By Dr. Saleha Waqar Butt
As a marketing academic and advocate for women empowerment, I’ve spent years spotlighting stories that inspire change—stories where innovation meets inclusion. In a world often driven by metrics and margins, I seek voices that drive meaning. That’s why I sat down with Syed Anns Ahmad Gilani—Pakistan’s rising tech visionary whose work with Etaleem and Gutech International LLC is reshaping the future for students and women across Pakistan.
Dr. Saleha: Etaleem has become a game changer. What inspired it?
Anns: The idea was simple: access for all. While working with Classera, a Silicon Valley-based edtech firm, I saw how the right platform could change lives. We partnered with the Ministry of Federal Education to launch Etaleem, focused on low-bandwidth, multilingual access. Today, over 100,000 students use it, and we’re on track to reach 1.2 million by 2026.
With features like AI-powered lessons, vocational training, and even robotics, it’s not just education—it’s preparation for the future. Schools using Etaleem report a 15% rise in attendance, and teachers trained on our platform are seeing stronger classroom engagement.
Dr. Saleha: Gutech is equally inspiring 95% of your workforce is female?
Anns: Yes, and many come from underserved or minority communities. At Gutech, we’ve trained over 200 women in coding, digital marketing, and software development. We wanted to build not just a company but a launchpad for women to succeed on their own terms.
Dr. Saleha: As someone leading women empowerment initiatives, I find your approach deeply aligned. Economic empowerment is real power.
Anns: Absolutely. Give women the tools, and they don’t just survive; hey lead.
In 2024, Gilani received the Agent of Change Award from the Governor of Punjab, recognizing his role in digital equity and women empowerment.
Anns: That award was for the women at Gutech and the children on Etaleem. We’re just getting started.
He’s also judged innovation challenges like the Hult Prize, PNY Trainings, and NIC Aerospace, mentoring young minds across Pakistan.
As we wrapped our conversation, one theme echoed: tech isn’t just about systems—it’s about people.
