In this latest series of articles, we publish interviews with women working as professionals or students in the technology sector. The objective is to highlight their work and contribution to the industry and the community.

In these interviews, you will find women working in technology to solve real-world problems, break stereotypes, and create the next big impact on the tech industry. This series of interviews shows that even with the lowest rate of women’s participation in the labor market in Pakistan, there are still many smart women who are creating and using technology to work wonders.

Today, we are featuring Alishba Eman. Read on to learn more about her work and get inspired.

1. Tell us a little about yourself, your background, your education, and your work.

I am Alishba Eman, a 21-year-old South Asian innovator, author, and aspiring doctor. I am the youngest female author in AI and Mental Health, holding a verified world record from WRCA London. I have authored “Cognitive Code: Integrating AI into Mental Health Practice” and co-authored “AI in Public Health’s Future”. My research focuses on rare mental health disorders such as Dissociative Identity Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder, AI-driven prevention of teratogenesis, femoral head segmentation detection, and brain tumour detection in collaboration with my brother, Syed Osama Ali Shah. I have also published medical research on cervicogenic headache, urodilatin hormone, genetics, and childhood traumas. I am the founder of “Pehla Kadam”, empowering underprivileged children through research education. My work has earned recognition from the Asia Book of Records (Grand Master title), the Government of Sindh Human Rights Department, and multiple international platforms.

2. What are your future plans/aspirations? How will it impact the community/society/your team/your project?

I aim to leverage AI to make mental health care more accessible and personalized, particularly for rare disorders and underserved communities. My goal is to bridge the gap between AI and healthcare by developing innovative tools that support mental health and public health initiatives. I aspire to train and mentor young students, especially girls, to pursue careers in science and technology. By creating accessible educational programs and AI-driven solutions, I aim to empower communities, enhance healthcare outcomes, and inspire the next generation of researchers and innovators.

3. Please brag about your career accomplishments. What are the things you are proud of? 

I hold a verified world record from WRCA London as the youngest female author in AI and Mental Health. I have authored four books and published 10+ interdisciplinary research papers spanning psychiatry, AI, genetics, and medical technology. I have collaborated on AI projects such as brain tumour detection and femoral head segmentation, and contributed to research on rare mental health disorders, teratogenesis prevention, cervicogenic headache, urodilatin hormone, genetics, and childhood traumas. I have received national recognition, including an endorsement by the Deputy Commissioner of Karachi, received an award on 14th August by the National Media Foundation, and international acknowledgment with a nomination for the Global Youth Awards in London, Neoteric Submit USA. Additionally, my research posters have won awards at both national and international conferences. I am particularly proud of launching Pehla Kadam, a program designed to make research education accessible to underprivileged children.

4. What has been your best education/career decision, and why?

Focusing on AI in mental health has been my best career decision. It allowed me to combine healthcare, research, and technology in a meaningful way, opening avenues for publications, awards, and social initiatives. This path led me to author books, launch Pehla Kadam, develop AI tools like Sukoon Chat, and focus on rare mental health disorders and AI medical applications, directly benefiting communities.

5. What are the best lessons you’ve learned?

Persistence, curiosity, and resilience matter more than immediate success. True innovation comes from learning from failures, embracing unconventional paths, and collaborating with others. Giving back to society ensures that achievements are meaningful beyond personal recognition. Believing in oneself, even in the face of challenges, is essential to breaking barriers.

6. Which woman inspires you and why?

Hazrat Fatima (S), daughter of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), inspires me deeply. Her wisdom, strength, and dedication to justice and compassion make her a timeless role model. She taught that leadership, integrity, and service can empower communities, and her example guides my work in education, research, and social initiatives.

7. Do you think Pakistan has changed as a society in terms of accepting career-oriented women? What needs to change to help more women come forward?

Pakistan has made progress in recognizing women professionals, but societal norms and limited mentorship still hinder opportunities. To empower more women, we need stronger educational programs, accessible mentorship, and platforms highlighting women achievers. Creating safe spaces for learning, networking, and leadership is essential to encourage the next generation of career-oriented women.

8. What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?

The biggest challenge will be overcoming societal pressures and biases that limit career choices, particularly in STEM and leadership roles. Balancing ambition with societal expectations and navigating underrepresentation will require resilience, strong support networks, and visible role models.

9. What would it be if you could change one thing about the tech industry/business?

I would make technology more inclusive and accessible, particularly for marginalized communities. Bridging the digital divide, promoting diversity in leadership, and creating platforms that amplify underrepresented voices would allow technology to reach its full potential as a tool for social good.

10. How can WomenInTechPK help you and other women?

WomenInTechPK can provide mentorship, visibility, and networking opportunities to help women navigate tech careers. By sharing success stories, offering skill-building programs, and promoting inclusive policies, the platform can empower women to innovate confidently, pursue leadership roles, and inspire future generations in STEM and technology.

You can follow Alishba Eman using her profile(s) below, and please do not hesitate to hire her for your next project.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alishba-eman-05656a324/
Research Gate: https://share.google/aFIVS54Fzsnzh1HDS
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=GKvyoI8AAAAJ&hl=en