ISLAMABAD, Oct 3 (ABC): A $15 million Gender-Responsive Climate Finance and Entrepreneurship Hub has been proposed to support more than 800 women-led startups and train 3,200 women. The project is being processed for the World Bank–Country Partnership Framework for Pakistan (FY2026-FY2035).
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the proposed initiative envisages establishing a Provincial Women’s Green Equity Fund. It also includes four Regional Green Incubation Centres and a Punjab Green Marketplace to support women entrepreneurs and climate-related businesses.
The project targets more than 3,200 beneficiaries and envisages the creation of over 12,000 green jobs. In addition, it aims to achieve an estimated annual reduction of 150,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e).
Green finance and entrepreneurship support
Proposed activities include providing seed capital and green grants to help women-led businesses grow. The project will also focus on developing climate-resilient business models, sustainable supply-chain training and facilitating access to carbon markets.
Moreover, women entrepreneurs will receive training and business support through the proposed equity fund, four regional incubation centres and the green marketplace.
The Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department (EP&CCD) has been identified as the lead entity. Meanwhile, the Women Development Department, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and UN Women are listed in supporting roles.
Digital monitoring proposed
Monitoring and evaluation of the project is proposed through a digital dashboard. The system would use gender-disaggregated data and verified emission reductions to track the initiative’s progress and climate impact.
