Sheikh Hasina’s visionary plans, ‘Vision 2021 and 2041’, have generated significant momentum towards elevating Bangladesh to middle and high-income levels, while simultaneously ensuring the advancement of women and children in the country
The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman initiated the empowerment of women by enshrining equal rights for women and men as a constitutional obligation under Article 28, both in the state and public life. Under the leadership of his daughter and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government of Bangladesh has taken numerous measures to promote the development of women and children. Her visionary plans, Vision 2021 and 2041, have generated significant momentum towards elevating Bangladesh to middle and high-income levels, while simultaneously ensuring the advancement of women and children in the country.
You can also read: High-Level Discussion Highlights Bangladesh’s Progress in Women Empowerment Effort
Bangladesh, as a rapidly developing nation, stands to gain the most from the inclusion of women in the business world. Women’s economic participation and their ownership and control of productive assets speed up development, help overcome poverty, reduce inequalities, and improve children’s nutrition, health, and school attendance. Women are more likely to devote more of their earnings back into their families and communities than their male counterparts, feeding money back into their local communities.
In recent years, the rate of new business formation by women has significantly risen in Bangladesh. However, women still own and manage significantly fewer businesses than men. According to the Economic Census 2013, the number of females headed establishments is 0.56 million (7.21 per cent) while it was 0.10 million (2.80 per cent) in 2001 and 2003. The explanation for this rising rate and the behavior of female entrepreneurs in terms of traits, motivations, success rates, and their gender-related distinctiveness are, however, complex and multifaceted.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Skill Development Initiatives
Women entrepreneurs play a crucial role in driving economic growth and fostering innovation, but for them to fully realize their potential, it is essential to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge. Research into women’s entrepreneurship reveals that, frequently, the conditions and incentives for women to initiate businesses are not favorable. This often results in them missing out on significantly better opportunities because of their insufficient skills and knowledge.
Empowering Female Entrepreneurs Through Skill Development Initiatives
Capacity building and skill development play pivotal roles in the journey of female entrepreneurs. Government and non-governmental organizations offer training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities aimed at nurturing women’s entrepreneurial capabilities. These initiatives prioritize areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and technology integration, equipping women entrepreneurs with the expertise and confidence necessary to thrive in fiercely competitive markets.
Microcredit and Customized Support
Access to finance has historically been a major hurdle for female entrepreneurs worldwide. Initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurs’ Loan Scheme and the Women Entrepreneur Development Project offer tailored financial support, helping women overcome obstacles and expand their businesses.
Competing in a Dynamic Market: Today’s business landscape is highly dynamic and competitive. Women entrepreneurs need to be well-versed in various aspects of business, including marketing, finance, operations, and technology. Acquiring these skills enables them to adapt to changing market conditions and make informed decisions.
Enhancing Business Performance: Developing skills in areas like financial management, negotiation, and leadership can significantly enhance the performance of women-owned businesses. Better financial management, for instance, can lead to improved profitability and sustainability.
Access to Financing: Skill development can also improve women entrepreneurs’ access to financing. Financial institutions are more likely to lend to businesses with knowledgeable and capable leaders who can effectively manage borrowed funds.
Innovation and Problem Solving: Entrepreneurship often requires innovative thinking and problem-solving. By enhancing their skills, women entrepreneurs can develop creative solutions to challenges and seize new opportunities.
Networking and Collaboration: Networking and collaboration are essential factors for entrepreneurial success. Bangladesh boasts women-centric business organizations and networks such as the Bangladesh Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) and the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Bangladesh (NAWAB). These platforms enable women to connect, share experiences, and collaborate. They provide opportunities for commercial partnerships, mentorship, and a supportive environment where women can learn from one another and address common challenges.
PM Hasina’s Commitment on Women Empowerment
Bangladesh’s government has been steadfastly striving to promote the comprehensive development of women, aiming to facilitate their equal and active engagement in mainstream socio-economic endeavors while eliminating obstacles to their empowerment.
Women are provided training in various skills at the Shaheed Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Training Academy in Gazipur, including sewing, computer skills, and beautification.
• The Village Women Agriculture Training Centre in Savar offers integrated trades training for women, covering areas such as horticulture, fisheries, and livestock for a duration of three months.
• Across 64 district offices of the Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA), women are taught a range of skills, including food processing, beautification, embroidery, sewing, mobile phone servicing, and nursery/kitchen gardening.
• In 34 districts, the DWA organizes three-month-long training programs for women focused on Information Technology.
• Residential self-employment training for women is available at the Begum Rokeya Training Center, located in Mymenshing, Dinajpur, and Bagerhat Training Centre.
• Non-residential training programs for distressed women are conducted at 136 upazila offices of the Department of Women Affairs.
• The National Training and Development Academy, under the DWA, offers vocational training in tailoring, block printing, and embroidery.
• Basic computer and ICT training programs are actively provided in 64 District Computer Training centers.
Challenges and Barriers for Women’s Skill Development
Despite the clear benefits of skill development, women’s skill development faces numerous challenges and barriers worldwide. Gender stereotypes and biases limit opportunities in male-dominated fields, while unequal access to education and resources impedes skill acquisition. Balancing family responsibilities and career aspirations remains a significant hurdle, and the gender pay gap discourages investments in skill development. Discrimination, harassment, and a lack of role models further hinder women’s progress in diverse industries. Breaking down these barriers necessitates systemic changes, including promoting gender equality, providing mentorship and support, and challenging societal norms that restrict women’s skill development and professional growth.
Furthermore, the government is actively implementing strategies to support women entrepreneurs, such as setting aside plots for them in economic zones across the country. These efforts aim to provide tangible support and opportunities for women to thrive in entrepreneurship.
