Ms. Roshaneh Zafar
Personal Information
Ms. Roshaneh Zafar,
Founder and Managing Director, Kashf Foundation
Ms. Roshaneh Zafar is the Founder and Managing Director of Kashf Foundation, established in 1996 when microfinance in Pakistan was still emerging. Guided by a clear vision and unwavering resolve, she pioneered a model focused on women’s economic empowerment, linking financial access with business training, community development, and initiatives addressing cultural barriers. Her holistic approach has positioned Kashf as one of Pakistan’s leading institutions dedicated to women’s advancement.
Her early experience at the World Bank shaped her conviction that women everywhere seek agency, opportunity, and control over their lives. Beyond Kashf, Ms. Zafar contributes to global policy dialogues, including the UN Advisors Group on Inclusive Financial Sectors and the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council.
Her contributions have been widely recognized, including Pakistan’s Sitara-i-Imtiaz and international honors such as the Skoll Award and the Schwab Foundation Entrepreneur Award. She holds a Master’s in Development Economics from Yale University and a Bachelor’s degree from Wharton Business School, and received an honorary PhD from the University of Antwerp in 2023.