The Ehsaas Program, launched by the Government of Pakistan, has become one of the world’s most recognized social protection initiatives. Ehsaas is a word in the Urdu language meaning “to feel,” representing empathy and a commitment to helping those in need. It is the Government of Pakistan’s comprehensive initiative to tackle poverty and inequality. Launched to mitigate the socioeconomic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ehsaas has provided financial relief to millions of vulnerable households, particularly women, through direct cash transfers. The program, led by Dr. Sania Nishtar (currently serving as the CEO of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance), continues to be a model for innovative and scalable poverty alleviation.

Global Recognition and Impact

In a 2021 report by the World Bank, Pakistan’s Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program was highlighted for its remarkable reach, ranking fourth globally in terms of the number of people covered and third in terms of the percentage of the population served. The Ehsaas Emergency Cash initiative disbursed stipends of PKR 12,000 ($48) to nearly 15 million households, benefiting more than 100 million people—almost half of Pakistan’s population. The World Bank praised the program for its rapid rollout and extensive coverage, calling it one of the most impressive large-scale social protection measures worldwide.

Economic Empowerment Through Targeted Initiatives

A significant aspect of the Ehsaas Program is its emphasis on women’s empowerment. More than 50% of its initiatives focus on providing financial security to women. By targeting women for poverty alleviation and supporting the United Nations (U.N.) SDG 5 on gender equality, Ehsaas is empowering women economically and socially.

The Ehsaas Kafaalat Program provides direct cash transfers to low-income women, ensuring that they have the financial support needed for necessities such as food, health care and education. Women have been the focal point of the Ehsaas Interest-Free Loan Scheme, which enables them to start small businesses and gain financial independence. Nishtar highlighted how the empowerment of women is beneficial for society and the economy and that the “government is determined to lift seven million poorest women in Pakistan out of poverty and help them achieve their potential.”

Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods

The Ehsaas Aamdan Program provides sustainable assets such as sewing machines, shops, livestock and vehicles to help individuals generate long-term income. This asset-based approach empowers women to contribute to their families’ economic stability while fostering entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

Similarly, the Ehsaas Nashonuma Program promotes gender-sensitive financial support for nutrition. Families receive $7.18 for girls and $5.39 for boys younger than 2 years of age, which not only provides vital nutrition for children but also encourages a shift in societal attitudes toward gender equality. By offering higher financial incentives for female children, the program aims to combat cultural practices like female feticide and emphasize the value of female children.

Final Remark

Ehsaas’ implementation provides valuable lessons for other nations, especially in light of the recent crises that have highlighted the need to redefine the role of the welfare state. This presents a unique chance to create a pivotal moment in advancing global social welfare. Moreover, its emphasis on gender equality mirrors the development strategies of economically advanced countries, which have leveraged the potential of their female populations to achieve sustainable growth.

This realization is paving the way for Pakistan’s future economic, social and political development, with women playing a crucial role in these advancements. By empowering women, the Ehsaas Program is driving Pakistan closer to achieving its national development goals while addressing the pressing issues of poverty and inequality.

– Irtija Ahmad

Irtija is based in Slough, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons