In Pakistan, women’s inclusion within the financial ecosystem continues to represent both progress and challenge. From corporate boardrooms to microfinance institutions, the struggle for equal access and opportunity persists. Recent figures shared by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmed reflect a noticeable shift, yet also reveal how far there is to go before financial inclusion becomes truly equitable.
According to the SBP chief, the number of women holding active bank accounts has increased by nearly 17 million in under four years. During the same period, the gender gap in financial inclusion narrowed by 9 percent — a milestone that signals steady advancement toward gender parity in the banking sector. The rise in account ownership underscores expanding access and awareness, both vital components of Pakistan’s broader financial inclusion strategy.
However, statistics alone can mask underlying disparities. The Karandaaz Financial Inclusion Survey (K-FIS) 2024 offers a more complex picture: while 56 percent of men in Pakistan are financially included, only 14 percent of women fall within that bracket. Even more concerning is that merely 11 percent of women reportedly participate in financial decision-making within their households — decisions that include saving, purchasing assets, or managing income. These findings highlight that while access to banking may be increasing, control over financial autonomy remains limited.
Experts emphasize that without disaggregated data — such as comparisons between women with mere bank accounts versus those with active debit card usage, or between urban and rural female account holders — the full extent of gendered financial progress cannot be accurately assessed. True financial inclusion goes beyond numerical increases in accounts; it must reflect genuine participation and empowerment.
Governor Ahmed also noted that female microfinance borrowers have more than tripled in recent years. This expansion reflects a growing acceptance of women-led entrepreneurship and small-scale business ventures. Yet, this momentum remains uneven across provinces and social segments. Rural women, for instance, often face additional barriers such as lack of digital literacy, cultural limitations, and restricted access to financial technology tools.
For Pakistan’s vision of inclusive banking to mature, policymakers must go beyond surface-level inclusion. The government and financial institutions need to diversify their strategies — targeting unbanked women in underserved regions, integrating financial literacy programs, and leveraging fintech solutions to bridge accessibility gaps. Fintech platforms, mobile banking apps, and micro-savings tools can play a critical role in democratizing access and fostering independence among female customers.
Pakistan’s journey toward inclusive banking represents both achievement and aspiration. Each statistic of progress carries within it a reminder of the work still required to ensure that women, across all economic and social divides, have equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the nation’s evolving financial landscape.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updated across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.