Business Desk 
Nov 20, 2024
Women entrepreneurs in Pakistan face a significant representation gap, making up less than 10% of total borrowers and holding only 26% of bank accounts as noted by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor Jameel Ahmad while speaking at the Women Entrepreneurship Day (WED) event on Tuesday (November 19).
The event brought together stakeholders, including international and local partner institutes, banks, civil society members, and successful women entrepreneurs, reaffirming SBP’s dedication to empowering women in the economy.
SBP celebrates Women Entrepreneurship Day
The SBP governor also highlighted the need to bridge the financial inclusion gap and empower women in the country's economy, including limited access to financing, markets, and mentorship.
Read more: SECP increases fees for company registration in Pakistan
However, he noted that despite these challenges, women in Pakistan have shown resilience across sectors such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
Ahmad also highlighted progress, appreciating banks’ efforts in disbursing about Rs24 billion to over 20,000 women-led businesses from July 1 to November 10, 2024.
The SBP also conducted over 50 awareness sessions through its Banking Services Corporation offices, reaching over 1500 women entrepreneurs to educate them about financing opportunities available in the country.
To close the gender gap in economic participation, the SBP governor also encouraged financial institutions to team up with organisations such as the United Nations Women and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
During the WED event, awards were also presented to outstanding women entrepreneurs and banks for their contributions to advancing women's economic participation.
