A Trailblazer for Women in Technology
Faiza Yousuf, co-founder of CaterpillHERS and a 2023 finalist for the Aurora Tech Award, is one of Pakistan’s most influential advocates for women in technology. Her mission is simple yet transformative — to ensure that every woman founder in Pakistan is seen, heard, and supported. In a field traditionally dominated by men, Faiza’s work represents a new wave of leadership built on visibility, empowerment, and access to opportunities.
Over the years, Faiza has dedicated herself to breaking the barriers that keep women from entering or advancing in the tech ecosystem. From limited funding and mentorship opportunities to cultural challenges and lack of confidence, she recognizes that these obstacles are not personal shortcomings but systemic issues that need structural change.
Building CaterpillHERS: A Platform for Female Founders
CaterpillHERS, co-founded by Faiza, is a platform designed to help women entrepreneurs transform ideas into sustainable businesses. It offers a structured framework of mentorship, training, and access to networks that equip women with both the skills and confidence needed to lead.
The program focuses on key areas such as business planning, fundraising, leadership development, and global exposure. Under Faiza’s guidance, CaterpillHERS has empowered dozens of women-led startups, helping founders refine their strategies and connect with investors who believe in their potential. The initiative is more than just a training program — it’s a space where women are encouraged to take charge of their entrepreneurial journeys and redefine their roles in Pakistan’s innovation landscape.
Recognition on the Global Stage
Faiza’s impact extends beyond Pakistan’s borders. Her nomination as a 2023 Aurora Tech Award finalist brought international recognition to her efforts in championing women’s participation in technology. The award celebrates female innovators in emerging markets who are driving social and economic progress through tech-driven initiatives.
For Faiza, the recognition is not only personal but also symbolic — it highlights the growing presence of Pakistani women in global innovation spaces. She believes that when women are given visibility, resources, and a supportive network, they can lead technological change just as effectively as anyone else.
Challenging the Status Quo in the Startup Ecosystem
One of Faiza’s strongest messages is about the importance of visibility. Many women founders, she argues, are not lacking talent or ideas — they lack platforms that showcase their work. Through CaterpillHERS and similar initiatives, she is working to close that gap by connecting women to investors, mentors, and international opportunities.
She also continues to advocate for inclusive policies that promote gender equity within Pakistan’s startup and tech ecosystems. Her vision is of a future where women-led businesses are not an exception but a norm — where women have the freedom, tools, and confidence to innovate without hesitation.
A Vision of Inclusive Innovation
Faiza Yousuf’s journey reflects resilience, purpose, and a belief in collective growth. By creating ecosystems that support women, she is ensuring that Pakistan’s digital future is not only innovative but inclusive. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of women to step forward, lead fearlessly, and claim their rightful place in technology and entrepreneurship.
