Beyond Financial Inclusion: Kashf Foundation and Global Affairs Canada Spotlight What It Takes to Empower Women Economically

Empowering women economically is far more complex than simply providing access to finance, according to an event held by Kashf Foundation and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in Islamabad. Ten years of partnership with GAC aimed to achieve lasting progress through an integrated approach that included financial services, education, business development, health awareness and community engagement. Over that decade, the initiative reached more than 1.6 million people across Pakistan.

The partnership recognized that micro-entrepreneurs, especially those from low-income communities, often face challenges due to limited financial literacy, poor business management skills, restrictive social norms, and lack of household support. To address these barriers, the programme offered tailored support ranging from basic financial literacy to structured financial education and business development training.

A crucial aspect of the partnership was using media and storytelling to challenge social barriers to women's empowerment. Popular television dramas, public service campaigns and community theatre productions reached an average audience of over 120 million viewers, discussing topics such as family planning, girls' education, cybercrime, and more.

An independent impact assessment found that women who received microloans alongside financial management training experienced 17% higher income gains and 34% greater savings compared to those who did not receive training. Women who participated in business acceleration training also earned 26% more than those who had accessed loans without additional training.

These results demonstrated that combining financial access with practical training and broader support led to improved income, savings, and greater financial autonomy for women.

The findings also highlighted positive changes in household dynamics and decision-making. Women who participated in business acceleration training were more likely to make decisions about savings and manage their businesses independently. Additionally, 94.5% of surveyed clients reported greater inclusion of women in household decisions, while 83.4% said their families supported their businesses.

Men involved in community engagement initiatives also experienced changes in their views on gender roles, with 88% reporting shifts in their perspectives on gender roles after participating in social theatre activities. These findings underscore the importance of addressing women's economic opportunities within the wider social and household environments that influence their success.