Women in the workplace and women as business owners are essential drivers of inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction all around the world. Pakistan is a dynamic emerging economy, and women business owners stand ready to expand their reach through the production, distribution, and facilitation of innovative products and services.

This report, in partnership with the U.S.-Pakistan Women’s Council, the U.S. Embassy, Packages Group, the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, and the Lahore University of Management Sciences, aims to provide unique insight into the state of gender-inclusive sourcing in Pakistan, and provide a blueprint for buyer representatives, women business owners, and other leaders in the business community to take action to expand market access for women to ensure Pakistan continues on its path toward inclusive, equitable, and resilient economic growth.

Funded by the U.S. Department of States Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), WEConnect International is implementing a 3-year regional project on Women’s Empowerment through Economic Inclusion. The project is being implemented in Sri Lanka, India, Maldives and Bangladesh.

Accenture and WEConnect released their most recent research demonstrating the successful steps of Singaporean businesswomen in improving the nation’s economy. The report entitled “Businesswomen Grow Economies. Singapore is Next,” looks at the $95 billion opportunity that female entrepreneurship can contribute if given an equal chance to grow and thrive.

Singapore’s women entrepreneurs contribute to the economy in terms of innovation, revenue, job creation, community support and inclusive growth. The recommended steps in this report can help to address overcoming barriers, in turn enabling more women to realize their full potential and help significantly grow the economy.