Roshaneh Zafar

Roshaneh Zafar

Ms. Roshaneh Zafar is a pioneer in the development sector with an experience of over thirty years. She is the only Pakistani woman to have established the country’s first specialized microfinance institution, Kashf Foundation, that works towards empowering women micro entrepreneurs. Ms. Zafar also serves on the board of several prestigious institutions including Pakistan Medical Commission, Kinnaird College, Finca MicroFinance Bank, the Micro Insurance Network, the Pakistan Microfinance Network and Kaarvan Crafts. Her contribution to the development field has been recognized internationally and nationally. In 2010, she won Vital Voices award for economic empowerment and in 2007 the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship. In 2005, Ms. Zafar was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan s highest civilian awards, by the President of Pakistan for her work to empower women from low-income households. In addition, she was selected as a social entrepreneur in 2004 by the Schwab Foundation, a sister entity to the World Economic Forum. Ms. Zafar has also previously worked with the World Bank and has served as a member of the Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Austerity and Federal Government restructuring. She is a graduate of the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, USA and also holds a Master’s degree in Development Economics from Yale University, USA.