P&G Pakistan, Imtiaz Group, and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance have come together in a groundbreaking partnership to empower women micropreneurs through interest-free loans. This initiative, formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a significant step toward fostering economic growth and advancing gender equality in Pakistan.
The collaboration is aimed at unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of women in marginalized communities by providing them with the financial support needed to establish sustainable businesses. By enabling these women to generate income and create employment opportunities, the initiative is poised to uplift families and contribute to broader societal development.
The program will kick off with in-store activations and a donation-match campaign involving employees of P&G Pakistan and Imtiaz Group. Scheduled to run from December 27 to December 29, 2024, consumers can contribute by purchasing products such as Ariel, Pampers, Always, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, and Safeguard. The proceeds will help raise an estimated PKR 1 crore, transforming the lives of over 500 women micropreneurs and creating jobs for approximately 800 individuals.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #1 (No Poverty) and #5 (Gender Equality), reflecting a shared commitment to addressing systemic barriers to women’s financial inclusion in Pakistan. Despite global progress in women’s entrepreneurship, Pakistan continues to lag, with cultural and structural challenges limiting women’s roles primarily to societal contributions. A World Bank report highlights the urgent need for increased financial accessibility to empower women to launch and expand businesses.
Through this partnership, P&G Pakistan reinforces its commitment to equality and inclusion by leveraging its operations and reach to challenge gender norms, support girls’ education, and promote women’s economic empowerment. The initiative also represents Imtiaz Group’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and Akhuwat’s mission of providing interest-free financial services to the underserved.
The ripple effects of this collaboration are expected to be far-reaching. By empowering women at the grassroots level, the program seeks to drive sustainable economic growth while addressing long-standing gender disparities. This initiative serves as an inspiring example of how public-private partnerships can create meaningful societal impact, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for Pakistan.
As the campaign unfolds, it promises to be a beacon of empowerment, showcasing the transformative potential of collective action in achieving economic resilience and gender equality.