Around the world, countless women have harnessed digital skills, technology, and entrepreneurship to break barriers and build successful careers in new places. Whether through coding, AI, or online business, they’ve turned challenges into opportunities, proving that digital literacy isn’t just about technology, but about independence, growth, and global success.
Here are six women who leveraged digital literacy to create opportunities in new environments, and in doing so, opened doors for many others.
1. Iman Abuzeid (Sudan → U.S.) – Using Tech to Revolutionize Healthcare Hiring
Originally from Sudan, Dr. Iman Abuzeid studied in the U.K. and later moved to the U.S., where she co-founded Incredible Health - a digital platform that helps nurses find high-paying jobs. By combining digital innovation with real-world healthcare needs, Abuzeid has transformed how hospitals recruit staff while empowering thousands of medical professionals with better career opportunities.
2. Aya Jaff (Iraq → Germany) – The Self-Taught Coder Turned Finance Influencer
Born in Iraq and raised in Germany, Aya Jaff taught herself to code as a teenager, proving that digital literacy can open doors even without formal education in the field. She later worked with major financial institutions and became a bestselling author, helping young people navigate the world of finance and technology.
3. Rana el Kaliouby (Egypt → U.S.) – Pioneering AI for Emotional Intelligence
Originally from Egypt, Rana el Kaliouby moved to the U.S. to study computer science. She later co-founded Affectiva, a groundbreaking AI company that teaches computers to recognize human emotions. Her work is shaping industries from mental health to customer service, showing how digital skills can drive cutting-edge innovation.
4. Roya Mahboob (Afghanistan → U.S.) – Giving Girls Access to Digital Education
Roya Mahboob saw firsthand the barriers women face in accessing education in Afghanistan. After moving to the U.S., she founded Digital Citizen Fund, which provides coding and digital literacy training to girls and women. Despite cultural resistance, her organization has empowered thousands of young women with the skills to build careers and financial independence.
5. Dr. Auma Obama (Kenya → Germany & UK) – Driving Social Change Through Digital Skills
Dr. Auma Obama studied and worked in Germany and the U.K. before launching the Sauti Kuu Foundation, which helps young people, especially girls, gain access to digital literacy and career development programs. Her work highlights how technology can be a tool for social mobility and economic empowerment.
6. Hadiya Masieh (Middle East → UK) – Digital Advocacy for Women’s Rights
After moving to the U.K., Hadiya Masieh used digital platforms to advocate for marginalized women and communities. Through her Groundswell Project, she leverages digital literacy to help young women reclaim their narratives, access new opportunities, and find their voice in a changing world.
Why Digital Literacy Matters More Than Ever
These women’s stories prove that digital skills are more than just technical know-how. They’re a bridge to independence, financial security, and professional success.
At WISE, we believe in the transformative power of digital literacy, which is why we are actively developing projects to help women gain the skills they need to succeed.
When women gain digital skills, they don’t just change their own futures, they uplift entire communities.
And that’s what real empowerment looks like.
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Date
14 Feb 2025