In a noteworthy collaboration between the non-profit tech startup CIRCLE and HBL (Habib Bank Limited), the 2023 She Loves Tech Pakistan competition has concluded, marking its successful seventh year. This event not only highlights technological innovation but also serves as a platform for women in Pakistan to showcase their entrepreneurial talents. Sehrish Raza, the Founder and CEO of BizB, emerged as the victor of the competition and will represent Pakistan on the global stage at the She Loves Tech finale in Singapore from October 25th to 28th.
CIRCLE Women, a dedicated organization fostering innovation, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship among women in Pakistan, introduced She Loves Tech to the country in 2017. Over the years, She Loves Tech has grown into the world’s largest women-led startup competition, spanning 70 countries. It offers women in technology a unique opportunity to present groundbreaking ideas, connect with industry leaders, and access valuable mentorship.
The 2023 She Loves Tech Pakistan competition featured nine women-led tech startups from various cities across Pakistan, including Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Gilgit, Multan, and Islamabad. These startups presented their innovative concepts to a distinguished panel of judges at the final round held at HBL Sky Tower Office in Karachi. Sehrish Raza secured victory, along with a substantial cash prize of PKR 300,000 sponsored by ‘Glow & Lovely.’ Her startup, BizB, operates a marketplace with 45,000 registered users for buying and selling preloved dresses, promoting sustainable fashion.
Jamal Nasir, Chief Human Resources Officer at HBL, expressed the bank’s commitment to building a more inclusive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of empowering women through technology, not only for economic progress but also to promote financial and digital literacy.
Sadaffe Abid, Founder and CEO of CIRCLE Women, highlighted the critical role of She Loves Tech in supporting women-led tech startups and inspiring women and girls throughout Pakistan to embrace technology. She mentioned that, with Pakistan ranking low on the global gender gap index and only 1% of women entrepreneurs, initiatives like She Loves Tech are essential for progress. She Loves Tech Pakistan 2023 extended its reach by conducting regional rounds in ten cities across the country. Through its partnership with HBL, CIRCLE Women aims to create a supportive environment for startups led by women, inspiring women nationwide to explore opportunities in the tech industry. Esteemed guests, including diplomats, journalists, and notable figures, graced the event, adding their support and encouragement to this celebration of innovation and female empowerment.
