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 Amber Hasham. 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’m Amber Hasham, an IT consultant based in Muscat, Oman, with nearly 16 years of experience in the software industry and a deep-rooted passion for technology. I am currently working with the Social Protection Fund, a government ministry in Oman, where I contribute to digital initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. My interest in technology began in fourth grade when I was named the best student in my computer class, an early encouragement that sparked my long-term passion for technology. Over the years, I have worked across various domains, focusing on efficient, scalable solutions and adapting to the evolving needs of the industry.
Sixteen years ago, I wrote my first line of code on a computer at my first company, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I earned my MSc from the University of the Punjab in 2008 and built a full-time career in software, progressing from junior programmer to senior roles, leading teams, mentoring colleagues, and working on projects spanning PL/SQL, ETLs, and data warehousing.
After years in full-time roles, I explored freelancing, enjoying the independence and challenge of delivering solutions on my own. Remote opportunities with international clients, including Telefonica in Germany, further enriched my experience.
Working in Oman, including at the Social Protection Fund, has been inspiring—combining impactful tech projects with a secure, multicultural, and women-friendly environment that I deeply enjoy.
Balancing family and technology comes naturally; coding is not just my career—it’s my playground, my challenge, and my lifelong passion.
2. What are your future plans/aspirations? How will it impact the community/society/your team/your project?
My future aspiration is to lead in enterprise data systems, focusing on resolving performance bottlenecks, optimizing architectures, and delivering scalable, high-performing solutions. I aim to ensure that complex systems operate efficiently, enabling organizations to derive faster, more accurate insights and make impactful decisions.
Mentoring and empowering women in tech is an equally important goal. I strive to support women in taking on technical and leadership roles by fostering inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing teams where diverse perspectives drive innovation and excellence.
3. Please brag about your career accomplishments. What are the things you are proud of?
I led and served as a key stakeholder in a range of national and international performance and security-critical systems, still in use today and handling hundreds of thousands of transactions every day without disruption. I take pride in tackling complex technical challenges while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling professional and personal life.
During my career, I revived non-functional and dead systems and brought life to them, delivered critical applications under crash and seemingly unrealistic timelines, completed months of work in days, and transformed high-priority bugs into well-structured, reliable systems.
Many of these accomplishments came under intense pressure, where the cost of failure was high and the stakes were real. I’ve navigated demanding technical challenges, tight deadlines, and the complexities of team dynamics. In environments where women in technical roles are often underestimated, I’ve consistently proven my capabilities through precision, resilience, and results—turning doubt into respect.
4. What has been your best education/career decision, and why?
I feel the most pivotal decision in my career was taking a thoughtful pause after nine years at Shaukat Khanum Hospital, to dedicate time to my family and focus on personal priorities.
Yet, I soon realized that stepping away from technical work left a void I couldn’t ignore. Later on, this decision opened doors to opportunities, environments that valued diverse perspectives, and workplaces that recognized the impact of women in technical roles. It became the start of some of the most dynamic and fulfilling chapters of my professional journey.
On a good day, while I was casually exploring a freelance platform, I landed my first client from the UK, writing three PL/SQL procedures on my mobile notepad in 30 minutes and earning $100. This success sparked a series of rewarding freelance projects, eventually leading to a full-time remote role with Telefonica in Germany.
Later, I accepted an offer from Allied Bank, where I led and mentored teams while working on ETLs and data warehouses.
Two years later, I moved to Oman, gaining exposure to diverse cultures, a secure environment, and a workplace that truly respected women.
5. What are the best lessons you’ve learned?
One best lessons I’ve learned is that taking risks is essential for personal and professional growth. Risks don’t always have to be big; even small challenges that push you out of your comfort zone can teach valuable lessons. It’s important to approach them thoughtfully, keeping a small backup plan as a safety net. Over time, this mindset opens broader perspectives and contributes to continuous improvement in every aspect of life.
Another lesson I’ve learned is that not everyone needs to know your challenges. Sharing selectively with those who truly care ensures your energy is respected. By confiding in the right people, you gain support and understanding, while quietly growing stronger and wiser, letting your progress speak for itself.
6. Which woman inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by women who are self-sufficient yet grounded—those who balance independence with humility and remain deeply connected to their families. I believe true empowerment is about making choices that strengthen both personal and professional life, not pursuing independence at the cost of one’s home or relationships.
I am inspired by Ada Lovelace, widely regarded as the world’s first computer programmer. Living in the 19th century, she worked with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine and wrote what is considered the first algorithm intended for a machine. What inspires me most about her is her vision and foresight; she imagined the potential of computing far beyond number crunching, seeing that machines could create art, music, and solve complex problems. Her courage to pursue mathematics and computing in an era when women were rarely acknowledged in science motivates me to push boundaries, innovate, and believe that determination and creativity can redefine what’s possible for women in technology today.
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?
Yes, Pakistan has made significant progress in accepting women who are career-oriented. Organizations increasingly value the contributions of women, and society is gradually recognizing that professional success and family life can go hand in hand. Women are stepping into roles that were once male-oriented, and their achievements are slowly reshaping perceptions.
To help more women come forward, the societal mindset and family support remain key. Encouragement from parents, spouses, and elders makes a huge difference, allowing women to pursue education and careers without guilt or fear. Workplaces also need to be more flexible, providing mentorship, equal opportunities, and safe environments where women feel valued and heard.
8. What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
In the future, women in technology will face the challenge of staying ahead in an industry that evolves at lightning speed. New tools, platforms, and methodologies emerge constantly, requiring continuous learning and adaptability. At the same time, societal expectations around family and personal responsibilities will continue to test their ability to balance professional growth with personal life.
This dual demand. Keeping up with rapid technological advancements while managing life outside work can be particularly challenging. Yet, it also presents an opportunity. Women who navigate these challenges successfully will not only excel in their careers but also redefine what is possible for future generations in tech.
9. What would it be if you could change one thing about the tech industry/business?
If I could change one thing about the tech industry, it would be the culture of constant crunch-time productivity. Endless deadlines and late nights are often celebrated as dedication, but they lead to burnout, stress, and lost creativity. I believe the industry should prioritize well-being as much as output, valuing balance, mental health, and sustainable work habits. When teams are energized, rested, and motivated, innovation accelerates naturally. Encouraging breaks, flexible schedules, and supportive environments doesn’t slow progress; it strengthens it. A tech world that cares for its people is a tech world that thrives.
10. How can WomenInTechPK help you and other women?
WomenInTechPK is an inspiring platform showcasing highly experienced women leaders and professionals in tech. By sharing their journeys, achievements, and insights, they not only celebrate their success but also motivate and guide other women to grow confidently in their careers. The platform creates a vibrant space for learning, exchanging knowledge, and building a supportive community that encourages women to pursue challenging opportunities and excel in the tech industry.
You can follow Amber Hasham using her profile(s) below, and please do not hesitate to hire her for your next project.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-hasham-48275510/
CodeMentor: https://www.codementor.io/@ambersaeed_77
