Promoting solutions to women’s health challenges in Pakistan

Promoting solutions to women’s health challenges in Pakistan

Pakistan – Punjab Province

Pakistan’s population is projected to reach 390 million by 2054, making it the world’s third most populous country. The total fertility rate stands at 3.6, and 40% of the population is under the age of 15, indicating an overwhelmingly young demographic. At the same time, Pakistan faces one of the most severe gender gaps globally (ranked last out of 148 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index and 131st in the health category).

Despite its population size and birth rate, the domestic market relies heavily on imports for menstrual products and maternity-related items such as breastfeeding and postpartum care goods. Product variety is limited and does not adequately meet local women’s needs. According to a UNICEF survey, 28% of women reported missing work or school due to concerns about leakage or menstrual pain. Similarly, the limited availability of products tailored to the needs of pregnant and postpartum women is likely a barrier for working women.

We are seeking partners to collaborate with Pakistani manufacturers and, leveraging Japan’s expertise in this field, develop products that address local women’s needs (Note: given the limited range of products currently available locally, Japanese products may be accepted as is without necessarily requiring new development), and to work together to tackle women’s health challenges in Pakistan.

Development and test marketing of women’s health products (maternity and baby-care goods, femtech, etc.). By partnering with Pakistani private companies and NGOs to gather information on local women’s needs, and by using Japanese technologies and know-how to develop and pilot-test products that address those needs, we aim to demonstrate that businesses responding to women’s needs can be profitable.

Note: We also welcome approaches other than the envisioned pilots, as long as they contribute to solving the above challenges.

Product ideas related to women’s health—such as menstruation, pregnancy, and childcare (maternity and baby-care goods, femtech, etc.).

Note: We also accept achievements and expertise other than those initially expected, provided they help address the stated challenges.

• Pakistan overview
• Networks with local women entrepreneurs (including social entrepreneurs) built through initiatives with private companies, government organizations, NGOs, and programs supporting livelihood improvement and financial inclusion for female home-based workers
• Collaboration with a technical cooperation project to support women entrepreneurs scheduled to start in April 2026.

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