SEED

Skills Enhancement Program

Bridging the Skills Gap: Empowering KP’s Women and Youth


The Empowering Women and Youth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) initiative was launched in 2023 to equip young people, particularly women, with essential digital and e-commerce skills. Many graduates in KP struggle to translate their education into employment, especially in the technology sector, due to a gap between academic qualifications and industry requirements. Implemented in partnership with atomcamp and a consortium of Change Mechanics/LMKT, the initiative provided targeted training in high-demand fields such as data science, web development, and digital marketing to improve access to both waged and self-employment.

Over 600 individuals participated, with women making up 48%—far exceeding the ICT sector’s average female participation of 17%. A blended learning approach ensured accessibility, and post-training support included job placements, freelancing guidance, and business development assistance. An external evaluation commissioned by SEED in 2024 confirmed that 56% of trainees secured employment, with 62% of them reporting income growth, reinforcing the programme’s success in bridging skills gaps and enhancing employability in the region.