Reinforcing its position as a leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank has successfully graduated 18 women-led startups under its Women Inspirational Network (WIN) Incubator Program, an industry-first initiative designed to unlock the economic potential of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.

The graduation ceremony, held in Islamabad, was attended by Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education & Professional Training, as the Chief Guest, alongside key stakeholders from the public and private sectors. 

The WIN program equipped participants with practical skills in digital entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and business scaling, enabling them to build resilient, future-ready enterprises. The ceremony concluded with awards recognizing high-impact ventures emerging from the cohort.

Green Plastics secured the Best Startup Award and received PKR 1 million in seed funding for its innovative solution converting potato peels into recyclable bags. Ecogen and EcoFlow were named winners of the Innovation Challenge, each receiving PKR 500,000 in seed funding for their impactful work in food waste management and affordable sanitary solutions for underserved communities.

With a total of 31 startups now graduated, Mobilink Bank continues to set the benchmark for enabling women-led businesses through structured incubation, mentorship, and access to financial and digital ecosystems. 

Speaking at the occasion, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education & Professional Training said that, “The graduation of 18 women-led startups under Mobilink Bank’s WIN Incubator is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of investing in women’s potential. Initiatives like this not only equip women with essential entrepreneurial and digital skills but also pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient economy. It is encouraging to see these ventures addressing critical challenges such as sustainability and social equity. Continued collaboration between the public and private sectors will be key to expanding such opportunities and enabling more women across Pakistan to become drivers of innovation and economic growth.”

Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, President & CEO, Mobilink Bank, remarked that, “At Mobilink Bank, we are moving beyond access to impact. The WIN Incubator is unlocking a new generation of women entrepreneurs who are not just participating in the economy but leading it. Their success is building a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready Pakistan.”

The graduating cohort demonstrated a strong focus on sustainability and social impact, with ventures addressing pressing challenges such as plastic waste, food waste, and period poverty, highlighting the growing role of women entrepreneurs in driving climate-conscious and socially responsible innovation. This also comes in line with the Bank’s ESG policy, which is strongly embedded into its core operations.

Mobilink Bank’s continued investment in initiatives like WIN underscores its commitment to building a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient economic future, where women are not just participants, but leaders of change.

Lahore, June 23, 2025 — Rabel Sadozai, Director of Marketing and Sales, Fatima Fertilizer, has been named the Sustainability Leader of the Year at the Women Leading Change Awards Asia-Pacific 2025, held in Hong Kong – a prestigious regional accolade that recognizes outstanding female leaders driving meaningful change across the Asia-Pacific region.
Rabel Sadozai’s recognition underscores her exceptional leadership in transforming Pakistan’s agriculture and fertilizer industry through sustainable innovation, gender inclusion, and climate action. Under her guidance, Fatima Fertilizer has become the first company in Pakistan to officially partner with the United Nations Development Programme by adopting the Sustainable Development Goals Impact Framework in 2024.
“It is an incredible honor to receive this recognition among such inspiring change makers from across Asia-Pacific,” said Rabel Sadozai. “At Fatima Fertilizer, sustainability isn’t just a goal; it’s the foundation of everything we do to secure Pakistan’s food future and uplift our farming communities, especially women. As the first company in Pakistan to adopt the SDGs Impact Framework in partnership with UNDP, we are committed to advancing key global goals, such as climate action, gender equality, and zero hunger, through innovation, renewable energy, water conservation, and inclusive, climate-resilient agriculture.”
She has played a pivotal role in policy advocacy, elevating the conversation around responsible agriculture and sustainability at national forums. Her efforts culminated in pioneering the concept of Salam Kissan, which led to the introduction of Pakistan’s first-ever Kissan Day, celebrated annually on December 18th. This historic milestone, officially recognized by the Government of Pakistan to honor farmers’ contributions and drives forward the agenda for agricultural reform and innovation. Rabel’s work has not only elevated Fatima Fertilizer’s reputation as a sustainability trailblazer but has also inspired other organizations in the industry to align with global ESG principles.
The Women Leading Change Awards celebrate women who are breaking barriers, redefining leadership, and shaping the future across business, sustainability, tech, and innovation. The awards serve as a powerful testament to Campaign Asia-Pacific’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality throughout the region.