State Bank of Pakistan Launches New Initiative to Boost Women’s Financial Inclusion

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has unveiled the second edition of its Banking on Equality (BoE) Policy, aimed at further reducing the gender gap in financial inclusion, which has decreased from 39% in 2021 to 29% in 2025.

The initial BoE policy, introduced in 2021, marked Pakistan’s first gender-mainstreaming initiative within the banking sector. The SBP emphasized that enhancing women’s participation in the financial sector is vital for the country’s long-term economic growth, aligning with its Vision 2028. Since the policy’s inception, over 17,500 women have been integrated into the banking workforce, increasing the female staff ratio from 13% to 17%. Additionally, banks have established dedicated teams to create women-centric financial products and services.

This initiative not only signifies progress in gender equality but also highlights the importance of women’s financial empowerment in driving economic stability. The SBP’s efforts have garnered recognition, as it recently received the Policy Achievement Award for Gender Inclusive Finance 2026, underscoring its commitment to fostering an inclusive financial environment.

Looking ahead, the SBP plans to continue its efforts to bridge the gender gap in financial services, with further initiatives expected to be announced in the coming months. The central bank aims to sustain momentum in promoting gender equality within the financial sector, ensuring that women have equal access to financial resources.