In this latest series of articles, we are publishing interviews of women working as a professional or a student 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 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 Najam us Sahar. 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 an introverted person who is happy with her own company most of the time and that was a challenge that I had to face every single day in my life. I belong to Punjab but I have been born and raised in Karachi. My early education was from a government school. Mostly, the people of my maternal and paternal family are in the teaching profession or the Armed forces. I was the first one who chose to pursue a career in Business studies. I did my MBA in HR and Finance from Bahria University and my Master in Economics from Karachi University.
I started working from a very early age and proudly supported my college and professional education by earning myself. In 2008, I joined Primatics Financial as a Business Analyst and currently working as a Business Manager for the same organization. This journey is full of challenges and experiences. This is the organization that taught me how an introvert can explore and utilize the inner qualities to be part of the most successful team and how an introvert can contribute to lifting others as well.
On a personal level, I love listening to Jagjit Singh. I love reading Ahmed Faraz, Mohsin Naqvi, Ibn e Insha, and Munir Niazi. And I am in love with Omaira Ahmed’s writing. I am a nature-loving and family-oriented person.
2. What are your future plans/aspirations? How will it impact the community/society/your team/your project?
Life is all about learning new things, so I keep exploring new approaches to do my current job better. Apart from this, I want to explore something outside of my domain. I am really looking forward to learning ‘content and copywriting skills’ and ‘Digital Marketing skills’. I am also looking forward to exploring more in AI.
I have also switched a career to participate more in programs that are specifically designed for women’s empowerment. I strongly believe that only a woman can understand the other woman and help them. One of the best opportunities I have come across was participating in several workshops for ‘CodeGirls – A vocational training program by ConsulNet Corporation’. This program allowed me to educate women about financial independence and literate them about the financial opportunities they can explore. I have recently participated in the CodeGirls Skardu chapter and that was an amazing experience. I am looking forward to spreading my knowledge around the world when and wherever needed.
3. Please brag about your career accomplishments. What are the things you are proud of?
The first and foremost thing to be proud of is that I am a trendsetter in my family for females to pursue a career in business. I feel overwhelmed to see women following my path. Within the organization, I have achieved several milestones and I am really proud of myself. I always heard positive about myself. One thing I can never forget is that when I was switching departments, my onshore project manager was fighting that he could not let go of a team member like me to any other department. I have designed many training programs for new hires. Built and led a team for a long time. In addition to this, I am serving as a Financial Literacy Trainer for CodeGilrs – Vocational IT and Business Training Program. I have also attempted for ISSB, although I couldn’t make it but that was one of the best experiences of my life.
4. What has been your best education/career decision, and why?
The turning point in my life was when I was admitted to Business College. This was the best decision I made in my life because this was the first step towards completing my professional degree and that is why I am what I am today.
5. What are the best lessons you’ve learned?
Only when you can think, you can do it you can actually do it. There is no other driving force that can make this happen.
6. Which woman inspires you and why?
Many women inspired me in my life whom I met during my career but I would like to mention someone who was not a career-oriented woman but knew how to make a difference in others life. My maternal grandmother. Someone who stood by my side when I was surrounded by people who were strongly against equal rights for girls and boys. Be it education or giving the food to eat. She was the one who made me feel special, the one who taught me how to prioritize things. She taught me to let go of all unimportant things and focus on something that can make a positive change in life. Not everyone is a helping hand for kids in overcoming childhood traumas. She was the one.
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?
It has definitely changed. I am seeing more women participating in the workforce than past. I am seeing women grabbing more opportunities in almost every single field, especially aviation, IT, and FinTech. To answer your question about what needs to be changed, I think it’s educating men about women’s empowerment. Particularly for those professions where women are dealing directly with the public/customers.
8. What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
I feel they’ll be more empowered than us. Empowerment brings challenges as well. The next era is the era of AI so they need to make sure to have the same level of skills to survive. They need to be more adaptive or the opportunity could be missed.
9. What would it be if you could change one thing about the tech industry/business?
You’ll see very few women in higher positions in the Tech industry. The mindset needs to be changed. Women should get equal opportunities for promotion and management should be considerate to create equal opportunities. Pay discrimination should also be addressed as women are also putting either equal or more effort so they should get the same return too.
10. How can WomenInTechPK help you and other women?
They are already doing a tremendous job. It is actually bridging the gap and bringing the women of different domains to a single platform. This is how the more opportunities are getting created. Due to this platform I am participating in women empowerment programs be it as a trainer or learning new skills for me.
You can follow Najam us Sahar using her profile(s) below, and please do not hesitate to hire her for your next project.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/najam-us-sahar-87a730a9/
