KARACHI – Rising costs of groceries, meat, and electricity have put household budgets under pressure this Ramazan. Many women in Pakistan are turning their kitchens into small businesses to help manage household expenses.
Ameena Rehman, a 27-year-old graduate from Iqra University, began selling homemade meals and Ramazan platters last year. “Orders increase during Ramazan,” she said. “The profit helps cover groceries and electricity bills.” She markets her food through a Facebook page and word-of-mouth referrals.
In Gulistan-e-Johar, Sarwat Jabeen sells biryani and kababs to neighbors after her husband’s income fell short of covering rent and school fees. Similarly, women in North Nazimabad prepare frozen samosas and rolls before Ramazan and sell them locally. “Everything is expensive now,” said one cook. “Even a few thousand rupees help reduce stress.”
Home-based female entrepreneurs are using both formal platforms and informal methods to sell food. Muntaqa Peracha, CEO of Foodpanda, highlighted the HomeChef program, which supports thousands of women to earn income during Ramazan while managing household responsibilities. Women account for around 70% of HomeChef partners, earning an average monthly income of Rs120,000 in 2023-24.
Some women prefer working independently to control pricing or limit orders, relying on WhatsApp, Facebook, or neighborhood referrals. These efforts reflect a broader reality: women in Pakistan handle the majority of household chores, with more than 52 million engaged in cooking and cleaning, according to Gallup Pakistan.
Economists note that small home-based enterprises like these are vital for stability. During Ramazan, when household spending rises, women’s kitchens become a hub for income generation, helping families stay financially afloat.
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The trend demonstrates resilience and adaptability, as women use their skills to contribute to household finances while navigating the challenges of rising costs during Ramazan
