Islamabad, Feb 12: In a groundbreaking move to empower women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) with advanced digital and hi-tech skills, the European Union (EU) and the British Council have partnered to establish a Women’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in Peshawar.
The initiative aims to train women in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Data Science, equipping them with future-ready skills to thrive in Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
The ceremony, held at IM Sciences, Peshawar, was attended by KP Minister of Education, EU Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka, and British Council Country Director James Hampson. The event also saw the presence of Special Assistant to CM KP on Industries, Abdul Karim Khan, who officially launched the centre.
A Transformative Initiative for Women’s Empowerment
Speaking at the event, Dr. Riina Kionka reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to enhancing human capital and women’s empowerment in Pakistan. She stated:
“This state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence will prepare women in KP for the digital transition, equipping them with the latest technological skills and fostering economic growth in the region.”
James Hampson highlighted the programme’s role in promoting gender equality by providing women access to high-tech training opportunities. He called the initiative a “game-changer” for women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan, saying:
“By equipping women with cutting-edge digital and hi-tech skills, this programme will not only transform their individual futures but also create lasting change in the country’s workforce and economy.”
Building Digital Skills for a Better Future
The TVET Sector Support Programme (TVET SSP) is a five-year initiative under the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, supported by Team Europe (EU, France, Germany, and Italy). It aims to strengthen Pakistan’s vocational education sector by creating decent job opportunities in green and digital fields, particularly for women.
The British Council will establish two Centres of Excellence under an innovative “Hub & Spoke” model. Each centre will serve as a digital training hub, linked to multiple spokes across KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan, ensuring a wider outreach. The centres will provide a safe and inclusive learning environment with anti-harassment policies, daycare facilities, and transport support.
With a focus on globally accredited training, the initiative aims to equip women, refugees, and marginalized communities with the skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
The launch of the Women’s Centre of Excellence marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards a digitally skilled and gender-inclusive workforce, contributing to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
