How BISP is Empowering Women in Pakistan – Economic Support

This article explains how BISP is improving women’s lives, what problems still exist, and how the program can become even better. The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is not just financial help—it is changing the lives of poor women in Pakistan. Started to support low-income families, BISP has now become a powerful tool to empower women and help them play an important role in society and the economy.

How BISP Helps Women in Pakistan

Cash Support Directly to Women

One of the biggest strengths of BISP is that payments go directly to women, not to the male head of the family. This gives women more control over money and helps them feel responsible and respected in the household.

More Power in Family Decisions

When women receive the money, they start taking part in decisions at home—like buying food, school items, and medicines. Their voices are heard more, and they feel confident.

Confidence and Movement

Many women use BISP to go outside the home for the first time—such as visiting banks or BISP centers. This gives them confidence and freedom and helps them take more responsibility in life.

Social and Political Awareness

With regular support, many women join local meetings, vote in elections, and become more active in the community. This small step can lead to big changes in society.

Starting Small Businesses

Some women use BISP money to start home-based businesses like tailoring, poultry farming, or selling snacks. Others save money for emergencies or their children’s future.

Problems That Still Exist

While BISP is helping millions, there are still challenges that stop some women from getting full benefits:

Low Payment Amount

In 2025, the monthly cash support is Rs. 13,500, but due to rising prices, this amount is still not enough for many families.

Difficulty in Receiving Payments

Many rural women face long distances, lack of identity documents (CNICs), or don’t know how to use ATMs and mobile apps. They often rely on men to get the money, which reduces their control.

Lack of Awareness

Some poor women don’t know they are eligible or don’t understand how to register for BISP. Also, information is not always available in regional languages.

How BISP Can Be Improved for Women

To make BISP a stronger program for women’s empowerment, the government should take the following steps:

Increase the Amount

Adjust the payment amount according to household size and inflation. Give extra support to widows, single mothers, and disabled women.

Make Access Easier

Use mobile banking apps, expand biometric centers, and offer doorstep delivery of cash in far-off areas.

Add Skills Training

Combine BISP payments with skills training like tailoring, livestock farming, cooking, or mobile phone use. This can help women become financially independent.

Friendly BISP Centers

BISP offices and centers should have female staff, separate waiting areas for women, and a respectful environment.

Measure Real Impact

Don’t just count how many women received money—also measure how their lives improved, their confidence, and their business success.

BISP Women Empowerment Checklist ✅

To truly empower women, BISP should:

1. Provide enough money for real needs
2. Make payments easy and safe to receive
3. Reach remote areas with awareness campaigns
4. Offer job skills and training programs
5. Respect local cultures while promoting change
6. Track success with real-life feedback

FAQs about BISP and Women Empowerment

Q: How does BISP help women in Pakistan?
A: BISP gives monthly cash directly to women, helping them manage home expenses, gain confidence, and take part in family decisions.

Q: Can women earn money through BISP?
A: Yes. Many women use BISP money to start small businesses at home and build a better future.

Q: What problems do women face in accessing BISP?
A: Some women don’t have ID cards, digital knowledge, or family support. They also face cultural pressures that stop them from using the money freely

Final Words

The Benazir Income Support Programme has become a ray of hope for millions of poor women. It gives them power, respect, and new chances in life.

But for true empowerment, we need more support, better access, and strong community engagement. When women are trusted with resources, they do not just spend money—they build a better home, a better family, and a better Pakistan.