City Desk
Islamabad:The High Commission of Canada and Kashf Foundation, Pakistan’s first specialized microfinance institution, have marked the conclusion of a 10-year partnership to support women’s economic and social inclusion. With funding from Global Affairs Canada, Kashf reached more than 1.6 million people in 63 districts across all four provinces. The work showed that women’s opportunities improve when access to finance is combined with business skills, health education and family and community support.
The latest project addressed barriers faced by women micro-entrepreneurs, offering support from basic financial literacy to structured financial education and business development training to over 1.4 million women. It also provided maternal and reproductive health training for women, men and family members. Theatre and television dramas on family planning, girls’ education and cybercrime reached over 120 million viewers.
Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan said economic empowerment and social inclusion of women are essential for prosperity.
A third-party assessment surveyed 2,596 households in 14 districts. Women who received a micro-loan along with financial management training increased their incomes by 17% and their savings by 34%. Those who also took business acceleration training earned 26% more than those who did not. Over one-third of trained participants could decide where and how to save, and 33% now manage their businesses independently. Some 94.5% of clients reported greater inclusion of women in household decisions, and 83.4% said their families supported their businesses.
Social Theatre also shifted attitudes, with 88% of male viewers reporting changed views on gender roles.
Kashf Founder Roshaneh Zafar said the partnership proved that when women advance, families and economies prosper, and urged policymakers and businesses to scale up the lessons.
