KARACHI, December 18, 2024: P&G Pakistan, Imtiaz Group, and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance have partnered to empower women micropreneurs through a groundbreaking initiative offering interest-free loans. The collaboration, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to provide the necessary financial support to women looking to establish and grow their businesses. The joint effort is a significant step in fostering local entrepreneurship, promoting gender parity, and spurring economic development within Pakistani communities.
The initiative will begin with in-store activations and a donation-matching program for employees of P&G Pakistan and Imtiaz Group, targeting a fundraising goal of approximately Rs. 1 crore. The project aims to uplift over 500 women, helping them develop sustainable businesses while also creating employment opportunities for around 800 individuals. By empowering women through these loans, the program seeks to stimulate economic growth that benefits families and communities across Pakistan.
From December 27–29, 2024, consumers purchasing select P&G products, including Ariel, Pampers, Always, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, and Safeguard, will contribute to this cause with every purchase made.
Ovais Ather Yousuf, CEO of P&G Pakistan, highlighted the company’s commitment to gender equality, stating, “We are dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for women. This collaboration with Imtiaz Group and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance will provide the resources necessary for women in marginalized communities to thrive as entrepreneurs and achieve financial independence.”
Despite global progress in women’s financial inclusion, the World Bank highlights that women’s economic participation in Pakistan remains limited. This partnership directly addresses that gap, providing financial tools to help women build and grow businesses. The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #1 (No Poverty) and #5 (Gender Equality).
Umer Imtiaz, CEO of Imtiaz Group, emphasized, “We believe that empowering women goes beyond supporting individual businesses. It’s about creating a ripple effect that benefits entire communities. By involving our customers in this initiative, we can help unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs, which will contribute to broader economic development.”
Danish Aman, Chairman of the Council of Patrons Sindh at Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance, shared, “Poverty is not just about lacking resources; it’s about missing out on social networks, justice, and hope. These interest-free loans are designed to empower women, lift their living standards, and help transform society.”
Through this partnership, P&G, Imtiaz Group, and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance are collectively working towards a more equitable and prosperous future, with a focus on fostering women’s entrepreneurship and social change.
