Arooba Yousuf, a pioneering engineer from Karachi, has etched her name in history as part of Pakistan’s first all-female solar installation team. As the first woman in her family to pursue engineering and enter the workforce, Yousuf’s journey is a testament to breaking barriers and challenging traditional gender roles.
Driven by the high cost of electricity, Yousuf sought solutions to alleviate the burden on her family and others. This led her to train as a solar installer. “During peak hours, my father would ask us to turn off extra lights and the AC to save on electricity costs,” Yousuf shared. Upon learning about a program aimed at training female engineers as solar installers, she eagerly joined. Her commitment was so strong that her mother anticipated her installing solar panels on their own roof once her training was complete.
Muskan Iqbal, another member of the team and a student of electrical engineering, regards this achievement as a significant milestone. “We live in a male-dominated society where even simple actions, like a girl riding a bike, can draw unwanted attention,” she reflected. “Our work should not be gender-specific. By becoming the first all-women team to install a 24-kilowatt solar system on the roof of Karachi’s Hosseini Orphanage, we’ve demonstrated our capabilities and set a powerful example for future generations.”
Iman Batool, also part of the team, addressed the gender disparity in engineering. “Men are often given more opportunities in the field, while women are frequently relegated to office jobs. This project was a rare chance for us to engage in a major solar installation,” Batool said. She described the experience as an invaluable learning opportunity and an affirmation of women’s potential in technical roles.
Tara Uzra, Chairperson of LADIES Fund Energy, which implemented the project, expressed pride in this groundbreaking achievement. “This is the first time in Pakistan’s history that an all-women team has completed a rooftop solar installation,” Uzra noted. She emphasized that this accomplishment not only highlights the courage and ambition of Pakistani women but also positions them as emerging leaders in the global arena. “We anticipate that these women will continue to excel and inspire others throughout their careers.”
The project is not just a technical achievement; it represents a significant step towards redefining the role of women in Pakistan’s energy sector. By successfully completing the installation, these women have shown that they are not only capable of contributing to technical fields but also leading transformative change. This historic endeavor underscores their resilience and commitment to pushing boundaries, making a lasting impact on both the energy industry and societal perceptions of women’s roles in technical professions.
