In an effort to help ensure Women's access to capital in Pakistan, UNCDF's Special Unit for Microfinance (SUM) has committed US$300,000 to the Kashf Foundation, an MFI dedicated to the economic empowerment of women. In addition to UNCDF's own investment, other co-funding commitments to this initiative include US$ 285,000 funding from USAID, US$300,000 from the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor and a US$ 2.3-2.8 million loan from the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund on terms consistent with those of UNCDF.

The Kashf Foundation, a poverty-oriented NGO, initiated its operations in 1996 as an action research programme to demonstrate the credibility and economic competence of women from poor communities in the district of Lahore. Kashf’s original programme began with 15 courageous women who decided to utilize credit to begin small income generating activities.

From its commencement until late 2000, Kashf restricted its operations to a single pilot branch, postponing significant growth until its operations were in a condition to support a full roll-out by replicating its branch structure. Kashf is now in a position to expand.

The Kashf Foundation experienced remarkable almost from the start, with outreach to new clients nearly doubling in the first two years of its operation. By the end of 2002, Kashf had more than 30,000 clients. The rapid expansion of the organization has been strengthened through the standardization of systems and procedures to ensure efficiency.

In addition to its microfinance programme, Kashf also offers its customers a host of training opportunities, ranging from leadership and gender awareness to enterprise development. These programmes have enabled this successful MFI to ensure a higher impact on communities, especially on women.