Biography of Roshaneh Zafar: Founder of Kashf Foundation from Pakistan
Biography of Roshaneh Zafar:
Early Life and Education:
Roshaneh Zafar was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, into
a family with a rich legacy—her father, S. M. Zafar, a prominent politician,
and her grandmother, Malika Pukhraj, a renowned musician. After completing her
education at the Wharton Business School and Yale University in the United
States, focusing on development economics, she returned to Pakistan in the
early 90s.
Founding Kashf Foundation:
Inspired by the success of Bangladesh's Grameen Bank and its
founder Muhammad Yunus, Roshaneh Zafar established Pakistan's first specialized
microfinance organization, Kashf Foundation, in Lahore in 1996. Supported
financially by Yunus and her grandmother, who strongly believed in empowering
women, Kashf Foundation aimed to provide financial inclusion and support to
women entrepreneurs.
Biography of Roshaneh Zafar: Founder of Kashf Foundation Pakistan/Women's Economic Empowerment/entrepreneur/microfinancing organization/age#net worth
Advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment:
Under Roshaneh Zafar's leadership, Kashf Foundation has
grown exponentially, impacting over a quarter million women across Pakistan. By
providing financial resources and support to women-led initiatives, Zafar has
demonstrated the powerful business case for investing in women's microfinance.
Her efforts have not only increased household incomes but also improved access
to education and nutrition for children, fostering long-term societal benefits.
Global Influence and Advocacy:
Zafar's influence extends beyond Pakistan. She has served on
several global agenda councils by the World Economic Forum, focusing on gender
equality and inclusive financial sectors. Her advisory roles with the United
Nations further underscore her commitment to advancing global development
goals.
Diverse Contributions and Directorships:
In addition to her leadership at Kashf Foundation, Roshaneh
Zafar has held diverse directorships, including roles at Women's World Banking,
Pakistan Microfinance Network, and Finca Bank. She has also been actively
involved in promoting reforms in sectors such as healthcare through her
membership in the Pakistan Medical Council.
Media and Social Impact:
Zafar has leveraged media as a platform to raise awareness
on critical gender issues. Her collaborations with HUM TV resulted in impactful
drama serials like "Rehaii," addressing child marriage, and
"Udaari," focusing on child sexual abuse awareness and prevention.
Currently, Kashf Foundation's production "Kuch Ankahi" continues to
highlight important social issues on ARY Digital.
Recognition and Influence:
Roshaneh Zafar’s contributions have earned her numerous
accolades, including the Sitara-i-Imtiaz and recognition from the Skoll
Foundation and Schwab Foundation. Her advocacy extends beyond Kashf Foundation;
she actively promotes gender mainstreaming and client-centric practices through
her involvement in various boards and committees. Zafar’s academic background
in Development Economics from Yale University and Finance and Economics from
the Wharton Business School underscores her expertise and commitment to
sustainable development.
Impact and Legacy:
Ranked among Forbes' top 50 microfinance institutions
globally, Kashf Foundation stands as a testament to Zafar's innovative approach
and dedication to women’s empowerment. Her work not only empowers individual
women but also contributes to broader economic and social justice goals in
Pakistan and beyond. Through her leadership, Roshaneh Zafar continues to
inspire and transform lives, offering women in Pakistan hope and opportunities
for a brighter future.
Timeline summarizing Roshaneh Zafar's journey and
achievements:
- Early
Life and Education:
- 1970s-1980s:
Roshaneh Zafar is born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, into a family with
a notable legacy.
- Education:
She studies Development Economics at Wharton Business School and Yale
University in the United States.
- Career
Beginnings:
- Early
1990s: Works as a Women in Development specialist at the World Bank,
gaining insights into the importance of economic access for women.
- Founding
of Kashf Foundation:
- 1996:
Inspired by Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank's success in Bangladesh,
Roshaneh Zafar establishes Kashf Foundation in Lahore, Pakistan.
- Support:
Financial backing from Muhammad Yunus and her grandmother, Malika
Pukhraj, who strongly believed in empowering women.
- Leadership
and Growth of Kashf Foundation:
- 1996-present:
Leads Kashf Foundation as founder and managing director, pioneering
microfinance solutions exclusively for women in Pakistan.
- Impact:
Over the years, Kashf Foundation grows significantly, impacting millions
of women entrepreneurs across Pakistan.
- Recognition
and Influence:
- Awards:
Receives accolades such as the Sitara-i-Imtiaz and recognition from the
Skoll Foundation and Schwab Foundation for her contributions to
microfinance and women's empowerment.
- Global
Influence: Serves on global agenda councils by the World Economic Forum,
focusing on gender equality and inclusive financial sectors.
- Media
and Social Impact:
- Advocacy:
Uses media platforms to raise awareness on critical gender issues through
collaborations with HUM TV and ARY Digital.
- Legacy
and Continued Influence:
- Current
Impact: Continues to lead Kashf Foundation, promoting gender
mainstreaming and sustainable development in Pakistan.
- Influence:
Recognized as a pioneer in women's economic empowerment and a role model
for future generations globally.
This timeline outlines Roshaneh Zafar's journey from her education and early career to the founding of Kashf Foundation, her leadership, global influence, and ongoing impact on women's empowerment in Pakistan and beyond.
