Women Entrepreneurs Transforming Business for People and Planet: A Case Study from Pakistan
Abstract/Description
This case study explores the dynamics of women-owned and women-managed businesses in Pakistan, drawing from the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) 2022. Using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations, we investigate how gender influences access to finance, experiences with corruption, the adoption of ethical and environmental business practices, and innovation within formal firms. The findings underscore that women-led firms, though severely underrepresented (with only 4.9% reporting female ownership), face disproportionately greater financial and institutional barriers. Yet, these businesses show resilience by adopting ethical practices and training programs, and by navigating corruption with greater integrity. This research contributes to the global discourse on inclusive economic growth by offering firm-level insights into gender-specific constraints and strategies, with implications for gender-sensitive economic policies in Pakistan.
Keywords
Women Entrepreneurs, Institutional Barriers, Ethical Business Practices, Environmental Sustainability, Innovation, Corruption, WBES
Track
Management
Session Number/Theme
Management - Session III
Session Chair
Dr. Kanza Sohail
Start Date/Time
14-6-2025 9:00 AM
End Date/Time
14-6-2025 10:40 AM
Location
MCS 4 1st Floor, AMAN CED Building
Recommended Citation
Khatoon, A. (2025). Women Entrepreneurs Transforming Business for People and Planet: A Case Study from Pakistan. IBA SBS 4th International Conference 2025. Retrieved from https://ir.iba.edu.pk/sbsic/2025/program/55
COinS
Women Entrepreneurs Transforming Business for People and Planet: A Case Study from Pakistan
MCS 4 1st Floor, AMAN CED Building
This case study explores the dynamics of women-owned and women-managed businesses in Pakistan, drawing from the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) 2022. Using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations, we investigate how gender influences access to finance, experiences with corruption, the adoption of ethical and environmental business practices, and innovation within formal firms. The findings underscore that women-led firms, though severely underrepresented (with only 4.9% reporting female ownership), face disproportionately greater financial and institutional barriers. Yet, these businesses show resilience by adopting ethical practices and training programs, and by navigating corruption with greater integrity. This research contributes to the global discourse on inclusive economic growth by offering firm-level insights into gender-specific constraints and strategies, with implications for gender-sensitive economic policies in Pakistan.
