The onset of the pandemic saw, Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation conducting a fundraising campaign, aiming to aid the affectees from marginalized communities through the distribution of ration packs, PPEs & sanitizers.
With Covid 19 wreaking havoc on the economy, more and more people have been pushed below the poverty line. Keeping that in mind, ration packs containing a month’s supply of staple food items were distributed among the needy. In an effort to curb the spread of this deadly virus, PPE kits and sanitizers were distributed amongst the marginalized communities and all the front-line workers.
BARD Foundation has now collaborated with Akhuwat to disburse a substantial amount of these funds as interest-free loans to empower the Covid affected female entrepreneurs, who would not otherwise have access to capital to pursue their goals.
Akhuwat aims to decrease poverty and encourages socially and economically marginalized families by providing them interest-free microfinance loans so that they are able to lead a stable life and do not remain a dependent part of society. It also works with the aim to provide women with a life of dignity and make them independent and empowered.
BARD Foundation’s board member, Mehreen Dawood said, “This collaboration will prove to be effective against a corona wrecked economy and would help facilitate the progress of female entrepreneurship in Pakistan.”
The target of this joint effort was to bring relief to the community most affected due to the Covid affected economy and to empower female entrepreneurs, allowing them to become a contributing factor in society’s progression.
