Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company has reiterated its commitment to enhance access to finance for women and improve their socioeconomic standing in the society.

Focus on women is one of the overarching themes of all Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC)'s interventions, said a press release issued on Thursday.

As the apex institution and sector developer, the PMIC advocates for gender equality with the central objective of improving the socioeconomic status of the women.

In line with this year's theme - "Each for Equal", the PMIC held a Women's Day event to celebrate and recognise the entrepreneurial spirit and accomplishments of women in the country.

Women beneficiaries from the PMIC funded Microfinance Institutions - were invited to share their perspective with the PMIC Board and team.

The beneficiaries were resilient examples who have used their microfinance loans to challenge stereotypes and have adopted non-conventional roles such as joining a ride hailing service as a driver, operating a pick-and-drop transport service and setting up a vocational training center, the press statement said. These diverse and accomplished women shared their life journey, role of microfinance in helping them overcome challenges, lessons learnt and their future plans.

Through their commitment and resolve, they have inspired many more women to become drivers, trainers, beauticians and businesswomen among others.

Moreover, these women have been able to educate their children; an encouraging example was that one of the beneficiary's daughters had recently completed her studies to become a dentist.-PR