Chairperson’s Message 2024
To the Kashf Foundation Community
At Kashf, progress isn’t just measured in numbers – it’s measured in the stories of resilience, the small victories that spark larger transformations. While 2023 tested Pakistan in unprecedented ways, from rising inflation to political uncertainty, it also reinforced our belief that investing in people – particularly women – is the key to lasting change.
This year, Kashf’s work directly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that our impact is felt where it matters most – on the ground, where lives are changed. Empowering women to lead businesses has a ripple effect: when a woman succeeds, her community thrives. While Pakistan has been ranked 145 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index Report 2024, we believe this indicates a need for urgent investment! But bridging the gender gap requires more than just financial inclusion – it demands targeted efforts to ensure that women have the skills, resources, and opportunities to fully participate in the economy.
Our focus on reducing the gender gap through targeted investment in women’s entrepreneurship has been a cornerstone of our approach. The efforts to address this are evident in our support of women entrepreneurs across Pakistan, providing not just financial services but also training, mentorship, and access to markets. This is how we have contributed to SDG 1: No Poverty through our expanded financial services giving women and low-income households the resources to build sustainable livelihoods.
Beyond financial inclusion, our focus on SDG 5: Gender Equality has been a driving force behind our mission. Empowering women to start and scale their businesses doesn’t just improve their lives – it lifts entire communities.
One of our proudest achievements this year was in SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Through the launch of health clinics and preventive care programs, we’ve provided critical healthcare access to underserved communities, helping families reduce out-of-pocket expenses and improve their overall well-being. Our work on SDG 4: Quality Education continues to provide young girls with education through our school finance program providing them with access to education and ensuring they have the tools to build a brighter future.
These are not just abstract goals – they represent the very real changes we see in the lives of our clients every day. Whether it’s a mother starting her own business to provide for her family or a child attending school for the first time, Kashf’s approach to human development is creating pathways out of poverty, one step at a time.
Looking ahead, we are also focusing on SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. Our upcoming Solar Micro-Grid Scheme is not just about bringing power to homes; it’s about creating economic opportunities, particularly for women who can leverage clean energy for small businesses. Through this and our ongoing commitment to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, we are trying to build a more equitable future for all.
On the organizational front, Kashf has continued to perform exceptionally well, strengthening our credit rating and demonstrating financial resilience with 121% Operational Self-Sufficiency and 110.39% Financial Self-Sufficiency. We disbursed 901,135 loans totaling Rs. 49.85 billion this year – numbers that reflect the scale of our impact, but more importantly, the lives we’ve touched.
As we move forward, our vision remains clear: to invest in human potential; and to remain committed to the SDGs. So, let’s celebrate the progress, yes – but let’s also keep our eyes on the horizon. There are more ladders to build, more lives to touch, and more dreams to make possible.
Sincerely,
With warm regards,
