ISLAMABAD: The High Commission of Canada and Kashf Foundation, Pakistan’s first specialised microfinance institution, have concluded a 10-year partnership aimed at promoting the economic and social inclusion of women.

According to a statement issued here, with funding from Global Affairs Canada, Kashf Foundation reached more than 1.6 million people in low-income communities across Pakistan, demonstrating the benefits of combining access to finance with business skills, health education and support from families and communities.

The partnership’s most recent project addressed systemic barriers faced by women micro-entrepreneurs by strengthening their financial and business management skills. It provided support to more than 1.4 million women, ranging from basic financial literacy to structured financial education and business development training.

The project also promoted household well-being through maternal and reproductive health training for women, men and other family members. Public awareness and advocacy campaigns used theatre and television dramas to address issues including family planning, girls’ education and cybercrime. These campaigns reached more than 120 million viewers across Pakistan.

Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan said economic empowerment and the social inclusion of women were essential for prosperity. Canada, he added, was proud to support Kashf Foundation’s efforts to create social awareness and economic opportunities for women across the country.

A third-party impact assessment examined changes in financial inclusion, business performance and household decision-making. Based on a survey of 2,596 households across 14 districts, it found that women who received microloans alongside financial management training increased their incomes by 17pc and their savings by 34pc.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2026