Gulalai Khan
Gulalai Khan is a policy communication, governance and gender practitioner and teaches Internet Governance and Technology Policy at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. She is the founder of the Pakistan Professional Women Forum which provides mentorship and networking opportunities for professional women in Pakistan.
Ms Khan has an MSc in Communication Governance from the London School of Economics with research in Gender and the Third Level Digital Divide in Pakistan. Ms. Khan is a a trainer for women legislatures on inclusive planning and budgeting and women leaders in leadership and communication. She also trains extensively on digital skills and security.
She works as a technical and strategic inclusion and communication advisor with the Federal Finance Ministry, Federal Board of Revenue and the Prime Minister’s office. Previously she has advised finance minister Punjab and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Establishment. Ms, Khan is also a skilled facilitator for national and regional dialogues.
SUNDAY Sunday 3rd March
Closing The Digital Divide Gulalai Khan, Sana Shah, Warda Rashid Khan, Faiza Hassan
Location: Hall 1
Women do not enjoy equal access to phones, particularly smartphones and advanced technology. A significant portion of digital communication is centered around social media platforms, which women may have limited access to due to their inability to own smartphones or afford data plans. Utilizing simple SMS messages or telephone recordings, such as call/ring tones or phone tones, can be highly effective for disseminating essential messages on culturally sensitive topics. It is also crucial to consider the societal divisions related to both class and gender, particularly among working-class men and women, when addressing these disparities. In this discussion we will question existing barriers to access to information and alternative ways of dissemination on culturally sensitive topics. We will be joined by policy experts and researchers who will share their insights into how women use technology and form perceptions on information. ( Also casts a quick look at how women share information or in less privileged circumstances have watch-parties/huddles around watching popular memes and viral videos)
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SUNDAY Sunday 3rd March
Extra Tarka! Preserving Culture Through Cuisine Moderator: Sonya Rehman Gulalai Khan, Founder, Pakistan Professional Women Forum Hiba Dar, Director Communications, Coca Cola Pakistan Ana Farooq, Founder of Arth Ayurveda
Location: Hall 3
Exploring the economic empowerment of women through traditional Pakistani cuisine, preserving cultural heritage, and shaping a nation's identity. The panel discussion at the WOW Festival ‘24 will highlight and detail how home chefs in Pakistan are leveraging their culinary skills to create economic opportunities and empower themselves.
What’s more, by tapping into our local recipes, these women are not only earning extra income but also preserving the cultural legacy of their region. This is no less than a culinary ‘movement’ which is not just about cooking; it's about empowerment and economic growth.
These women are gradually gaining business acumen, access to finance, and expanding their business networks. But how did this start? Was the Covid-19 lockdown the impetus for the birth and rapid growth in the home chef sector on local turf? This panel explores that and more.