Pushing Forward: Expanding Women's Financial Inclusion in Pakistan

At Pakistan Women Entrepreneurship Day 2025 in Karachi, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Jameel Ahmad, highlighted the nation’s evolving commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs and broadening financial inclusion. The event marks the continuation of the "Empower Her campaign" and brings together representatives from banks, business chambers, and civil society to address actionable strategies for increasing women’s participation in the formal economy.

Despite longstanding cultural and structural barriers, Pakistan has made considerable progress in women’s financial inclusion over the past decade. The proportion of women with access to financial services has surged from 4 percent to 52 percent, and the gender gap in financial inclusion has narrowed markedly—from 47 percent in 2018 to 30 percent in 2025. Since 2021, over 17.6 million women have opened new bank accounts, and the State Bank, in collaboration with partners, now aims to reach 75 percent financial inclusion and reduce the gender gap to 25 percent by 2028. These advances have been supported by programs dedicated to mentorship, digital onboarding, and tailored financing.

The banking sector’s commitment is also evident: over 14,600 women have joined the industry’s workforce in the past three years, and increased female representation in leadership roles, diversity councils, and frontline banking positions is spurring further change. Policy momentum, including Pakistan's membership in the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code, has led to concrete actions such as awareness and mentorship programs across the country, touching the lives of over 45,000 women this year alone. Financing for women entrepreneurs reached a milestone with 974,000 loans totaling 230 billion Rupees issued since late 2024, though most women still access smaller microfinance loans, exposing the need for broader access to corporate and commercial lending.

The governor underscored that achieving truly equitable participation hinges not only on financial access but also on providing supportive infrastructure—such as transportation, flexible work arrangements, and childcare—to help women balance professional and family commitments. As Pakistan continues to build this enabling ecosystem, the sustained momentum promises to unlock the creative and economic potential of women entrepreneurs and drive broader economic growth.