In this latest series of articles, we publish interviews of 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 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 Quratulain Asif. 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 from a multicultural and multiethnic family, with a rich background, having lived in 9 vibrant cities. My educational journey took me through the prestigious realms of Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Business Administration. With 20 years of professional experience under my belt, I’ve had the privilege of working with esteemed organizations, honing my expertise in taxation, audits, forensic audits, training, strategic planning, management, and consultancy.
I’m proud to be an AML-CFT certified professional and income tax practitioner, equipping me to tackle complex financial challenges. My passion for empowering others led me to start my journey as a freelance teacher, followed by successful stints in various industries.
As a seasoned problem solver, I founded AiN Consulting to create a supportive ecosystem for women, startups, and youth. I’m dedicated to fostering a conducive environment where they can thrive, learn new skills, and grow their businesses. My vision is to positively impact lives and businesses through inclusive HR policies and strategic guidance. We provide business solutions around taxation, corporate structuring, and finances, which are very important areas for youth, start-ups, and women-led businesses.
I’m deeply committed to promoting financial inclusion, financial literacy, tax and legal awareness, personal finance, empowering women in business leadership, and advocating for policy reforms that ensure accountability and good governance. Everyone deserves access to financial services, and I work tirelessly to create opportunities for underrepresented groups. Through my work, I aim to prevent financial fraud and promote transparency, integrity, and fairness in business practices.
When I’m not consulting, I explore new ventures, like my online retail and export brand, which I’ve successfully nurtured. I’m excited to connect with like-minded individuals and help them navigate their business journeys through AiN Consulting.
2. What are your future plans/aspirations? How will it impact the community/society/your team/your project?
As I stand at the helm of AiN Consulting, I envision a beacon of hope for women entrepreneurs and youth. I dream of creating a consultancy that becomes the go-to destination for every startup and MSME, providing comprehensive business and financial services. I’m driven by a passion for empowering future women leaders, and AiN Consulting is just the beginning.
Through my journey, I’ve had the privilege of training over 4000 business leaders and collaborating with 350+ SMEs. Together, we’re transforming mindsets and fostering a culture of positive entrepreneurship and leadership. I’ve had the honor of working with esteemed organizations like USAID, WOWPK, Connected Women Pakistan, UNDP, and many more to create a ripple effect of change.
My mission goes beyond consultancy; I’m committed to shaping policy and regulatory reforms that nurture a supportive environment for women and youth in business worldwide. As a strong advocate for accountability and good governance, I believe in leading by example.
AiN Consulting is more than just a business; it’s a movement—a movement that empowers, inspires, and uplifts. I’m proud to be part of this journey, and I invite like-minded individuals to join me in creating a brighter future for generations to come.
3. Please brag about your career accomplishments. What are the things you are proud of?
I’ve been blessed with a journey that’s had its fair share of ups and downs. Despite my best efforts, there are still times when I struggle to make my voice heard. But I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow and learn.
In my student days, I was fortunate enough to discover my passions for badminton and writing, serving as a sub-editor for our college magazine. These experiences taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and teamwork.
In my professional life, I’ve been humbled to have had the chance to make a positive impact in my field. I leverage my expertise in assurance and audit to help organizations navigate complex financial landscapes. My taxation skills have also enabled me to support businesses in optimizing their financial performance and complying with regulatory requirements. Additionally, I’ve uncovered financial fraud and supported women in their careers, which has been incredibly rewarding.
I’m thankful to have received recognition as a trainer and consultant, but I know there’s always more to learn and improve upon.
Now, I’m taking a step of faith into public governance and boardrooms, hoping to contribute my skills and experience to make a difference. I know I’m not alone, and I’m grateful for the support of those who have come before me and those who will come after me.
4. What has been your best education/career decision, and why?
Throughout my journey, I’ve made unconventional choices that have shaped my path. I abandoned a promising career in software engineering and declined admission to UET, all because I fell deeply in love with accounting. This unexpected turn led me to pursue Chartered Accountancy (CA), which broadened my horizons and introduced me to a world of possibilities.
However, life had its own plans, and I faced numerous personal hardships that tested my resolve. Despite these challenges, I persevered, driven by my passion for business and determination to succeed.
One of the most significant decisions I’ve made is to entrust my destiny to Allah, letting go of my need to control every outcome. This surrender has allowed me to focus on the journey rather than just the destination.
While I’ve strived for excellence and resisted easy victories, I’ve also learned to acknowledge my limitations and embrace fatigue. And in doing so, I’ve begun to witness the blessings and fruits of my labor rather than just focusing on the results of my decisions.
5. What are the best lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that true strength lies in surrendering to Allah’s will and prioritizing HIS word in every breath. With this unwavering trust, I’ve found the courage to take risks and embrace uncertainty, even when it leads to mistakes. Through these mistakes, I’ve grown and been pushed to become a better version of myself.
No matter the situation, I’ve vowed to stay true to my values and myself, refusing to compromise on what I stand for. It’s not always easy, but I keep pushing forward, even when the journey gets tough.
Another invaluable lesson I’ve learned is the power of seeking guidance and wisdom from others. I believe in asking for advice and embracing unsolicited insights, knowing everyone has something unique to offer. I’ve realized that wisdom can be found in unexpected places and people.
By embracing this mindset of risk-taking and continuous learning, I’ve embedded a growth-oriented attitude that propels me forward. With all its twists and turns, I’m grateful for the journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
6. Which woman inspires you and why?
I’ve always been someone who genuinely respects, appreciates, and praises others without feeling the need to idolize or emulate them. While I admire many individuals, I haven’t yet found someone who I consider a role model or source of inspiration. There are a few exceptional individuals, however, women I hold in high esteem -my mother, Naghma Malik, Tehmina Chaudhry, Zia Hassan, Faiza Yousuf, Sana Manzoor, and Hira Wajahat, to name a few.
As an idealist, I’ve set high standards for myself, and perhaps that’s why I’m still searching for someone who embodies the qualities I aspire to. I believe that inspiration can come from anyone at any time, and I remain open to meeting someone who will ignite a spark within me. Until then, I’ll continue to appreciate and learn from the remarkable people around me.
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’s societal landscape remains largely unchanged when it comes to accepting working women. Despite a slight increase in numbers, the underlying mindset remains stagnant. The influx of women into the workforce can be attributed to factors like economic necessity, rebellion, and broken homes rather than a genuine shift in societal attitudes.
True change will only be evident when women have the autonomy to make choices about their working lives without constraints. To achieve this, we need to address several key areas. Firstly, law enforcement must prioritize the safety and security of women, girls, and youth, enabling their mobility and risk-taking capabilities.
We must acknowledge the conflicting timelines of childbearing and career development. Policies should be put in place to accommodate career breaks, ensuring women aren’t penalized for taking time off. This will require creating an environment that supports skill-building and gap reconciliation.
While there are many ways to promote financial inclusion for women, our society remains hesitant to share power and responsibilities. True progress will remain elusive until we confront and overcome these deep-seated issues.
8. What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
The biggest challenge for the upcoming generation of women is simply being themselves. The existing work culture and policies are not designed with women in mind, leading to a loss of their authentic selves. The rising tide of violence and harassment forces women to seek seemingly safe spaces, which can also hinder their growth.
Women of our generation still need to gain the necessary sensitivity to cultivate future leaders. Status quo, biases, and other obstacles accumulate due to injustice, perpetuating a cycle of inequality. The challenging economic conditions and rapid emergence of new technologies pose additional hurdles. Women must navigate the shifting landscape of job markets, skills training, and entrepreneurship, all while confronting the digital divide and potential displacement by automation.
Sisterhood and effective law enforcement are essential to overcoming these challenges. Women can thrive and reach their full potential by supporting one another and ensuring a safe and just environment.
9. What would it be if you could change one thing about the tech industry/business?
Two fundamental principles are essential to achieving transformative change. Firstly, a universal paradigm shift: eliminating reliance on loans and institutional finance across all businesses. This fosters sustainable growth, innovation, and financial resilience.
Secondly, there is a gender-specific imperative: ensuring equal opportunities for all women. This necessitates providing unfettered access to information, skills development, exposure, resources, and collaborative networks. By addressing these two critical factors, we can create a ripple effect of change, drive inclusive economic growth, and empower women to reach their full potential.
10. How can WomenInTechPK help you and other women?
Technology is a transformative catalyst, bridging the gaps in communication, connection, and collaboration that have historically hindered women’s empowerment. By harnessing the power of technology, we can create a robust platform for women to converge, share ideas, and collectively address the systemic barriers that have held them back.
Women in tech can play a pivotal role as connectors, mobilizers, and change-makers, bringing diverse groups of women together to drive meaningful progress. By leveraging technology’s unifying potential, we can:
– Amplify women’s voices and perspectives
– Foster inclusive networks and partnerships
– Develop targeted solutions to address gender-based disparities
– Unlock opportunities for economic mobility and social impact
Through this strategic convergence of technology and women’s empowerment, we can ignite a movement that propels gender equality forward, creating a more just and equitable world for all.
You can follow Quratulain Asif using her profile(s) below, and please do not hesitate to hire her for your next project.
Website: https://theainconsulting.com/
Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/ain.consulting/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qurat-ul-ain-mumtaz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ain.consulting
