LAHORE: Former Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Sima Kamil, has said that women’s economic participation is one of the most under-leveraged drivers of growth in Pakistan.

A press release said that she was speaking at a ceremony organised by Kashf Foundation on Sunday. The event was held to honour women driving innovation, sustainability, employment generation and social impact at scale.

Ms Kamil highlighted the importance of women leadership and financial inclusion. “It is critical to move the conversation on women’s role in the economy from potential to performance, showcasing real and measurable outcomes of financial inclusion.”

The event brought together prominent industry leaders, development partners and policymakers, showcasing the transformative journey of women entrepreneurs who have leveraged access to finance, training and support to build sustainable businesses and uplift their communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Kashf Founder Roshaneh Zafar said that when women are given access to capital and opportunity, they don’t just transform their own lives, they create ripple effects across families, communities and local economies.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2026