Turning Digital Dreams into Reality
Nausheen and 23 other women from Gilgit Baltistan learned SEO and website optimisation skills. She aims to start her own digital skills business one day and help other women in her community.
In the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan where infrastructure and access to training remain limited, Nausheen Akhtar’s story highlights how targeted support can open new possibilities. Hailing from Dareal valley, Nausheen grew up in a setting where women's career aspirations are often shaped by traditional expectations. However, supported by her family, she steadily pursued her academic and personal interests.
While pursuing a degree in Chemistry, Nausheen became interested in digital technologies. With limited access to structured learning, she used YouTube and other online platforms to understand website development. Over time, she secured a junior role in a local tech company. This experience deepened her interest in digital technologies and exposed her to new learning opportunities.
Through a WhatsApp group of developers, she came across a training programme on WordPress development. The training was offered under the TVET Sector Support Programme, co-funded by the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany and implemented by GIZ in collaboration with local partners. The programme focuses on increasing access to skills training in high-demand sectors such as digital technologies in underserved regions like Gilgit-Baltistan.
Nausheen was among the 24 women selected for this training. Managing her studies, job responsibilities, and the demands of the course was not easy, but she stayed committed.
“Opportunities like this are rare in our region,” she says. “The trainers were professional and provided helpful guidance throughout the course.”
Over a period of three months, participants were trained in WordPress, SEO, website optimisation, and freelancing, and received job placement support. As a result, 60% of the trainees secured employment, while 40% began internships. The training helped participants bridge the gap between learning and the job market, not just by building technical knowledge but also by improving confidence.
Through this programme, Nausheen learned how to build websites using WordPress, work with tools like Gutenberg and Elementor, and apply SEO principles. The new skills enabled her to take on more responsibilities at work. She was trusted with larger projects and was able to contribute more effectively, both professionally and financially. Nausheen now plans to apply for a scholarship for higher education abroad. She wants to return better prepared to support young women in her community.
“My aim is to build a platform that helps women in Dareal learn digital skills and access income-generating opportunities,” she shares.
Nauhseen wants to start her own digital services business one day and help other women from similar backgrounds to support women’s economic inclusion.