What you are solving for
Karandaaz Pakistan is proud to launch the 5th round of the Women Financial Inclusion Challenge (FIWC), focusing on “Empowering Women’s Economic Participation in Agriculture and Labor.” This initiative supports innovative financial solutions that cater specifically to women in agriculture and blue-collar sectors, enabling them to overcome financial barriers, access digital tools, and build economic independence. Through grant funding and technical support, FIWC Round 5 seeks to drive transformative change by empowering women with the tools they need to thrive.
Deadline: 19th February 2025
Her Haath Roshan
Watch the video, get inspired, and be part of the movement!
Target segments
FIWC Round 5 targets two key segments of women:
Women in Agriculture
Farmers, laborers, and entrepreneurs involved in agricultural value chains who need accessible digital payment systems, financial literacy, and technology training to streamline transactions and improve cash flow management.
Blue-Collar Women Workers
Women in labor-intensive industries like construction, manufacturing, and textiles who can benefit from digital salary payment solutions, automated savings tools, and access to financial services that promote stability and independence.
Proposal Development Workshop
Who can apply
FIWC Round 5 invites applications from digital platforms, fintechs, financial service providers, banks, agritech companies, manufacturers, textile and food mills, and private enterprises committed to enhancing financial access for women in agriculture and blue-collar sectors.
Women-Centric Financial Products and Services
Develop tailored solutions like savings, loans, insurance, and digital payment tools to address the unique financial challenges faced by women in agriculture and labor.
Targeted Growth Strategies for Financial Inclusion
Design innovative outreach and marketing strategies to boost the adoption of financial products among women, using gender-sensitive approaches to address barriers at every stage.
Platforms Supporting Women’s Financial Empowerment
Create tools and resources that enable women to manage finances effectively, promote account ownership, and digitize payments in agriculture and labor value chains.
Segment-Specific Initiatives for Financial Inclusion
Address the specific financial inclusion challenges of women in agriculture and blue-collar sectors, enhancing their financial literacy and access to formal banking services.
Opportunity size
There is opportunity cost of not taking a gender-intelligent approach. A research study with 31 fintechs, 15 subject matter experts, and10 fintech investors by Financial Alliance for Women reveals that the business case for serving women with better financial servicesis compelling, with women expected to control over $216 trillion in wealth globally.
70%
By simplifying its registration process and converting women at the same rate as men, Fintual could increase its revenue by 70 percent.
20%
For every 10 male loan applications, Kubo Financiero’s algorithm approves 8 women’s loan applications.By fixing the bias in its credit algorithm, the company could potentially increase its gross profit margin by 20%.
50%
By tapping into the power of female referrals, Carbon could see a 50 percent increase in organic customer growth.
Key dates
January
17
Application open
February
10
Proposal Development Workshop (Online)
February
19
Applications deadline
February
24
Pitch Day
Note: These dates are tentative and subject to change. Venue and event details for Pitches will be communicated to the shortlisted participants.
View term sheetDownload Proposal TemplateDeadline: 19th February 2025
FAQs
FIWC Round 5 is an initiative by Karandaaz Pakistan aimed at empowering women in agriculture and blue-collar sectors by supporting innovative financial solutions that enhance their economic participation.
The theme is “Empowering Women’s Economic Participation in Agriculture and Labor,” focusing on improving financial and digital access for women in these vital workforce segments.
Eligible organizations include digital platforms, fintechs, banks, agritech companies, manufacturers, textile and food mills, and private enterprises committed to promoting women’s financial inclusion in agriculture and labor sectors.
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