The following additions are vital in order to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan, addressing barriers to financial access, market participation, and representation in decision-making processes:
o Implement legal and regulatory frameworks that facilitate women’s access to digital and financial literacy programmes. This should include simplified access to banking loans tailored for women entrepreneurs.
o Develop and reinforce gender-inclusive lending practices to support women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This will significantly improve women’s financial inclusion and access to necessary capital.
o Create and nurture support ecosystems for women-led SMEs, providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to foster growth and sustainability.
o Set up business incubators and accelerators specifically focused on supporting women entrepreneurs, offering them tailored training, development programmes, and access to markets.
o Facilitate greater market access for female entrepreneurs by integrating them into local and international trade networks. This could include creating platforms for showcasing their products and services and easing export processes.
o Ensure women’s representation in decision-making bodies related to trade and finance. This representation can provide a more inclusive perspective in policymaking and create a more favourable environment for female entrepreneurs.