Circle Women Association

Our Mission

Circle Women Association (CIRCLE) mission is women's empowerment through advocacy, digital literacy, technology and innovative entrepreneurship labs. We believe investing in women is critical for Pakistan's economic progress, prosperity and peace. Pakistan has one of the lowest female labor force participation rates in the region at 25%. All our initiatives are designed to focus on women in particular and youth to build their capacity using digital literacy, digital skills and business. Our instructors are women so they can build confidence, trust and rapport with women beneficiaries. Tech Karo, our flagship initiative is a pioneering effort to bring women into tech sector and focus on digital skills. It is now in its fourth year and is supported by Engro Foundation. She Loves Tech is the world's largest women and start up competition which was brought to Pakistan in 2017. It is now the worlds largest women and start up competition and Pakistan has been a partner for 5 years. She Loves Tech has become the country's leading platform for showcasing women startups, connecting them with mentors and ecosystem players and supporting their journey. It is now inspiring thousands of women and girls across the country to believe in themselves, explore technology and entrepreneurship. Digital literacy project (DLP) was designed under the pandemic with the support of UN Women to bring digital digital literacy, digital tools and basics of business to women home based workers who had been adversely impacted by the pandemic. The programme was delivered using smartphones so women could join from their homes. Internet access was also provided for the project period. Based on the positive response, CIRCLE worked with nearly 400 women in 2021 with the support of UN Women. DLP is building the foundation for a Digital Pakistan and bridging the digital gender divide. By 2022, CIRCLE will reach 10,000 women directly through its digital and business skills initiatives and 100,000 women by amplifying impact and building women to share skills with their community. By 2025, CIRCLE aim is to reach 1 million women through its impactful initiatives. The strategy focuses on strong local partners to identify the pipeline of women, teams of instructors and volunteers, systems and processes and building local women as catalysts for change who will share their skills and learnings with other women in their family and community.