Women’s Financial Inclusion in Pakistan Soars to Record 52%: SBP Governor

Women’s financial inclusion has risen from 4 percent to 52 percent due to the collective efforts of the banking sector, narrowing the gender gap from 47 percent in 2018 to 30 percent in 2025, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad claimed while delivering a keynote address at Pakistan Women Entrepreneurship Day (PWED) 2025. More than 17.6 million new women-owned bank accounts have been added since 2021, reflecting active engagement in the financial system. While sharing progress on loans to women-led businesses, he said that over 974,000 loans amounting to Rs. 230.3 billion were disbursed between November 2024 and October 2025. Governor Ahmad highlighted that the increase in financial inclusion for women would not have been possible without support from the banking industry. He acknowledged the ongoing institutional shift within banks, noting that over 14,600 women have joined the banking workforce in the last three years, raising the overall ratio of female employees from 13 to 17 percent. He said the SBP has pursued a deliberate, multi-pronged strategy to expand women’s financial inclusion. To sustain the progress made so far, he emphasized the need to continue building an ecosystem where women-led businesses can access finance, markets, and mentorship. The SBP, along with 22 banks, has pledged to share data, introduce new initiatives, and appoint leadership to improve women’s access to finance. Furthermore, Pakistan’s banking industry continues to play a crucial role in turning policy into action. This year, with the support of the banking industry and partner institutions, more than 300 awareness and mentorship programs were conducted across 55 districts, engaging over 45,000 women nationwide. This, he said, puts Pakistan on the global map in terms of turning inclusion commitments into measurable accountability. Governor Ahmad also noted, “At the State Bank, we recently hired a batch of young female graduates under our Emerging Women Leaders Initiative. We now also have a female member on the SBP’s Board. At the national level, Pakistan became a global signatory to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code in February 2025, becoming the 19th member worldwide.” During his keynote address, Governor Ahmad emphasized the event as a celebration of the creativity, determination, and success of women who are driving economic transformation in Pakistan. He highlighted the significant progress made in providing financing to women entrepreneurs. The event highlighted Pakistan’s advancements in women-focused financing and the increasing commitment to inclusion, leadership, and ecosystem support. Held at SBP Karachi and mirrored in 16 field offices nationwide, PWED 2025 served as a platform to celebrate the ambition, resilience, and economic participation of women in Pakistan. The Governor congratulated the award winners of the Women of Impact Awards, Business Idea Competition, and Empower Her Campaign Awards. The event featured insightful contributions from guest speakers including Dr. Zeelaf Munir, Chairperson of the Pakistan Business Council; Ms. Saira Awan Malik, CEO of TCS Group; and Ms. Shabista Bakhtiar, President of the Women Chamber of Commerce, Karachi, who shared their expertise on women entrepreneurship, business opportunities, and the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. The SBP and the Banking Services Corporation (SBP BSC) came together to commemorate PWED 2025, showcasing the successes and achievements of women entrepreneurs across the country. This national celebration brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, financial institutions, development partners, business leaders, and inspiring women entrepreneurs.