The main purpose of this paper is to critically assess the context and policy environment for the
recent development of women’s entrepreneurship in Pakistan. The paper highlights the fact that
Pakistani women have been the passive recipients of various opportunities and programmes
related to welfare and development, e.g. related to skill training, but the political commitment
needed for achieving a fundamental change of the role of women in society is only slowly
emerging. The Pakistani system has traditionally favoured large companies rather than SMEs
and entrepreneurs, which has resulted in an economic contribution which is only slowly
accelerating. Though there are some positive trends for empowering women entrepreneurs, the
gender gap actually appears to be increasing in Pakistan.