Editors’ Picks

According to Misbah, there are some outstanding female founders in Pakistan, but they still constitute a significantly smaller percentage in comparison to male founders.

As a reference point. women founders raised 34% of all startup funding in 2021 however, in 2022 this fell to a mere 8%.

In Q1 2022, international angels accounted only for 9% (8 investors out of 89) of total investors across disclosed deals. In Q1 2023 they comprised 26% (7 investors out of 27) of total investor activity across disclosed deals. There were 22 deals across Q1 2022 and 7 across Q1 2023. claims Misbah Naqvi.

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Unfortunately, in Q1, no-female-founded companies announced funding and one mixed-gender-founded company announced funding with an undisclosed amount – all 6 deals were closed by male founders.

While the number of women entering the startup space is increasing, many of them are opting for more traditional businesses that can be easily operated from home, sometimes on a part-time basis.

For women founders seeking to establish investment-worthy businesses, initiatives like Invest2Innovate’s sister company, WeRaise program is fostering a robust pipeline of women entrepreneurs and assisting them in preparing for investment opportunities.

Identifying Challenges Faced by Women in Leadership Positions

We asked Misbah to identify some of the challenges she feels women face in leadership positions.

Women are often underestimated and labelled as “soft” or “emotional,” as if these attributes have a negative connotation. Consequently, they are overlooked for leadership positions.

Additionally, although employers may not explicitly state it (and in most places, they legally cannot), they may assume that women’s responsibilities at home will distract them or take away their focus from work.

Furthermore, women in leadership positions are sometimes viewed as “too aggressive,” while their male counterparts exhibiting similar traits are acknowledged and rewarded, shares Misbah Naqvi.

Evolution of Societal Attitudes Towards Women in Leadership

As we witness an increasing number of women joining and staying in the workforce, there has been a shift in societal attitudes towards women with careers. Male colleagues have become more accustomed to working with and being supervised by female bosses, especially in industries where women are more prevalent.

This change in attitude can also be attributed to the organizational culture established and maintained within the workplace. In Pakistan, we are also observing a slight shift in attitudes towards women spending time outside of the home without being stigmatized, states Naqvi.

Although there is still a long way to go before we achieve an equal representation of women in senior positions within companies and on boards, we are making progress.

It is crucial to have robust legal measures in place to prevent discrimination and wage disparities says Misbah Naqvi. Regular surveys within organizations can help identify any gender-based pay disparities and prevent them from becoming systemic.

Naming and shaming organizations that engage in such practices can have a far-reaching impact on promoting pay equity. A Twitter account even calls out organisations for the unfair pay gap.

Having male allies is crucial in promoting gender equity in the workplace. Men can lead by example by modelling respectful and supportive interactions with women.

In organizations where men vastly outnumber women in leadership positions, men must advocate for gender equity and create opportunities for women to advance. By doing so, male allies can help foster a more inclusive and diverse work environment, shares Naqvi.

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In Misbah Naqvi’s opinion, women in leadership positions often face stereotyping and are often categorized as either too soft or too aggressive. This binary perception can hinder their growth and success.

There’s also a common misconception that women expect preferential treatment or handouts, which is far from the truth. Women just want equality and fairness, and given access and opportunities, they can rise to the challenge and achieve their goals.

Naqvi believes

It is important to have visible role models who demonstrate through their actions that women are capable of excelling in any area. By showcasing women leaders, we can inspire young girls and women to believe in their potential. As Brené Brown noted, sometimes the most courageous and significant act is simply showing up.