Photo: Collected

DHAKA, April 28, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a seminar have highlighted that the
small and medium enterprise (SME) 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 "Rights, Equality, Empowerment:
A Discussion on Women's Progress in Bangladesh" held at a hotel in the
capital yesterday 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 today.

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's remarkable achievements in women's 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's 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's 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.
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' 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's active participation in the workforce is essential
for the continued growth and prosperity of Bangladesh and reiterated JBCCI's
continued support and commitment to the cause.