The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $350 million loan to help women in Pakistan get credit and start businesses, according to a press release. The money will fund the second phase of a program to reach over 2 million Pakistani women through better finance options, legal reforms, and business training. This represents a major push to address Pakistan’s gender gap problem—the country ranks second-lowest among 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index.
Women in Pakistan face big barriers when trying to get loans or start businesses. The gap in finance access between men and women hit 37% in 2024, making it nearly impossible for many women to become entrepreneurs or grow existing businesses. The country’s government wants to change this through its partnership strategy for 2021-2025.
The ADB program divides the money into two parts: $300 million for policy changes and $50 million for direct lending to women entrepreneurs. ADB Director Sani Ismail said the program wants to help women reach their potential through finance access, legal reforms, and business skills training. He noted that the program is ambitious and designed to help women fulfill their potential in Pakistan’s economy.
Pakistan’s low ranking on women’s economic participation shows how big the problem is. Many women can’t get bank accounts, loans, or business licenses because of legal barriers and cultural restrictions. The ADB program will work on changing policies that block women from economic opportunities.
The loan builds on an earlier phase of the women’s finance program and matches Pakistan’s goals to increase female economic participation across the country.
