Hello educators and changemakers,
I’m Salman Soomro, a teacher working in a rural government primary school in Tando Allahyar, Sindh, Pakistan. Every day, I teach children from low-income families—many of whom are girls with untapped potential.
In recent years, I’ve seen how technology can open up exciting learning opportunities. But I’ve also noticed something worrying: when girls don’t have equal access to digital tools or aren’t supported to use them, tech can widen the gap instead of closing it.
Here’s what we’re doing in our school to change that:
We make sure girls get equal turns with shared devices and offline digital tools.
I design activities that encourage girls to create, not just consume—like making digital posters or recording their voices for storytelling.
I offer extra encouragement and praise to help shy or hesitant girls engage with new tech-based tasks.
We also talk in class about female role models in science, tech, and education, so that girls see what’s possible.
When girls are given the chance and the right support, they don't just catch up—they lead. But to make that happen, we as teachers need to be intentional.
How are you using technology to empower girls in your classroom or community? I’d love to hear your stories.
Warm wishes,
Salman Soomro
Pakistan