Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Pakistan and Bangladesh’s Joint Path to Inclusive Development

In the modern era, fostering inclusive development has become a global priority, particularly through empowering women entrepreneurs. Pakistan and Bangladesh, two of South Asia’s key economies, stand to benefit significantly by working together to support women in business and tech sectors. Both countries face similar challenges regarding gender parity in economic participation. However, with a shared vision and collaborative initiatives, they can accelerate progress toward a more inclusive economic landscape. This article explores how Pakistan and Bangladesh can leverage mentorship programs, business networks, and cross-border collaboration to empower women entrepreneurs, leading to sustained and inclusive development.

The Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Economic Development

Women entrepreneurship is recognized globally as a crucial driver of economic growth and social empowerment. According to research by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), if women entrepreneurs in South Asia had equal access to opportunities, they could contribute an additional $700 billion to the region’s economy . Empowering women entrepreneurs not only enhances national economic performance but also improves social outcomes, such as poverty reduction and educational access.

Despite these immense opportunities, women in Pakistan and Bangladesh face significant barriers to entrepreneurship. Cultural norms, limited access to capital, lack of mentorship, and networking opportunities are common challenges. The Global Gender Gap Report 2022 by the World Economic Forum ranks Pakistan and Bangladesh 145th and 71st, respectively, out of 153 countries for women's economic participation and opportunity . These rankings highlight the need for concerted efforts to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

Learning from Regional Successes

Bangladesh has demonstrated significant progress in terms of women’s empowerment, particularly in garment manufacturing and microfinance sectors. With programs like Grameen Bank and BRAC’s Microfinance Institution, millions of women have accessed loans to start small businesses, driving economic independence at the grassroots level . Pakistan can learn from these models, where microfinance and community-based enterprises have propelled female entrepreneurship.

However, both countries need to go beyond small-scale enterprises to support women in high-growth sectors like technology. Tech and digital sectors represent some of the most promising areas for women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. According to a report by the World Bank, expanding digital financial services for women in South Asia could boost the region’s GDP by $330 billion by 2025 .

Cross-Border Collaboration: Mentorship and Networking

One of the most effective ways to empower women entrepreneurs is through mentorship programs and business networks. Pakistan and Bangladesh can establish cross-border mentorship networks where successful women entrepreneurs, both locally and from the diaspora, provide guidance to aspiring women business owners. Collaborative platforms like the South Asia Women Entrepreneurs Forum (SAWEF), bringing together women business leaders from across the region, can serve as a hub for shared learning, mentoring, and advocacy.

Moreover, tech accelerators and incubators that focus on women-led startups should be expanded with a regional focus. Pakistan’s National Incubation Center (NIC), for example, can collaborate with Bangladesh’s ShePower Accelerator, sharing best practices on mentorship, technical support, and access to international markets. This approach could create a network of women entrepreneurs who are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the global market.

Women in Tech: Leading the Future

Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have recognized the importance of integrating women into the tech economy. In Bangladesh, Women in Digital, a government-supported initiative, has been pivotal in training women in software development, digital marketing, and app design . Similarly, Pakistan’s Women Tech Quest, organized by 10Pearls, focuses on building coding and digital skills for women to close the gender gap in the tech sector.

A joint initiative focusing on women in tech could further unlock the potential of female entrepreneurs. An annual Pakistan-Bangladesh Women in Tech Conference, bringing together women leaders, tech entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries, could accelerate the exchange of knowledge, opportunities, and investments in women-led tech ventures. Such initiatives would not only bolster the digital economy but also contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5) on gender equality and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.

Media and Awareness Campaigns

Television, digital media, and news platforms play a vital role in shaping public perceptions and promoting women’s entrepreneurship. In Bangladesh, television news reports have increasingly covered success stories of women entrepreneurs, such as in the e-commerce and tech sectors. Channels like Channel i have aired segments showcasing women-led startups that have disrupted traditional business models . Similarly, Pakistani media, particularly outlets like Dawn News and ARY Digital, have started featuring women’s achievements in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and education .

Building on this, a joint media campaign between Pakistan and Bangladesh, focusing on successful women entrepreneurs, can help change the narrative and inspire young women to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. The campaign could also include webinars, radio shows, and social media content that highlight the benefits of women’s participation in business, both socially and economically.

Policy Recommendations: A Joint Path Forward

For women entrepreneurs to thrive, both countries need to adopt supportive policies that address access to finance, legal barriers, and gender-based discrimination. Recent studies by UN Women and The World Bank recommend the following steps for Pakistan and Bangladesh to take jointly:

1.? Establish Women’s Business Councils: Cross-border business councils can provide platforms for advocating policy changes, providing mentorship, and facilitating partnerships.

2.? Enhance Access to Capital: Financial institutions should design women-friendly loan products, while governments can offer tax incentives and grants for women-led businesses in high-growth sectors.

3.? Strengthen Legal Protections: Both countries must ensure that women entrepreneurs are protected from gender-based discrimination and have equal access to resources, including land and business licenses .

Conclusion: A Collaborative Future

Empowering women entrepreneurs is not just about economic growth—it’s about creating more inclusive and equitable societies. By working together, Pakistan and Bangladesh can create a powerful alliance that champions women’s entrepreneurship. Through mentorship, networking, and targeted policy interventions, these nations can set a precedent for regional cooperation that prioritizes gender equality and shared prosperity.

Women entrepreneurs are already changing the narrative across South Asia. By enhancing cross-border collaboration, Pakistan and Bangladesh have the potential to unlock a new era of inclusive development—one driven by the innovation, resilience, and creativity of their women leaders.

References

1.? International Finance Corporation (IFC). (2020). "Unleashing the Potential of Women Entrepreneurs in South Asia."

2.? World Economic Forum. (2022). Global Gender Gap Report.

3.? Grameen Bank. (2023). "Empowering Women Through Microfinance in Bangladesh."

4.? World Bank. (2021). "Expanding Digital Financial Services for Women in South Asia."

5.? Women in Digital Bangladesh. (2023). "Driving Change in Tech."

6.? Channel i. (2023). "Women Entrepreneurs in E-commerce: Success Stories."

7.? Dawn News. (2023). "Women-led Startups in Pakistan’s Tech Sector: A New Frontier."

8.? UN Women. (2022). Gender and Economic Participation in South Asia: Policy Brief.

9.? The World Bank. (2023). "Legal Barriers to Women’s Economic Empowerment in South Asia."

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