How the Hashoo Foundation empowers women

In Pakistan, among a population of 240 million, 118 million are women. That’s why the country's ranking at 142 out of 146 in the World Economic Forum's gender gap index has significant economic and societal consequences. 

This gender gap hinders economic growth by excluding a substantial part of the workforce, resulting in lower productivity and reduced economic output compared to countries with narrower gender gaps.

Gender-based economic disparities exacerbate income inequality, with women often earning less than men for similar work, perpetuating poverty cycles and limiting female economic empowerment. 

Moreover, Pakistan's human capital is under utilised, as women make up 49% of it, hindering innovation and development. “Female labour force participation in Pakistan, at 25%, is well below rates for countries with similar income levels. Even among women with high levels of education, labour force participation lags: only around 25% of women with a university degree in Pakistan are working”, according to Asian Development Bank. 

Gender equality is vital for healthcare, education, and overall well-being. Women's exclusion from economic opportunities negatively impacts their access to these services and their children's welfare. Additionally, underrepresented women in decision-making roles neglect their needs and concerns in policies and laws. 

Bridging the gender gap necessitates collaboration among government, businesses, civil society, and individuals – creating an environment that fosters gender equality unlocks women's full potential, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society.

The Hashoo Foundation , a non-profit that serves the underprivileged through humanitarian and capacity-building approaches across Pakistan, has a long history of working with women (as opposed to simply ‘for’ them) to empower them.

Other notable campaigns Hashoo Foundation has aligned with include the Honey Bee Farming project which was featured during the poverty alleviation session at the 2007 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). Furthermore, in 2008, Hashoo Foundation was selected from amongst more than 1,000 organisations, as one of the four “Featured Commitments” on the CGI website during its Annual Meeting.

We have also made great strides with our Women’s Welfare, Empowerment and Development Program – and continue to do so. 

And this year, at the Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmarks (GDIB) Awards 2023, Hashoo Foundation won the Annual Global DEI Award 2023 in three categories for best practices: Leadership & Accountability; Work-Life Integration, Flexibility and Benefits, and DEI Learning & Development.

I highlight these achievements to show that if organisations in Pakistan truly wish to, they can also be a powerful force for good in raising women and girls up in the country – an endeavour that will benefit us all in the long run.

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