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The High Commission of Canada in Islamabad and Kashf Foundation have marked the conclusion of a 10-year partnership aimed at advancing women’s economic empowerment and social inclusion across Pakistan.
With funding from Global Affairs Canada, the partnership reached more than 1.6 million people in 63 districts across all four provinces. It combined access to finance with business training, health education and community awareness initiatives to support women in low-income communities.
The initiative’s latest project focused on removing barriers faced by women entrepreneurs. It helped more than 1.4 million women strengthen their financial literacy, business management and entrepreneurial skills.
The project also promoted household well-being through maternal and reproductive health education for women, men and family members. In addition, theatre performances and television dramas raised awareness about family planning, girls’ education and cybercrime. According to the organisers, these campaigns reached more than 120 million viewers across Pakistan.
Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan highlighted the importance of economic opportunities and social inclusion for women.
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“Economic empowerment and the social inclusion of women are essential for prosperity. Canada has been a proud supporter of Kashf Foundation’s efforts to create social awareness and economic opportunities for women across Pakistan,” he said.
A third-party impact assessment examined changes in financial inclusion, business performance and household decision-making. Researchers surveyed 2,596 households across 14 districts.
The assessment found that women who received microloans alongside financial management training increased their incomes by 17% and their savings by 34%.
Similarly, respondents who received loans and completed business acceleration training earned 26% more than those who did not receive the training.
The findings also highlighted improvements in women’s financial independence and business ownership. More than one-third of trained participants reported greater control over where and how they saved money, while 33% said they were managing their businesses independently.
Furthermore, 94.5% of surveyed clients reported greater inclusion of women in household decision-making. Another 83.4% said their families supported their businesses.
Social theatre also played a role in challenging traditional gender expectations. According to the assessment, 88% of male viewers reported changes in their attitudes towards gender roles.
Kashf Foundation Founder and Managing Director Roshaneh Zafar said the partnership had demonstrated the benefits of investing in women’s economic opportunities.
“Ten years ago, with the support of Global Affairs Canada, we set out to prove that when women move forward, families prosper, communities strengthen and economies grow,” Zafar said.
“We’ve demonstrated impact. Now it’s time for policymakers and businesses to scale up these lessons for greater impact.”
The partnership’s findings highlight the importance of combining financial access with practical skills, family support and efforts to challenge restrictive social norms.
Its experience also offers lessons for policymakers and businesses seeking to expand women’s participation in Pakistan’s economy and create more sustainable opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
