster inclusive dialogue and collaborative solutions addressing the challenges faced by these marginalized groups. The forum served as a platform for sharing experiences, highlighting unique perspectives, and identifying actionable strategies to improve access to education, technology, and employment opportunities for all participants.
The University of Sindh played a crucial role in facilitating the event, providing the venue and logistical support needed to ensure a smooth and productive gathering. COMSATS University Islamabad contributed significantly through its academic expertise and commitment to advancing inclusive policies and practices. The UNESCO Chair in ICT4D brought an international dimension to the discussions, offering insights from global best practices and innovative approaches to leveraging technology for development.
Participants engaged in a series of workshops, panel discussions, and breakout sessions, each designed to tackle specific issues relevant to their communities. For instance, sessions dedicated to PWDs focused on accessible technology solutions, inclusive education models, and advocacy for disability rights. Representatives from rural communities discussed the barriers to technological adoption in remote areas and explored ways to enhance digital literacy and infrastructure.
Minority leaders shared their experiences with discrimination and social exclusion, emphasizing the need for policies that promote equal opportunities and respect for diversity. Their contributions were invaluable in shaping a comprehensive understanding of the intersecting challenges faced by marginalized groups in Sindh and beyond.
The forum concluded with a collaborative session where all delegates worked together to draft a set of recommendations. These recommendations aimed at guiding future initiatives and policies to ensure they are inclusive, equitable, and effective in addressing the needs of all communities involved. The recommendations included proposals for policy reforms, the creation of support networks, and the development of targeted training programs.
Overall, the forum underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing complex social issues. By bringing together a wide array of voices and perspectives, the event succeeded in creating a roadmap for inclusive development that can be pursued by academic institutions, policymakers, and civil society organizations alike.
The outcomes of the forum will inform future projects and initiatives, ensuring that they are grounded in the real experiences and needs of those they aim to support. This event not only highlighted the power of collaboration but also reaffirmed the commitment of all participating institutions to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
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A comprehensive series of 12 focus groups, engaging a diverse cohort of 130 participants, were conducted across various universities, technology firms, and civil society organizations. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair in ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development), with the overarching goal of developing detailed policy guidance notes aimed at enhancing women's employability in the technology sector.
The focus groups were strategically organized to include a broad spectrum of stakeholders, encompassing students, educators, industry professionals, policymakers, and representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This diverse representation ensured a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to women's participation in the technology workforce.
At the universities, focus group discussions concentrated on identifying the barriers female students face in pursuing and sustaining careers in technology. Participants highlighted issues such as gender biases in academic settings, lack of mentorship, and limited access to resources and networks that are crucial for career advancement. The dialogues also underscored the importance of creating supportive learning environments that encourage female students to explore and excel in technology-related fields.
In the technology firms, the focus groups delved into the corporate culture and practices that impact women's career trajectories. Topics included workplace diversity, the gender pay gap, professional development opportunities, and the effectiveness of existing diversity and inclusion policies. Participants shared their experiences and proposed strategies for creating more equitable workplaces, such as implementing mentorship programs, offering flexible work arrangements, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect.
Civil society organizations brought a unique perspective to the discussions, emphasizing the societal and cultural factors that influence women's employability in technology. These focus groups explored the role of advocacy and community support in breaking down stereotypes and encouraging more women to enter and thrive in the tech sector. They also discussed the importance of grassroots initiatives and public awareness campaigns in changing perceptions and promoting gender equality in technology.
Throughout the sessions, the collaboration with the UNESCO Chair in ICT4D provided a valuable framework for integrating global best practices and innovative approaches into the policy guidance notes. The focus groups generated a wealth of insights and recommendations, which were meticulously documented and analyzed to inform the development of actionable policy guidelines.
These guidelines aim to address the multi-faceted challenges identified during the focus groups and offer concrete solutions for improving women's employability in technology. Key recommendations include enhancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for girls and women, promoting gender-responsive policies in tech companies, and strengthening partnerships between educational institutions, industry, and civil society to support women's career development in technology.
In conclusion, this extensive series of focus groups not only facilitated a deep understanding of the issues affecting women's employability in the technology sector but also fostered a collaborative approach to developing effective policy guidance notes. By bringing together a wide array of stakeholders and leveraging the expertise of the UNESCO Chair in ICT4D, this initiative is poised to make a significant impact on promoting gender equality and empowering women in the technology workforce.
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Considering the fast-changing dynamics of Republic of Sudan, transforming from an agrarian cum semi industrial society into an information society where value is based on the ability to use, share and create knowledge and information, the INIT offered help to the Government of Republic of Sudan in preparing a plan for setting up an Institute of Information Technology in Khartoum, Sudan.
A detailed Feasibility Study was carried out and Feasibility Report was prepared which suggested implementation of the project in the following three-time horizons with the expectation that the Institute of Information Technology would be a forerunner to a modern institution of higher learning specializing not only in Information Technology per se but in a broad and diverse range of related academic and research disciplines.
Short Term – Providing skill building opportunities to the youth in Sudan in IT and related disciplines.
Medium Term – Providing skill building and higher education facilities to the youth for certificate and diploma courses and gradually moving towards bachelor and master degree programs.
Long Term – Providing higher education opportunities in information technology and related disciplines at bachelor, master and PhD level in a conducive learning environment to be able to contribute in the socio-economic development of Republic of Sudan.
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Coordinated arrangements for sponsoring All Pakistan DICE – IET Innovation Event held in March 2019 at CUI Lahore Campus in collaboration with the Distinguished Innovations Collaborations and Entrepreneurship (DICE), USA. The event was sponsored by the INIT under its program of ‘IT Popularization and Capacity Building Fund’. The main objectives of the event were:
- To foster culture of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the country and make it part of Nation’s DNA.
- To establish a strong linkage b/w academia and Information & Enabling Technologies’ industry and provide a common platform for academia, industry, government, entrepreneurs and expatriates to interact, share knowledge and collaborate.
- To create a positive and favorable image of Pakistan Information & Enabling Technologies’ industry
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Convocation for the graduates of FA23 & SP24 semesters is scheduled to be held on 20th November 2024.
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