The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Iqra University have launched a two-month practical investment competition aimed at expanding women’s participation in Shariah-compliant investing. Titled “Empowered Women – Ethical Investments,” the initiative is open to female students, faculty members and staff at universities across Pakistan. Organised through Iqra University’s Centre for Excellence in Islamic FinTech (IU-CEIF), the competition is designed to introduce participants to responsible saving, ethical investment practices and informed financial decision-making. The initiative seeks to connect financial education with practical experience, giving participants an opportunity to develop a better understanding of investment principles within an Islamic finance framework. The launch reflects collaboration between the financial regulator and academia to improve investment awareness among women and encourage their participation in formal financial markets. It also places financial literacy within the broader discussion on access to financial services and women’s economic participation.
The competition focuses on practical learning rather than financial awareness alone. According to Iqra University, participants will have access to financial literacy sessions, real-time market information, digital investment tools and guided investment activities. These resources are intended to help participants understand how investment decisions are made and how Shariah-compliant principles apply to financial choices. The programme encourages women to build knowledge of responsible saving and investment practices while developing confidence in assessing available opportunities. The top three performing teams are expected to receive prizes from IU-CEIF, ZLK Islamic Financial Services and other strategic partners. By combining education with investment-related activities, the competition aims to make financial concepts more accessible to participants who may have limited previous exposure to investment markets. The nationwide eligibility criteria also create an opportunity for women from different universities to engage with Islamic finance and develop practical financial skills.
The launch brought together representatives from regulatory bodies, academia and the financial services industry. Sheikh Ebrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, chairman of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), attended as chief guest, while SECP Commissioner Imtiaz Haider participated as guest of honour. The initiative is being supported by a wider group of institutions, including the Pakistan Stock Exchange, Meezan Bank, the Central Depository Company and Al Meezan Investment Management. During the launch, participants highlighted the role of financial knowledge, ethical investment practices and institutional cooperation in widening women’s participation in finance. A memorandum of understanding involving IU-CEIF, AAOIFI, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and ICEI was also signed to support collaboration in Islamic finance, financial technology and capacity building. The partnerships connect the educational initiative with organisations operating across financial markets, investment services and institutional development.
The initiative comes as women account for a substantial share of borrowing in Pakistan’s non-bank financial sector, although borrowing participation and investment participation represent different aspects of financial inclusion. According to figures cited by the SECP, women represented 59% of borrowers in non-banking financial companies and 82% of borrowers in microfinance as of June 30, 2026. During fiscal year 2025–26, women received Rs236.2 billion in loans through non-banking microfinance. The regulator has also highlighted measures to improve women’s access to financial resources, including approval of the digital financing product Khud Mukhtar Khatoon and simplified account-opening procedures. Against this background, “Empowered Women – Ethical Investments” adds an investment education component to wider efforts around women’s financial participation. Its impact will depend on how effectively participants apply the knowledge gained beyond the competition, but the programme offers a structured opportunity to learn about ethical investing, financial planning and Shariah-compliant investment options.
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