Entrepreneurship in Pakistan is witnessing a dynamic shift, with more women than ever stepping into roles as founders, innovators and independent professionals. Despite this progress, significant challenges remain. Women often face limited access to funding, mentorship and professional networks, while also struggling to find safe, inclusive workspaces tailored for their success.
At COLABS, we recognize that women-led businesses require more than just a workspace — they need a thriving ecosystem that fosters growth, productivity and opportunity. Our commitment extends beyond providing office space. We are dedicated to empowering women by connecting them with investment opportunities, networking & professional development and essential workplace amenities.
Through strategic partnerships, community-driven initiatives and women-centric programs and incentives, COLABS is shaping a new era of entrepreneurship in Pakistan — one where women have the support to thrive.
In this blog, we will cover:
• The Challenges Women Face in Entrepreneurship
• How COLABS is changing the status quo
• She’s the Future of Work — commemorating Women’s Day
• Wrapping Up: Building a Future Where Women Thrive
The Challenges Women Face in Entrepreneurship & Freelancing
Workplace & Infrastructure Challenges
A productive work environment is crucial for professional success, yet many women in Pakistan face a lack of a secure, well-equipped and genuinely empowering workspace. Only 1% of women engaged in overall entrepreneurial activities as opposed to 21% of men (Invest2Innovate Report, 2019). Traditional office environments may not always be progressive, ultimately limiting inclusivity and overall diversity. Working from home is often embodied by unlimited distractions, cultural limitations and a lack of professional infrastructure or environment.
Limited Access to Capital & Investment
Globally, female-led startups receive less than 3% of venture capital funding (Boston Consulting Group, 2018). In Pakistan, this number is even lower, making it exceptionally difficult for women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. The lack of direct access to investors and funding networks places women at a disadvantage compared to their male counterparts.
Lack of Professional Networks & Mentorship
Networking and mentorship are essential drivers of business success, yet women in Pakistan remain significantly underrepresented in industry meetups, accelerator programs and professional networks. A 2020 study by LinkedIn revealed that women in South Asia, including Pakistan, are 30% less likely to have a strong professional network compared to men (LinkedIn Gender Insights Report, 2020). The absence of structured mentorship opportunities limits their ability to connect with investors, industry leaders and business professionals who can guide them forward.
At COLABS, we understand these challenges fully and have developed an inclusive, resource-rich community where women are empowered and can flourish.
COLABS: Empowering Women and Redefining the Future of Work
Building a Safe, Inclusive & Empowering Community
A strong community and network are critical for professional success. At COLABS, we have cultivated an inclusive, collaborative and high-impact environment where women can connect, learn and grow.
• Women-Centric Networking & Industry Events – 50% of the events hosted at COLABS are led by women, ensuring greater visibility, participation and collaboration for female professionals.
• COLABS Day Care – A dedicated space designed to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children while parents can focus on balancing professional aspirations with personal responsibilities.
• Women in Leadership Speaker Sessions – Through curated fireside chats, expert panels and leadership sessions, COLABS empowers women with insights, strategies and career-building knowledge.
“At COLABS, I found more than just a workspace — I found a network of women who actively support and encourage each other. The collaborative spirit here is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.” — Maha Raza, Digital Marketing Consultant
By fostering authentic, results-driven support systems, COLABS ensures that women are not just present in the entrepreneurial ecosystem — they thrive in it.
Enabling Women-Led Businesses & Professional Growth
For women-led businesses to succeed, access to the right investment, mentorship and business development resources is essential. At COLABS, we actively connect women entrepreneurs with:
• Impact Insight – 40% of the startups operating at COLABS are women-led businesses, setting a strong precedent for female entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
• Investor Networks & Startup Showcases – Through strategic partnerships with local and international venture capital firms, startup accelerators and angel investors, COLABS ensures that women-led businesses get the visibility and funding they deserve.
• Accelerator & Mentorship Programs – COLABS partners with industry experts and business leaders to provide hands-on mentorship, for example, COLABS is in partnership with 60 Day Startups to specifically mentor women-led startups.
Prioritizing Women’s Well-Being & Workplace Comfort
Beyond professional development, women’s well-being, workplace comfort and access to essential facilities are critical components of a truly empowering workspace. COLABS has introduced several initiatives to address these needs.
Women-Focused Health & Wellness Initiatives
Exclusive Yoga & Wellness Sessions – COLABS has launched stress-relief, mindfulness and fitness sessions designed specifically for women professionals. These initiatives focus on:
• Managing workplace stress and mental well-being
• Encouraging work-life balance and personal development
• Creating a safe space for women to unwind and connect
Feminine Hygiene Vending Machines with Davaam – COLABS has partnered with Davaam to install feminine hygiene vending machines across its locations.
This initiative:
• Provides easy access to essential hygiene products
• Promotes inclusivity and workplace equality
• Ensures comfort, convenience and a supportive work environment for women
She’s the Future of Work – International Women’s Day Campaign
Breaking Barriers for Women in the Workforce
To celebrate International Women’s Day, COLABS launched ‘She’s the Future of Work’, a brand campaign meticulously curated to:
• Breaking women stereotypes – prohibiting any discrimination, signifying women prevalence in all fields and disciplines
• Empowering women – showcasing that women are their own entities and can achieve absolutely anything
• Inspiriting faith & ambition – instilling the belief that all women are the future of work
Through workplace provisions, wellness programs and advocacy initiatives, COLABS is actively shaping a workspace culture that values and prioritizes female leadership.
Building a Future Where Women Thrive
At COLABS, we firmly believe that women are the future of work. Our commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs and freelancers extends beyond providing office space — it is about creating opportunities, fostering collaboration and enabling real professional growth.
By empowering women-led businesses, connecting them to funding opportunities, fostering a strong community and introducing essential workplace amenities, COLABS is actively shaping a more inclusive, equitable and empowering entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pakistan.
Join the COLABS Community Today!