Proparco and Kashf Foundation partner to empower Women Entrepreneurs in Pakistan

Since its founding in 1996 by Ms. Roshaneh Zafar, Kashf Foundation has been at the forefront of breaking down barriers for women-led businesses, transforming lives and paving the way for lasting change. Kashf Foundation has become an emblematic institution, championing women’s economic and social empowerment. Beyond providing microcredit and micro-insurance, the institution delivers financial education programs, mentoring for young women entrepreneurs, and initiatives promoting gender equality among its clients’ families.

This project marks the third collaboration between Proparco and Kashf since 2017 and aims to support Kashf's growth strategy while enhancing access to financial services for women. This partnership aligns with Proparco’s 2023-2027 strategic objectives of fostering a more sustainable and resilient economy and advancing gender equality by supporting an MFI dedicated to women's financial inclusion and economic empowerment through enhanced business opportunities. Through its commitment to women, the project is eligible for the 2X Challenge, an initiative to strengthen women's economic empowerment.

For Djalal Khimdjee, Deputy CEO of Proparco: "We are delighted to strengthen our long term partnership with Kashf Foundation with this 3rd transaction of 15MUSD. We are very happy to accompany Kashf’s plan to deploy its financial inclusion services in underserved regions of Pakistan and to develop its micro-insurance products to help its clients being more resilient vis-à-vis climate change. This project reflects well some of Proparco’s key priorities in the region: reduction of gender inequalities, access to economic opportunities for all and resilience to climate change”

Ms. Roshaneh Zafar, Founder and Managing Director of Kashf Foundation, shared: "At Kashf, we’ve seen what happens when women are given the chance to lead. They not only lift themselves out of poverty, they lift entire communities with them. This partnership with Proparco allows us to extend that impact, empowering women to shape their own destinies and inspire others to follow."

The project will generate significant impacts with over 70,000 additional micro-loans granted, increasing the financial inclusion and empowerment of women in the country.