They also said that access to finance, digital skills, and financial literacy are also very important for women now as they are still lagging behind
Upscaling the proper technology knowledge and education are must for the women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh to keep pace with the transforming digital world, said the speakers.
They also said that access to finance, digital skills, and financial literacy are also very important for women now as they are still lagging behind here.
They were speaking at a seminar titled “SheMeansBusiness: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in The Digital Economy”, organized by the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) Women’s Forum in the capital on Wednesday.
Selima Ahmed MP, the president of the Bangladesh Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, delivered a speech as a special guest. She noted that in the past, women were predominantly involved in businesses such as fashion, boutiques, and beauty parlours, but times have changed. Despite the challenges they faced in establishing a women’s chamber, they persevered.
She emphasized that women entrepreneurs must confront and overcome various obstacles on their path to success. The digital economy is advancing, and the country already boasts 500,000 active women freelancers, with the potential to grow into a million-dollar sector.
She also stressed the need for women entrepreneurs to receive education and upskilling, while also encouraging collective efforts with government support to promote their advancement.
As the chief guest, Haznah Md Hashim, the Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, highlighted Malaysia’s perspective on the digital economy and digital trade as a new avenue for growth.
In fact, the digital economy is one of the fastest-growing factors in Malaysia. It is the recipient of an impressive $15.7 billion.
Digital investment has the blueprint to attract $16.1 billion in digital investment by 2025 and for the sector to contribute to more than 22.5% of Malaysia’s GDP.
She also said that Bangladesh is a role model to the world in women’s empowerment.
Bangladesh shows strong resilience towards women while ensuring the participation of women in every stratum of Bangladesh’s society and economy.
The Malaysian envoy expressed her excitement to the BMCCI Women’s Forum for organizing the event at Sheraton Dhaka today.
She also said that the existing good relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia will be deeper and more fruitful through organizing such programs because Malaysia also believes in women’s empowerment and ensures women’s inclusion in Malaysia’s Digital Economy.
She hopes BMCCI will recognize the unique challenges that women face in the business world by empowering women entrepreneurs to promote gender equality and drive economic growth.
In the panel discussion, BMCCI President Syed Almas Kabir said that business with Malaysia should be increased.
“The products from Bangladesh have a demand in Malaysia and the BMCCI will help to accelerate exports,” he added.
Nadia Binte Amin, president of the Women Entrepreneurs Network for Development Association (WEND), said that women are upscaling themselves but still, there are barriers to access to finance that need to be overcome.
Naznin Nahar, president of e-Cab Women’s Forum, said that the business has changed now, becoming an entrepreneur needs strategic planning, choosing the right platform and the right product.
For this, technical knowledge and other proper knowledge gathering is essential. It is true that girls have progressed, but they have to survive to build a smart Bangladesh, she added.
Syeda Lutfunnahar, director of WE, said that WE is training women entrepreneurs, and increasing knowledge sharing.
Women are still dependent on men to make important decisions, she added saying that the social stigma must be removed.
Khadija Mariam, head of the women entrepreneur cell, Tara of Brac Bank said that the Brac Bank always works with women entrepreneurs.
The panellists also said that exporting products abroad faces problems related to logistics, transport, and packaging, and should be eliminated through proper initiatives.
BMCCI Secretary General Md Motaher Hoshan Khan moderated the event and Senior Vice-President Shabbir Ahmed Khan, Vice-President Jamilur Rahman and Joint-Secretary Rubaiyat Ahsan were also present at the seminar.
