Islamabad Launches First Women-Only Market to Empower Female Entrepreneurs

Islamabad has launched its first dedicated marketplace for women entrepreneurs in the G-11 sector, marking a major step toward improving women’s participation in business and the formal economy.

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The Women Enterprise Market officially opened on May 15 during an event organized by the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, and JazzCash.

Women Entrepreneurs Get Dedicated Commercial Space

Farah Naz Akbar inaugurated the marketplace and highlighted the government’s support for women-led businesses.

According to officials, only one percent of women in Pakistan are entrepreneurs compared to 21 percent of men.

Therefore, the initiative aims to reduce the economic gender gap and create more opportunities for female business owners.

Samina Fazil, founder president of IWCCI, described the project as a historic milestone for the capital city.

She said Islamabad had never before introduced a commercial space dedicated entirely to women-led businesses.

Market Introduces Digital Payment System

The Women Enterprise Market also operates as a fully cashless marketplace.

As a result, women entrepreneurs will gain practical experience with digital payments and formal banking systems.

Imtiaz Ali said the initiative would help improve women’s financial literacy and banking access.

Meanwhile, JazzCash joined the project as the official technology partner.

The initiative also supports the State Bank of Pakistan financial inclusion strategy for 2024-2028.

The strategy aims to reduce the banking access gender gap from 30 percent to 25 percent.

Women-Owned Businesses Face Financing Challenges

Recent reports show that women entrepreneurs in Pakistan continue to face major financing barriers.

According to the 2025 WECON Policy Report, only 3.2 percent of SME loans in 2022 went to women-led businesses.

In addition, 91 percent of women reportedly avoid institutional financing channels.

SBP data also shows that women own only eight percent of Pakistan’s more than five million small and medium-sized enterprises.

Officials Hope Market Creates Long-Term Growth

Farooq Mirza said such projects could help women-owned businesses grow into national and international brands.

Meanwhile, Farah Naz Akbar stressed that women must receive equal access to legal, financial, and institutional support for Pakistan’s long-term development.

She also promised continued cooperation between the government and IWCCI to strengthen women’s economic participation.