From 4% to 52%: How Pakistani Women Are Taking Charge of Finance
Women’s access to banking rises from 4% in 2018 to 52% in 2025, narrowing the gender gap and empowering female entrepreneurs across the country.
Pakistan has made remarkable strides in women’s financial inclusion, with access to formal financial services rising from just 4% in 2018 to 52% in 2025, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad announced. The increase represents a major step toward closing the long-standing gender gap in access to banking and financial services, which historically kept women excluded due to cultural norms, low workforce participation, and limited credit access.
Under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, Pakistan has prioritized expanding bank accounts, digital payment systems, savings tools, and financing for women-led businesses. These efforts align with global research showing that economies grow faster when women fully participate in financial and economic systems. Despite persistent barriers at higher levels of business financing and leadership, the gains achieved this year mark a significant shift for the country.
Governor Ahmad highlighted that 17.6 million new women-owned bank accounts have been opened since 2021. Pakistan has also succeeded in reducing the gender gap in financial access from 47% in 2018 to 30% in 2025. The 2024–28 financial inclusion roadmap aims to further increase overall inclusion to 75% and narrow the gender gap to 25%.
Financing for women entrepreneurs has also seen a notable increase, reaching Rs230 billion ($824 million) with 974,000 loans disbursed between November 2024 and October 2025. However, the majority of these loans—93% or Rs113 billion ($405 million)—were microfinance, indicating that most women remain in entry-level financial segments. Only 1% of commercial-bank loans were directed toward women-led corporate or commercial enterprises.
The SBP is also working to reshape the banking workforce. Over the last three years, 14,600 women joined the sector, raising female representation from 13% to 17%. Pakistan became the 19th global signatory to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code earlier this year, with the SBP and 22 banks pledging to take new actions and improve data reporting to further expand women’s access to credit.
Awareness and mentorship programs have been a key component of these efforts. More than 300 events were held across 55 districts, engaging over 45,000 women to promote entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
Governor Ahmad emphasized the importance of continuing to build an ecosystem where women-led businesses can access finance, markets, and mentorship. By fostering financial inclusion, Pakistan aims not only to empower women economically but also to drive broader economic growth and social development across the country.
These achievements underscore a transformative period for women in Pakistan, demonstrating how targeted policies and initiatives can create opportunities for financial independence, entrepreneurship, and meaningful participation in the economy.
