P&G, Imtiaz Group and Akhuwat empower women micropreneurs

KARACHI: P&G Pakistan, Imtiaz Group and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance have partnered to empower women micropreneurs by providing interest-free loans. Through this collaboration, the organisations aim to foster entrepreneurship, drive economic growth and improve the lives of women and their families across Pakistan, said a press release on Thursday.

The initiative, marked by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed, will begin with in-store activations and a donation-match programme involving employees from P&G Pakistan and Imtiaz Group.

Targeting approximately Rs1 crore in funding, the partnership seeks to transform the lives of over 500 women and generate employment for around 800 individuals. Between December 27-29, 2024, consumers purchasing Ariel, Pampers, Always, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Pantene or Safeguard will contribute directly to this cause.

CEO of P&G Pakistan Ovais Ather Yousuf said: “This collaboration reflects our commitment to advancing gender parity and creating sustainable economic opportunities for women in underserved communities. Empowering women micropreneurs is vital for fostering their financial independence and societal contributions.”

In Pakistan, women’s participation in economic activities remains low despite global progress in financial inclusion. According to the World Bank, greater access to financial resources is critical to empowering women and enabling their businesses to grow. This initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty) and 5 (Gender Equality).

CEO of Imtiaz Group Umer Imtiaz added, “Empowering women micropreneurs uplifts entire communities. Together with our customers, we aim to unlock women’s potential and drive sustainable economic growth.”

Akhuwat’s Danish Aman added, “Interest-free loans not only enhance living standards but also provide marginalised women with justice, hope and the opportunity to transform society.”