A seminar held in Dhaka recently spotlighted the need to boost women’s involvement in Bangladesh’s small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, with speakers urging the simplification of trade license procedures and better access to finance to cultivate a more supportive environment for female entrepreneurs.
Titled “Rights, Equality, Empowerment: A Discussion on Women’s Progress in Bangladesh,” the event was co-hosted by the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Taking place on Sunday afternoon at a hotel in the capital, the seminar brought together representatives from JBCCI, JETRO, and notable figures from both public and private sectors.
Takahashi Naoki, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, served as the chief guest. He commended Bangladesh’s progress in advancing women’s empowerment and labor force participation and reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing support for the nation, including its assistance to the Rohingya population. Naoki also acknowledged JBCCI’s instrumental role in drawing Japanese investments to Bangladesh.
JBCCI President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan highlighted the valuable role women have played in Bangladesh’s economic journey, while JBCCI Secretary General Maria Howlader emphasized the urgency of closing gender gaps in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5. She called for decisive measures to achieve true gender equality in entrepreneurship.
Professor Sayema Haque Bidisha of Dhaka University noted that women account for nearly half of all SME entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. She pointed out that beyond increasing employment rates, improving job quality for women must also be a key focus. Meanwhile, Rubaba Dowla, Managing Director of Oracle Bangladesh, underscored the importance of breaking down societal barriers to ensure women’s meaningful participation in the workforce, which she described as vital for sustained economic growth.
In his concluding remarks, JBCCI Vice President Anwar Shahid expressed appreciation to the participants and applauded the success stories shared at the seminar. He reaffirmed JBCCI’s dedication to empowering women in the workforce, describing their involvement as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s future development.
