Speakers at a seminar have highlighted that the small and medium enterprise sector should encourage more women entrepreneurs alongside simplifying and making more women-friendly the trade licensing processes and access to finance.
They made the emphasis at a joint seminar on 鈥楻ights, Equality, Empowerment: A Discussion on Women鈥檚 Progress in Bangladesh鈥� held at a hotel in the capital on Sunday afternoon.
The Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) jointly organised the seminar.
Takahashi Naoki, deputy chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh attended the programme as the chief guest.
Professor of Department of Economics of Dhaka University (DU) Sayema Haque Bidisha, pro-vice chancellor of the university, and Rubaba Dowla, country managing director of Oracle Bangladesh attended the event as special guests, said a press release on Monday.
The members of JBCCI, JETRO and distinguished guests from different organisations in the public and private sectors participated in the event.
Tahera Ahsan, executive director of JBCCI, moderated the programme.
Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), president of JBCCI, gave the welcome address where he highlighted the contributions of women to the economic development of Bangladesh.
Takahashi Naoki thanked JBCCI for organising this important session and acknowledged Bangladesh鈥檚 remarkable achievements in women鈥檚 employment and empowerment.
Japan believes that women empowerment and opportunities in employment are very essential for the progress of a country. He also mentioned that Japan is working for the Rohingyas and their wellbeing along with Bangladesh.
Naoki also recognized JBCCI鈥檚 pivotal role in enhancing Japanese investments in Bangladesh.
Maria Howlader, secretary general of JBCCI, delivered the key remarks where she highlighted that the global gender parity rates stand in line with the SDG goal no.5 and also iterated the call for taking action for achieving equality and parity for women.
Selima Ahmad, president of Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI), also shared her views as a guest speaker and shared snippets from her experiences and hurdles as a professional woman.
Sayema Haque Bidisha mentioned around 50 percent of small and medium entrepreneurs are women. The formal and informal sector employment divides between male and female workers, she stated.
She stressed on the quality of female employment, not just to focus on quantity.
Rubaba Dowla also emphasized that women鈥檚 presence in the workplace is crucial for ensuring the sustainable growth of the economy.
She stressed on accelerating action and mentioned that it is high time to start pushing invisible and divisive boundaries.
The event also featured a panel discussion, moderated by Tahera Ahsan.聽 Panelists included Kazi Rubaiya Islam, corporate and media relations lead at JTI, Uzma Chowdhury, CPA, director (Finance) at Pran-RFL Group and Aminata BA, assistant manager at Mitsubishi Corporation, Dhaka.
They shared personal experiences, highlighting the evolution and growing impact of women in various sectors.
The panelists observed that women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh are thriving and making significant contributions alongside their male counterparts.
They underscored the need for employment services that support women in the workplace such as maternity leaves and day cares and also emphasized the need for changing gender-bias mindsets at the household, professional and public spheres.
Uzma Chowdhury highlighted good industry practices from Pran-RFL in ensuring safety, security and maternity leave for women. She mentioned that maternity leave and daycare facilities have ensured women employees鈥� dedication to serve the company.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Anwar Shahid, vice president of JBCCI, thanked everyone for attending the programme and appreciated all the discussants for their valuable insights and success stories which will inspire others too.
He emphasized that women鈥檚 active participation in the workforce is essential for the continued growth and prosperity of Bangladesh and reiterated JBCCI鈥檚 continued support and commitment to the cause.
