Empowering young girls through digital training programs in Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan

Abstract

Digital literacy gives young girls a sense of empowerment and improves their ability to make decisions and feel confident, in today's technologically advanced society, having the ability to use digital technology is becoming as important for personal wellbeing.  The study was conducted in Hunza valley and Qualitative research design was used in the study.  Population of the study is 60 female students of Innovate. Educate & Inspire (IEI) Pakistan Tech Sahelis Hunza.  Purposive sampling technique was used to conduct interview with Female students of, Innovate. Educate & Inspire (IEI) Pakistan Tech Sahelis, who have completed their training and are currently working through online platforms for income generation.  The data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings reveal that personal motivation and interest, learning digital skills, Financial independency and to explore unconventional career occurs as primary reason for young girls to join digital trainings in Hunza.  Application of digital skills for income generation was found that Diverse entrepreneurial ventures, economic independence through freelancing and digital skills in E- Commerce. The study shows that educated girls in Hunza who choose to participate in digital training courses, with a concentration on technology-related disciplines, are heavily influenced by their personal interest and motivation. One major driving force behind a variety of entrepreneurial endeavors, including virtual store management and freelancing, is the desire for financial independence and self-sufficiency through online platforms. The attainment of financial independence is depending upon the learning of digital skills, so highlighting the transforming power of digital literacy on the lives of young girls in Hunza. In the end, these programs not only suit their interests personally but also prepare them for non-traditional jobs in the rapidly changing digital industry.