Women’s financial inclusion in Pakistan has reached an unprecedented milestone, rising to 52 percent and signaling a transformative shift in the country’s economic and social landscape. This significant progress reflects the growing participation of women in formal financial services, the narrowing gender gap, and the success of long-term efforts to integrate women into the mainstream economy. According to the latest data shared during Pakistan Women Entrepreneurship Day (PWED) 2025, this rise represents one of the most notable advancements in women’s empowerment in recent years.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Jameel Ahmad, underscored that no nation can advance when half of its population is excluded from financial access. He highlighted that women’s financial inclusion has surged dramatically, rising from just 4 percent in 2018 to 52 percent in 2025. In addition, the gender gap in financial inclusion has declined from 47 percent to 30 percent, demonstrating the impact of policy reforms, targeted initiatives, and expanding financial infrastructure.
One of the most striking developments has been the addition of more than 17.6 million women-owned bank accounts since 2021. These accounts represent active engagement in Pakistan’s banking system and reflect the growing trust and participation of women in financial services. At the same time, women entrepreneurs have benefited from expanded access to credit. Between November 2024 and October 2025, over 974,000 loans worth Rs. 230.3 billion were disbursed to businesses led by women, supporting entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic independence.
The Governor acknowledged the key role played by Pakistan’s banking industry in reaching these milestones. Over the past three years, more than 14,600 women have joined the banking workforce, increasing the overall female employee ratio from 13 percent to 17 percent across the industry. At the SBP itself, a new cohort of female graduates has joined through the Emerging Women Leaders Initiative, and for the first time, the central bank now has a woman serving on its Board.
At the national policy level, Pakistan became the 19th global signatory to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code in February 2025. The commitment, made jointly with 22 banks, aims to improve women’s access to finance by promoting data transparency, launching new services, and enhancing leadership roles for women within financial institutions. This global alignment demonstrates Pakistan’s growing dedication to creating a supportive financial ecosystem for women.
Throughout 2025, extensive awareness and mentorship programs have also been conducted nationwide. Over 300 programs across 55 districts reached more than 45,000 women, offering guidance, business mentorship, and capacity-building support. These nationwide activities are part of a larger strategy to translate financial inclusion commitments into measurable and long-term outcomes.
PWED 2025, held at the State Bank of Pakistan in Karachi and simultaneously in 16 field offices across the country, served as a major platform to celebrate the achievements, creativity, and determination of women entrepreneurs. The event featured multiple award categories, including the Women of Impact Awards, Business Idea Competition, and Empower Her Campaign Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions from women in various sectors.
Prominent speakers such as Dr. Zeelaf Munir, Chairperson of the Pakistan Business Council, Saira Awan Malik, CEO of TCS Group, and Shabista Bakhtiar, President of the Women Chamber of Commerce Karachi, shared their insights on the evolving opportunities and challenges in women-led entrepreneurship in Pakistan. Their participation underscored the deepening commitment across public, private, and development sectors to create a more inclusive and supportive economic environment.
PWED 2025 brought together policymakers, financial institutions, business leaders, development partners, and women entrepreneurs, highlighting Pakistan’s expanding ecosystem for female-led businesses. With financial inclusion efforts gaining momentum, the country continues to work toward building a more equitable and economically empowered future for women.
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