Kashf Foundation honors exceptional women entrepreneurs

Real socio-economic change in Pakistan can become a reality only when economic development amongst women in the country is promoted. Grass-root level change in attitudes towards women's economic rights becomes a key variable. Change then becomes possible through the concentrated efforts of innumerable agents and stakeholders amongst varied segments of Pakistan's society.

These sentiments were shared by Roshaneh Zafar, Managing Director Kashf Foundation at Kashf's awards ceremony, titled Kashf Entrepreneurs Award 2013. This event, organized by Kashf Foundation, celebrated the achievements of female entrepreneurs and honored the efforts and innovations of its exceptional women clients who have played a vital role in creating employment opportunities for other low-income women in their respective communities.

Kashf Foundation dedicated International Women's Day to honoring these women, women who had not only changed their own lives, but also acted as flag-bearers of change for other women like them. These awards were given by the chief guest of the ceremony, Mueen Afzal, Chairman Board of Directors, Kashf Foundation.

"The future of Pakistan lies in the empowerment of its women. If these women are given adequate economic and social opportunities, then a significant improvement in Pakistan's socio-economic landscape becomes inevitable." These were the thoughts expressed by Mr. Mueen Afzal in his address at the event. He further lauded the key role that the microfinance industry in Pakistan is playing in helping low-income households, particularly women, through capital support and training and development opportunities.

Kamran Azim, Chief Operating Officer, Kashf foundation, highlighted the Foundation's achievements over the past decade and a half, sharing the Foundation's outreach, which spans across 31 districts and 167 branches; Kashf Foundation has touched the lives of over 1.2 million beneficiaries, comprising of women, men and their families.

This event was attended by Kashf Foundation's clients, Kashf staff, and innumerable representatives from various sectors of society.