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 Rabia Khan. 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 Rabia Khan, an IT professional, educationist, and community leader with over a decade of experience in academic administration, project coordination, and leadership in Pakistan’s tech and education sector. I hold an MS in Computer Science from Sir Syed CASE, and have worked at leading institutions like FAST-NUCES and NUTECH University. I served as Deputy Assistant Director for the Experiential Learning Program, where I coordinated industry collaborations, seminars, and student training. Alongside my administrative duties, I am a strong advocate for women in tech, climate action, and digital literacy, and I lead the Women Empowered Platform at JCSCC. Besides these, I am the founder of a clothing brand, Rabee’s Attire.

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

My vision is to scale up women-led tech initiatives that bridge academic knowledge with real-world impact. I aspire to launch a structured mentorship and digital literacy program for young girls in underserved areas of Pakistan. By empowering them with skills in coding, digital tools, and entrepreneurship, we can shape a new generation of confident, self-reliant women who will drive community-level transformation and national growth. One of my programs is to train primary school teachers in IT in remote areas. I recently started HerVoice, which will promote empowered women.

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

I’ve had the privilege of organizing several high-impact events such as the HESSA International Summit, NIB at NUTECH, and the AI Bethak seminar at NUTECH, hosting thought leaders and bridging industry-academia gaps, and conducting training for students and women in universities and school teachers. I was selected among 2,000 global leaders by Consult Clarity and serve as a Leadership Expert. One of my proudest achievements is leading multiple career acceleration programs and becoming the voice for students through experiential learning. I’ve also published institutional magazines and helped secure partnerships for internships and research collaborations.

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

Pursuing an MS in Computer Science was a turning point. It not only deepened my technical expertise but also opened doors to teaching and policy-making roles in higher education. Choosing to step into leadership positions while continuing to learn has given me the platform to inspire change from within academia and build bridges between institutions and communities.

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

• Consistency beats talent when talent isn’t consistent.
• Leadership is service; the more you give, the more you grow.
• Collaboration creates transformation; nothing meaningful happens in isolation.
• And lastly, never underestimate the power of listening; it’s the most underrated leadership skill.

6. Which woman inspires you and why?

I’m deeply inspired by Kanwal Cheema, the founder of My Impact Meter. She’s a powerful example of how technology, when driven by empathy and purpose, can create scalable social change. What sets her apart is her ability to combine innovation with humanitarian impact, building platforms that promote transparency and trust in charitable giving. As a woman in tech, she inspires me to dream beyond conventional roles and use technology as a force for good, especially for underserved communities. Her journey proves that leadership, when rooted in values, can transform not just systems but mindsets.

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, there’s growing acceptance, especially in urban centers, but the change is still surface-level. Cultural expectations, mobility issues, and a lack of workplace policies continue to restrict women. We need more inclusive hiring practices, mentorship programs, safety nets, and above all, representation in decision-making to ensure more women can step into leadership confidently.

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

The biggest challenge will be navigating the noise from social media pressures to work-life balance struggles while staying focused on building meaningful careers. Also, adapting to AI-driven workplaces will require continuous learning and adaptability. Preparing young women for this dynamic environment will be key.

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

I’d embed equity by design in hiring, project teams, and leadership roles. Too often, diversity is an afterthought. I’d also advocate for tech for good, using innovation to solve social issues, not just build commercial products.

10. How can WomenInTechPK help you and other women?

WomenInTechPK can serve as a launchpad for underrepresented voices by offering mentorship, showcasing role models, and providing access to funding, learning, and speaking opportunities. For me, it could amplify my ongoing efforts in digital literacy and female mentorship, and help scale them nationally.

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

• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iwenhervoice/ 
• Rabia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabiya-khn/