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ISSUE 17: WOMEN AND GIRLS IN ICT: EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN IN HEALTHTECH AND FEMTECH
Message from Editor in Chief
Women and girls have long been at the forefront of innovation, research, and caregiving in the health sector. In recent years, their involvement in health tech has brought about transformative solutions that have the power to improve the lives of millions. From developing cutting-edge medical devices and digital health platforms to designing innovative healthcare delivery models, women and girls are driving advancements that address pressing health challenges and bridge gaps in healthcare access and quality. The Femtech industry is more than just a sector; it is a movement driven by a passion for empowering women, breaking down taboos, and addressing unmet needs in healthcare. Women and girls in femtech are at the forefront of innovation, spearheading groundbreaking solutions that cater to the unique aspects of women's health throughout their lives. From tracking apps to support tools, femtech entrepreneurs are redefining the landscape of women's healthcare. Their dedication to creating accessible, user-friendly, and evidence-based solutions is reshaping the way women interact with and take control of their health.
While we celebrate the achievements of women and girls in healthtech and femtech on this Girls in ICT Day, we must also recognize the challenges they face. Gender disparities, limited funding opportunities, and societal taboos surrounding women's health still pose obstacles on their path to success. It is our collective responsibility to dismantle these barriers, foster inclusivity, and provide the necessary support and resources to enable their continued growth and impact. This year’s theme “Digital Skills for Life” is drawing attention to the critical need for more girls and women in the ICT sector. Women's representation in the health technology sector in Pakistan has been traditionally low, but there have been encouraging developments in recent years. We have seen multiple startups growing and thriving and providing basic medical consultations through telemedicine platforms, creating awareness through use of chatbots and providing basic wellness and medical products at doorsteps through mobile apps. While progress is being made, there is still work to be done to achieve gender equality in the health and female technology sector in Pakistan. Continued efforts are needed to address societal barriers, promote inclusive policies, provide mentorship and networking opportunities, and encourage more girls and women to pursue health tech and femtech-related careers.
This issue of She Matters is a special issue on the theme “Women and Girls in ICT: Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Healthtech and Femtech”. This issue includes interview of a special guest Ms. Arzu F. Moosvi working as Clinical Outreach Coordinator in USA. This issue also celebrates the achievements of Pakistani women in femtech. Moreover, the issue also highlights emerging trends and innovations in women's health technology. I would like to acknowledge that launching this issue would not have been possible without the great and much appreciated contributions from the editorial and technical team. The robust intellectual support and well time contribution of content writers deserve special appreciatory applause. Our team expects similar sort of sincere dedication from the writers in near future. Enjoy reading the issue!
