Every day, women in Pakistan are transforming the mundane into the extraordinary, turning everyday challenges into thriving businesses. But here's where it gets inspiring: what if changing diapers, managing child allergies, or staring at a closet full of 'nothing to wear' could spark the next big startup? These are the conversations that rarely make it into boardrooms, yet they’re the foundation of some of Pakistan’s most innovative ventures. And this is the part most people miss: these ideas aren’t just creative—they’re revolutionizing the entrepreneurial landscape.
The Women in Tech initiative, backed by Standard Chartered, has spotlighted these very realities, proving that everyday problems can birth groundbreaking solutions. Starting with a modest 86 applications in 2019, the program has exploded to 1,900 applications from over 100 cities across Pakistan. From this pool, 10 startups were awarded seed grants of Rs 1 million each, along with a two-month mentorship program through INNOVentures Global. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is corporate Pakistan ready to embrace these home-grown solutions as seriously as they would a Silicon Valley import?
This year’s top three winners exemplify the power of turning personal struggles into scalable businesses. Hira Mubeen’s Yumkins Foods is redefining baby food, Erum Sheheryar’s Atfaal is tackling textile waste by upcycling it into kidswear, and Maria Ameer’s Ootein is pioneering Pakistan’s first certified allergen-free food brand, inspired by her own battle with celiac disease. These winners received scale-up grants of Rs 5m, Rs 3.5m, and Rs 2m, respectively, at a ceremony held on Thursday. Collectively, the shortlisted startups generated nearly Rs 25m in verified revenue within just two months—a trajectory that projects a staggering 3.3x annualized growth, potentially reaching Rs 150m in revenue next year.
But let’s pause for a moment: While Rs 150m might seem like small change in the corporate world, it’s a testament to the untapped potential of women solving real-life problems from their homes. Take, for instance, the challenge of working from home. Childcare, household management, and the limitations of corporate support systems are daily hurdles for working mothers. Digital Superwomen stepped in to address this gap by offering short online courses that equip women with basic skills to freelance from home. Similarly, Lahore-based AZCode, a coworking space with a 60% female user base, is challenging traditional workspaces by prioritizing inclusion over mere infrastructure. “Co-working spaces exist, but most offer only infrastructure—not inclusion,” says co-founder Asra Ameen. Is this the future of work, or just a niche solution?
The impact of these ventures extends far beyond revenue. Nida Athar, CEO of INNOVentures, highlights that over 80% of the teams across these startups are women, and more than 1,200 women have been engaged as suppliers, customers, and partners. Yet, the journey isn’t without hurdles. From 2015 to 2021, women-founded startups received only 1.4% of the $563m raised by local startups. While this has improved to roughly 10% today, the question remains: Are we doing enough to level the playing field?
Naz Khan, Principal Country Officer of the International Finance Corporation, argues that women’s entrepreneurship isn’t just a side story—it’s a driver of economic growth. Studies show that 90% of the income earned by women is reinvested into their families and communities, shaping future generations. However, areas like digital bookkeeping, analytics-driven spending, and disciplined financial recording need improvement. Mentorship programs are also stressing the importance of separating personal and business expenses and valuing one’s time as a critical business investment.
So, here’s the thought-provoking question for you: As Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem evolves, how can we ensure that women’s innovations aren’t just celebrated but fully integrated into the mainstream economy? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of business in Pakistan.
