Islamabad has introduced its first women-only marketplace in a landmark move aimed at strengthening female entrepreneurship and economic participation. The new market, located in Sector G-11, has been designed exclusively for women-led businesses and is expected to create fresh opportunities for female entrepreneurs across the capital.
Named the Women Enterprise Market, the project was officially inaugurated earlier this month by Member of the National Assembly Farah Naz Akbar. The initiative was launched through a joint collaboration between the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI), the Capital Development Authority, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, and digital payments platform JazzCash.
The project is being celebrated as a major development for women seeking safe and professional business spaces in Islamabad. Officials and business leaders believe the marketplace can help reduce barriers faced by women in the country’s commercial sector.
Women Enterprise Market Opens New Business Opportunities
The Women Enterprise Market offers female entrepreneurs a dedicated platform to showcase products, connect with customers, and expand business operations. The market has been developed at a time when women’s participation in Pakistan’s entrepreneurial sector remains extremely low.
Figures shared during the inauguration ceremony revealed that women account for only one percent of entrepreneurs in the country, while men make up around 21 percent. Experts believe limited access to finance, lack of commercial spaces, and social challenges continue to restrict women from entering the business sector.
Officials involved in the project say the new marketplace can help bridge this gap by providing women with direct access to customers in a secure and supportive environment. Vendors operating inside the market are expected to benefit from improved visibility and networking opportunities.
Community members have described the initiative as a positive step toward creating inclusive economic growth. Many female entrepreneurs believe dedicated commercial spaces can encourage more women to start independent businesses and participate in the formal economy.
Islamabad Market Introduces Fully Cashless Shopping System
One of the most important features of the Women Enterprise Market is its fully cashless payment system. Both vendors and customers use digital payment methods for transactions inside the market.
The initiative aims to improve financial inclusion among women and strengthen their access to formal banking services. Officials from the State Bank of Pakistan stated that the project supports the goals outlined in the Financial Inclusion Strategy 2024–2028.
The strategy focuses on reducing the gender gap in banking access and encouraging women to adopt digital financial tools. Experts believe cashless systems can increase transparency, improve security, and make business operations more efficient for small entrepreneurs.
Digital payment services also allow women business owners to maintain transaction records and build stronger financial profiles. This can eventually improve access to loans and investment opportunities in the future.
Officials say the partnership with JazzCash will help women entrepreneurs become more familiar with digital payment technologies and mobile banking systems.
Demand Grows for Women-Focused Spaces in Islamabad
The launch of the Women Enterprise Market has generated strong public interest across Islamabad. Women entrepreneurs and local residents have welcomed the initiative and described it as a much-needed development for the capital city.
Discussions on social media platforms and community forums show increasing demand for women-focused business and recreational spaces. Many users have called for similar projects in other sectors of Islamabad and major cities across the country.
Supporters of the initiative believe women-only marketplaces can create safer shopping environments while also encouraging greater female participation in economic activities. They say such projects can contribute to long-term social and economic development.
Business leaders also believe the success of the Women Enterprise Market could inspire additional public-private partnerships focused on women empowerment and financial inclusion in Pakistan.
