Biography of Maria Umar: Founder of The Women's Digital League-Entrepreneur
Biography of Maria Umar:
Early Life and Career Transition:
Maria Umar, born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, pursued
her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Karachi. After
gaining experience in the corporate sector, she embarked on a journey of
entrepreneurship driven by a passion for empowering women.
Founding Women’s Digital League (WDL):
In 2012, Maria Umar founded Women’s Digital League (WDL), a
pioneering social enterprise aimed at providing digital work opportunities to
women across Pakistan. Faced with challenges in finding digital jobs herself,
Umar recognized the untapped potential and set out to connect skilled women
freelancers with global clients.
Maria Umar: Empowering Pakistani Women Through Digital
Innovation
Founding Women's Digital League (WDL):
Maria Umar is the driving force behind Women's Digital
League (WDL), a pioneering online platform in Pakistan that offers digital
training and remote work opportunities to women. Her journey began over a
decade ago in the digital outsourcing sphere, where she discovered the
transformative power of the internet in creating economic opportunities for
women facing traditional mobility restrictions.
Transformative Moments and Achievements:
Maria's career trajectory was shaped by pivotal moments,
including her participation in Project Artemis/Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women
Program. Mentored by top business leaders from Silicon Valley, she gained
invaluable insights that propelled WDL to prominence. Her success was further
underscored by reaching the finale of GIST’s “I Dare” business plan competition
and being featured in Google Pakistan's campaign for innovative technology use.
Recognition and Impact:
Maria Umar's leadership has garnered international acclaim,
with WDL winning the Early Stage Award in Changemakers’ “Women Powering Work”
competition and partnering with Facebook and UpWork for impactful social
projects. Her advocacy for women in STEM through initiatives like the
Technovation Challenge highlights her commitment to breaking gender barriers in
technology and entrepreneurship.
Building a Successful Social Enterprise:
Under Maria Umar's leadership, Women's Digital League (WDL)
has flourished into a thriving social enterprise, connecting thousands of
freelancers with clients across 15 countries. Since its inception, WDL has
garnered international recognition and accolades, including the GIST Tech-I
Award in 2014 and the She Loves Tech Pakistan Award in 2018, highlighting its
impact and innovation in the digital sphere.
Expanding Opportunities in the Digital Economy:
Through WDL, Maria Umar has revolutionized how women in
Pakistan access and participate in the global digital economy. The platform
offers diverse opportunities in fields such as graphic design, content
creation, social media management, and web development, empowering women to
build sustainable careers from their homes.
Beyond WDL:
Maria Umar's influence extends beyond WDL. She has
co-founded several organizations, including the Pakistan Freelancers
Association and the Digital League, further advocating for women's rights and
education in Pakistan. Her multifaceted approach underscores her commitment to
fostering inclusive economic growth and social development.
Personal Journey and Empowerment:
Maria's personal journey reflects her resilience and
determination. After experiencing setbacks in her career and battling
post-partum depression, she turned to online freelancing platforms like oDesk
and Freelancer, which opened doors to global opportunities. Her transformative
journey from dependence to independence resonates deeply as she continues to
empower women across Pakistan.
Inspiring Future Generations:
Through her work and advocacy, Maria Umar is not only
transforming individual lives but also paving the way for future generations of
Pakistani women to thrive in the digital economy. Her story of leveraging
digital platforms for economic independence serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment
for women worldwide.
Mission and Impact:
Through WDL, Maria Umar has facilitated employment in
diverse digital fields such as graphic design, content creation, social media
management, and web development. Her platform not only enhances economic
opportunities for women but also promotes gender equality and empowerment in
the digital arena.
Biography of Maria Umar: Founder of The Women's Digital League-Entrepreneur/ women empowerment/finding jobs in the digital arena/platform gives job
Advocacy and Recognition:
Maria Umar is a staunch advocate for women’s rights and has
garnered recognition for her impactful work. She has been instrumental in
bridging the gender gap in Pakistan’s digital workforce, exemplifying how
social entrepreneurship can drive positive societal change.
Future Vision:
Continuing her mission to empower Pakistani women, Maria
Umar remains dedicated to expanding WDL’s reach and impact. Her vision includes
fostering a supportive ecosystem where women can thrive professionally and
contribute meaningfully to the global digital economy.
Maria Umar's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to
leveraging technology for social good exemplify the profound impact of
empowering women through digital innovation. Her ongoing efforts with Women's
Digital League embody a vision of inclusivity and empowerment in the digital
age.
A Day in the Life of Maria Umar: Balancing Passion and
Purpose
Morning Chaos and Routine:
Maria Umar starts her day in Karachi with the unpredictable
challenge of waking up her 14-year-old daughter for school. Despite the chaos,
ensuring her daughter is up and ready sets a positive tone. Afterward, Maria
indulges in a brief return to bed, finding solace in the small victory of
making her bed as soon as she rises—an anchor of order in her otherwise
eventful days.
Navigating Work and Wardrobe:
Transitioning from her casual days in the development sector
to the corporate world, Maria faces the daily dilemma of selecting the right
outfit, now that formality demands a proper wardrobe. Her morning ritual often
includes commentary on social media platforms like Twitter, where she candidly
critiques services she uses daily, like Careem and Uber.
Passion and Purpose at Work:
Maria's professional fulfillment peaks at the fintech-based
social enterprise she founded, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation. Engaged in financial inclusion projects, she relishes the
intellectual stimulation of research, strategizing, and meeting
beneficiaries—women micro-entrepreneurs in Lahore's low-income areas.
Meaningful Encounters and Reflections:
Interacting with these women amplifies Maria's dedication to
women's rights and empowerment. Their resilience and stories of overcoming
adversity inspire Maria deeply, prompting regular reflections on the impact of
her work and aspirations to do more for marginalized women in Pakistan.
Balancing Life and Leisure:
With flexible work hours, Maria ensures she's home early to
appease her displeased cat, Sher Khan, and attend to her social enterprise's
correspondence. Evenings are for personal reflection, where Maria contemplates
expanding WDL's services to better support older women entering digital
freelancing—a segment often overlooked in skills training.
Timeline summarizing Maria Umar's journey and achievements:
Early Life and Education:
Born and Raised: Maria Umar is born and raised in Karachi,
Pakistan.
Undergraduate Education: Pursues a degree in psychology from
the University of Karachi.
Corporate Sector Experience:
Career Start: Gains experience in the corporate sector
before transitioning to entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurial Journey:
2012: Maria Umar founds Women's Digital League (WDL) in
Pakistan, driven by a mission to empower women through digital work
opportunities.
Key Achievements and Recognition:
2012-2024: Leads WDL to international acclaim, winning
awards like the GIST Tech-I Award (2014) and the She Loves Tech Pakistan Award
(2018).
Partnerships: Forms partnerships with Facebook and UpWork
for impactful social projects.
Expansion and Impact:
Global Reach: Connects thousands of freelancers across 15
countries, offering opportunities in fields like graphic design, content
creation, and web development.
Advocacy and Co-founding:
Beyond WDL: Co-founds the Pakistan Freelancers Association
and the Digital League, advocating for women's rights and education in
Pakistan.
Personal Journey and Challenges:
Career Shift: Overcomes setbacks and post-partum depression
to thrive in online freelancing platforms, inspiring her mission with WDL.
Current Vision and Future Goals:
Continued Impact: Dedicated to expanding WDL's reach and
fostering an inclusive ecosystem for women in the digital economy.
This timeline highlights Maria Umar's evolution from
corporate sector experience to founding WDL, her significant achievements in empowering
women through digital innovation, and her ongoing commitment to advancing
women's rights and economic opportunities in Pakistan and beyond.
