Women in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan, face significant challenges in fully benefiting from existing international trade agreements and accessing finance. Women-led firms are still only a small portion of the overall number of businesses in Pakistan. Due to restrictive social norms disadvantages for women entrepreneurs in agriculture, industry and services remain substantial barriers to progress.

FNF Pakistan, in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), conducted a study on empowering women in trade, aiming to address these challenges. The study explored how women-led businesses have leveraged market access in South Asia, identifying areas where they have yet to realize their potential. It also highlighted the critical roles of both public and private sectors in bridging these gaps to enhance women’s participation in trade.

In a related effort, FNF Pakistan also examined the financial landscape for women entrepreneurs in its study "Advancing Financial Inclusion for Women Entrepreneurs in Pakistan." This study assessed the state of access to finance for women-led firms, highlighting the obstacles they face in securing loans and the potential benefits of improving credit access. This study benefited from the practical experience of the woman entrepreneurs, who graduated from the FNF entrepreneurship program WiSE (Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship). Published in late 2023, the paper provided recommendations to enhance financial inclusion. An advocacy event in 2024 brought together key stakeholders to push for policy reforms. A representative from the State Bank of Pakistan requested that the findings be included in future policy decisions to address discriminatory practices and improve women's access to finance.