A new chapter for women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan: The Enterprise Acceleration Programme
By Palak Bhatt, Senior Manager, Programmes Fundraising, British Asian Trust
Pakistan stands at a pivotal moment for women’s economic empowerment. Despite being one of the youngest countries in the world, with 39% of its labour force under 30, women’s participation in entrepreneurship remains strikingly low, just 1% of entrepreneurs are women, compared to 21% of men (World Bank, 2024). Barriers such as limited access to finance, restrictive social norms, and a lack of business networks persist, especially in rural areas.
Yet, there is hope. Public-private partnerships, digital platforms, and government-backed coalitions are beginning to shift the narrative, offering new opportunities for women to lead and thrive. Not only this, but there is also a growing appetite for coalition-building and ecosystem-strengthening initiatives.
Our journey with the Target Foundation began in 2021 with a bold ambition: to catalyse women-led enterprise growth in Pakistan’s tier 2 cities. Over three years, our partnership has supported more than 2,400 women to launch and grow microenterprises, enabling them not just to earn, but to lead. These businesses have become symbols of independence and progress in communities where opportunity for women is often limited.
Through this funding, we have:
· Helped 972 women increase their revenues by at least 15%, even amidst economic turbulence.
· Created 400 new jobs, building business networks and fostering local economic growth.
· Developed innovative models for market linkages, digital skills, and explored how climate resilience can be built into training modules.
· Piloted digital platforms (like Greenstar's Baji Connect) to connect women with dignified employment opportunities.
Our approach is intentionally holistic, combining business training, mentorship, access to finance, and coalition-building. We have worked closely with local partners like Kaarvan Crafts Foundation and Shirakat, ensuring our interventions are rooted in community needs and realities.
An independent evaluation of our previous programme found that women entrepreneurs doubled their incomes on average, with over 2,400 women and their employees seeing real financial gains. Nearly all participants reported greater confidence and decision-making power at home and in business. Our integrated approach combining training, access to finance, and community engagement was key to this success. Yet, the evaluation also highlighted the need for deeper community engagement, stronger business networks, and more tailored financial products. These lessons are shaping our new programme, ensuring we build on what works and address the real barriers women face.
In February 2025, I had the privilege of visiting Pakistan to meet some of the remarkable women entrepreneurs from our previous programme. In Rawalpindi, I met a salon owner, a dress maker, and even an exotic bird seller - each running enterprises that not only support their families but also inspire their communities. During a focus group discussion with around 15 women, I was struck by their confidence and optimism. Many shared how their lives had changed following the programme’s support, expressing newfound belief in themselves and excitement for the future.
My journey also took me to Sheikhapura in Lahore, where I visited a rural community of women who had developed businesses from their homes. The most powerful takeaway was witnessing a tangible shift in gender norms. Where once there was strict patriarchal resistance to women learning and working, there is now a growing belief that women can contribute economically. This shift is not just about income, it’s about trust, dignity, and the gradual transformation of social attitudes.
Building on these successes and learnings, we are thrilled to launch the Enterprise Acceleration Programme, a new 3-year programme supported by CAF America, funded on behalf of Target Foundation. Our goal is to collectively reach 4,125 people and strengthen 1,650 women-led businesses across Punjab and Sindh.
Key features of the new programme:
· Targeted Support: Intensive business growth training, mentorship, and access to finance for women and youth microentrepreneurs.
· Ecosystem Strengthening: Multi-stakeholder roundtables, policy advocacy, and partnerships with financial institutions, chambers of commerce, and government agencies.
· Coalition-Building: Leveraging our networks to convene lenders, market actors, and support organisations, ensuring individual gains contribute to broader, systemic change.
· Inclusive Design: Special focus on rural and peri-urban areas, with participant selection criteria that prioritise marginalised and high-potential entrepreneurs.
Our approach is informed by robust evidence and learning from over a decade of work in Pakistan. We know that skills alone are not enough, women need access to markets, networks, and finance, as well as supportive policies curated to women-led businesses and social norms.
What sets our work apart is the strength of our partnerships. The Target Foundation’s commitment to improving economic opportunities for families around the world, combined with the British Asian Trust's local footprint and expertise, will enable us to drive collective impact at scale. Our collaboration is not just about delivering projects, it’s about building an ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can thrive, lead, and inspire others.
We are deeply grateful for the trust and support of CAF America and the Target Foundation, our local partners, and the communities we serve. Together, our work looks towards shifting the landscape for women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan.
As we embark on this new chapter, our focus remains clear: to unblock and unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs, strengthen the ecosystem, and build a more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan. We invite partners, funders, and allies of women in business to join us in this journey to move the needle, collectively and with intention.
Read more about: Livelihoods work in Pakistan