The event saw participation from over 3,000
women, providing a platform for students
and professionals to showcase their skills
Staff Reporter
Karachi: Women Tech Quest (WTQ), Pakistan’s pioneering tech competition for women, successfully held its 9th edition across Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Organized by 10Pearls, the event saw participation from over 3,000 women in various tech fields, providing a platform for students and professionals to showcase their skills, compete, and network.
A Platform for Women in Tech
Launched in 2017, WTQ aims to highlight the contributions of women in technology by offering them opportunities to gain recognition, win cash prizes, and enhance their careers. The competition has grown exponentially, not only within Pakistan but globally, with WTQ 2024 extending to Costa Rica, marking a major milestone in its outreach.
This year, Women Tech Quest 2025 expanded its scope, being hosted at premier tech institutes such as NUST in Islamabad and UCP in Lahore, increasing participation and engagement across the country.
Inspiring Speakers and Workshops
The event featured an inspirational speaker lineup, including industry leaders like Anne Bracegirdle (Senior Director, 10Pearls), Tabina Islam (CEO, Arfa Karim Foundation), and Zainab Saeed (Gender & Financial Inclusion Specialist, The Asian Development Bank). These speakers shared valuable insights on professional growth, tech innovation, and women empowerment in the industry.
Hira Khalil, Senior E-commerce Lead at Dawlance, expressed, “I’m honored to be part of Women Tech Quest, an event that empowers women and connects them with inspiring leaders. It’s exciting to see how this initiative will shape future careers in tech.”
Competition Streams: Coding, Testing, and Design
WTQ 2025 featured three main competition streams: Coding, Testing, and Design. Participants competed in solving complex problems, testing database and automation concepts, and tackling UI/UX challenges. The event had two categories: Professional and Student, with winners from each city receiving cash prizes, swag kits, and certificates of participation.
Sponsorship and Support
The event was supported by top industry players. Dawlance, EasyPaisa Digital Bank, and Feroze Mills 1888 served as Gold Sponsors, while Adamjee Life, DayFresh, and Hilton Pharma were Silver Sponsors. Companies like Careem (official travel sponsor) and Bonanza Satrangi (official giveaway sponsor) also contributed to the event’s success.
Afnan Khan, Manager of Brand Communication at Adamjee Life, shared, “We are proud to collaborate with 10Pearls for Women Tech Quest, empowering women in technology and innovation. Through this partnership, we are committed to supporting talent and fostering a more diverse future in the tech industry.”
Partners and Ecosystem Collaboration
The event was backed by Slack (official ecosystem partner), CW (technology media partner), and Empower Foundation, with support from NUST-SEECS, UCP, and several tech community organizations.
Women Tech Quest 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women, fostering innovation, and contributing to a more inclusive tech industry. As WTQ prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026, the initiative continues to inspire and uplift women in the tech field.
