Financial Inclusion of Women - Challenge 2020

Working for Financial Inclusion in Pakistan

Women financial inclusion at large has stayed very low despite the efforts from the industry on increasing the overall financial inclusion number. Women, specifically in Pakistan, are faced with problems when it comes to adoption of Financial Services that may include: Mobility, Documentation (Availability), Usability (Less Conducive for Women vs Men) and Accessibility (Low Phone Ownership and Marginalization in technology adoption etc.)

Karandaaz invites applications in two categories to support businesses that not only create financial products but also from the businesses that enable women consumers to adopt Financial Services.

1. Type A Category:
Technological solutions that enables and encourages adoption of Formal Financial Services by the women and should result into large number of women using formal financial services. Firms that can apply in this category:
• Marketplaces and other E/M-Commerce players
• Digital Social Platforms
• Digital Use-cases for Women (Lifestyle Apps, Recommendation App, Ride-hailing etc.)
• Non-Financial Sector Players

2. Type B Category:
Women-Centric financial products and Channels. Firm that can apply in this category:
• Banks
• Branchless banking providers
• Fintechs, NBFIs
• MFBs
*Other entities can apply in consortium with a licensed provider

Important Note:
• The applicants should be registered in Pakistan.
• This program is not open to individuals.

Both Start-ups (that have grown beyond the MVP stage) and established companies are allowed to apply for challenge round.