Asim Nawaz/Editor
ISLAMABAD: Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading telecommunications provider, has entered into a strategic partnership with PAGE (Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education), a distinguished organization dedicated to fostering gender equity in education, employment, rights, and leadership.
Zong 4G and PAGE reaffirmed their commitment to empowering girls’ education in Pakistan through a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony on June 21st. The ceremony, attended by representatives from both organizations, highlighted their shared vision. The MoU establishes a collaborative framework for Zong 4G and PAGE to work together in transforming the girls’ education landscape in Pakistan. The partnership encompasses various initiatives, such as trainer-led workshops, internet device provision in underserved areas, career training programs, rehabilitation of flood-affected schools, and workshops in women’s vocational centers.
In a conversation with The Dayspring, Fajer Rabia Pasha, Executive Director of PAGE, emphasized the significant role that Digital Literacy can play in empowering girls in Pakistan, both socially and economically. She highlighted that access to high-quality education and the acquisition of essential life and technical skills can provide girls with meaningful economic opportunities, benefiting not only themselves but also their communities. Fajer expressed excitement about the partnership with Zong and the potential impact they can achieve with their support. Furthermore, she took the opportunity to acknowledge the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for its commendable efforts in promoting digital opportunities for girls in Pakistan through its Gender Inclusion in ICT policy.
Zong 4G remains dedicated to supporting PAGE in its mission to bridge the gender gap in education. The official spokesperson for Zong 4G expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Education is the bedrock of progress, and at Zong 4G, we firmly believe in empowering girls and ensuring equitable access to quality education through our collaboration with PAGE.”
Zong 4G and PAGE have previously collaborated on various initiatives, notably establishing an independent Digital Lab in Pir Chinasi, Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The lab primarily serves an all-girls school while also functioning as a vocational center for women in the region. Despite being located in a remote area with inadequate infrastructure, such as roads, the digital lab, established in December 2022, has successfully facilitated hundreds of girls and women from around Pir Chinasi.
