Web Desk
Karachi : The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Shirakat – Partnership for Development co-hosted a landmark event to commemorate International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, emphasizing the critical role of women entrepreneurs in shaping Pakistan’s economic future. The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from CARE International, Karandaaz, and several commercial banks, to showcase their collective efforts to foster inclusive growth and support women’s entrepreneurial aspirations.
The gathering highlighted SBP’s Banking on Equality Policy, which aims to improve financial inclusion for women by promoting gender diversity in financial institutions and developing women-centric banking products. This policy is designed to increase women’s access to financial services, empowering them to scale their businesses and achieve greater economic independence.
Shirakat, a local civil society organization dedicated to climate, gender, and economic justice, shared inspiring success stories from its initiatives supporting women agricultural entrepreneurs, microbusiness owners, and youth across the country. Over the past two decades, Shirakat has facilitated access to credit, technical training, and digital marketing for thousands of women, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to their communities.
The event featured insightful addresses from notable speakers, including Ms. Tahira Sheikh, Managing Director of the National Education Foundation, who stressed the importance of education and skill development for women and girls in Pakistan. Ms. Simona Lanzoni, former member of the Council of Europe, also shared a global perspective on empowering women in business.
A compelling roleplay and success stories from Shirakat, CARE International, and the State Bank of Pakistan underscored the transformative power of financial inclusion, mentorship, and capacity-building in helping women overcome societal barriers and thrive as entrepreneurs.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to collaborate on creating an inclusive ecosystem that supports women entrepreneurs and accelerates Pakistan’s economic development through gender equality and empowerment.
