Women entrepreneurs honoured at WEA 2026

Event recognises women who have built successful businesses through access to finance, training, institutional support

Kashf Foundation has hosted its Women Entrepreneurship Awards 2026 (WEA 2026) at a local hotel, celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs and marking 31 years of promoting financial inclusion in Pakistan.

Held under the theme “Give to Gain,” the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, development partners, and media representatives to recognise women who have built successful businesses through access to finance, training, and institutional support.

Addressing the ceremony, the Foundation’s founder and managing director, Roshaneh Zafar, said the organisation’s experience over three decades has shown that empowering women economically creates widespread social and economic benefits. She added that women not only transform their own lives but also contribute to the wellbeing of families, communities, and local economies.

In her keynote address, Sima Kamil, the first woman deputy governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, highlighted the importance of women’s economic participation. She described it as a largely untapped driver of growth in Pakistan and said platforms like WEA help demonstrate the tangible outcomes of financial inclusion.

The event also featured the screening of two short documentaries showcasing the journeys of Kashf clients who have overcome challenges to establish their enterprises. A panel discussion followed, with filmmaker Anya Raza and selected entrepreneurs sharing their experiences.

The event concluded with the distribution of awards across eight categories, recognising excellence in areas such as sustainability, innovation, heritage preservation, community impact, and youth entrepreneurship. Key honours included the Give to Gain Pioneer Award, Sustainability Champion Award, Heritage Craft Preservation Award, Community Catalyst Award, Emerging Change-Maker Award, Kashf School Sarmaya Award, Digital Innovator Award, and Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

Kashf Foundation said the initiative reinforces the message that investing in women-led businesses is not only socially impactful but also a proven strategy for sustainable economic growth.