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Enterprise that reaches markets
ECDI combines enterprise skills, quality inputs, technology, finance and market information so women-led businesses can move into stronger value chains.
Who we are
Development works better when people can shape it.
ECDI is a not-for-profit economic development organisation working with women, young people and communities in Pakistan since 1990.
ECDI Pakistan
Enterprise, opportunity and voice - connected through long-term practice.
ECDI develops practical responses to poverty, exclusion and unequal access to markets. Its work spans basic needs, livelihoods, enterprise development, gender inclusion, learning and public participation.
Across each programme, the method is consistent: understand the context, strengthen the people and organisations already present, and connect capability to opportunities that can last.
Since 1990
ECDI begins its work in Pakistan
Not-for-profit
Public-interest economic development practice
Karachi
Locally rooted, working across Pakistan
Women at the centre
Enterprise, inclusion, voice and market access
#F5F3EE
An equitable society where women and people experiencing poverty can realise their socioeconomic potential.
ECDI works to make economic participation more possible - especially for people who have been overlooked by mainstream systems and markets.
How we create change
Three connected disciplines.
ECDI's work moves from practical enterprise support to community participation and public voice.
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Programmes built around context
Community knowledge, local relationships and practical mentoring shape programmes that respond to how people live and work.
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Platforms for voice and recognition
Public dialogue, culture and advocacy create space for women and girls to be heard, seen and connected to opportunity.
A continuing practice
More than three decades of learning by doing.
From early enterprise and community development to pro-poor market systems, national partnerships and WOW Pakistan, ECDI's practice has kept evolving with the communities it serves.
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Understand ECDI
Purpose, history and leadership
1990
ECDI begins its work
2000
Pro-poor market development becomes central to the method
2016
Karachi hosts South Asia's first full-scale WOW Festival
Today
The work continues across enterprise, livelihoods, learning and voice
President & founder
Development
grounded in context.
“Our objectives revolve around promoting and building the capacity of women-owned businesses - and creating jobs for those overlooked by mainstream markets.”
Continue exploring ECDI
Explore more about our work and impact.
Learn more about the people, partnerships and programmes shaping ECDI’s work across Pakistan.