P&G Pakistan, Imtiaz Group, and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide interest-free loans to women micro-preneurs in Pakistan. This initiative aims to foster local entrepreneurship and economic growth, particularly in marginalized communities.
The collaboration reflects a shared vision of empowering women by offering the necessary resources to start and grow businesses. By providing access to interest-free loans, the partnership will help women achieve financial independence, improve their families’ living standards, and contribute to Pakistan’s broader economic development.
The program will launch through in-store activations and a donation-matching initiative, where P&G Pakistan and Imtiaz Group employees will play an essential role in fundraising. The goal is to raise around PKR 1 crore to support over 500 women entrepreneurs and create approximately 800 jobs. From December 27–29, 2024, consumers can contribute by purchasing products from brands such as Ariel, Pampers, Always, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, and Safeguard, with proceeds directed toward the program.
Ovais Ather Yousuf, CEO of P&G Pakistan, emphasized the company’s commitment to gender equality by expanding economic opportunities for women. “Our collaboration with Imtiaz Group and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance aims to empower women in marginalized communities and foster their financial independence as entrepreneurs,” he said. This initiative directly addresses the barriers to financial inclusion that women in Pakistan face, aiming to bridge the gap and promote women’s active participation in the economy.
Despite global trends toward increased financial inclusion for women, Pakistan still lags, with many women’s roles restricted to domestic duties. A World Bank report highlights the importance of providing financial resources to help women start and scale businesses. This MoU aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly #1 (No Poverty) and #5 (Gender Equality).
Umer Imtiaz, CEO of Imtiaz Group, stressed the wider impact of supporting women entrepreneurs. “Empowering women micropreneurs is about more than supporting individual businesses—it creates a ripple effect that benefits entire communities,” he said. The initiative invites customers to participate, aiming to foster long-term economic growth and empower women to unlock their full potential.
Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance, known for alleviating poverty through interest-free loans, will play a vital role in the initiative. Danish Aman, Chairman of the Council of Patrons at Akhuwat, highlighted the importance of financial inclusion for women. “Poverty is not just about lack of resources; it’s about deprivation of social networks, justice, and hope. These interest-free loans empower women entrepreneurs, improving their living standards and uplifting society as a whole,” he said.
This partnership is aligned with P&G Pakistan’s broader mission of advancing social change, tackling gender bias, supporting girls’ education, and promoting women’s economic empowerment. Through its business operations and advertising reach, P&G continues to champion gender equality.
The collaboration between P&G, Imtiaz Group, and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance demonstrates the power of businesses and social organizations coming together to address gender inequality and poverty. The initiative’s support for women micropreneurs promises lasting impact, helping them build sustainable businesses and contribute to their communities.
As the program progresses, it has the potential to drive significant change, empowering women to become leaders and agents of transformation in their families and communities. This partnership sets a strong example for other organizations to collaborate in addressing the challenges women face in Pakistan.
