BARISHAL, Nov 6, 2025 (BSS) – Keeping pace with the advancement of technology, women entrepreneurs in the Barishal region are forging ahead as they have succeeded in creating new employment opportunities and building a market worth about Taka 2.5 crore.

The Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) has played a pioneering role in the progress of women by conducting various types of training.

President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce Bilkus Ahmed Lily believes that women entrepreneurs will advance further if banking institutions come forward with greater support.

As every aspect of today’s busy daily life has become technology-dependent, the number of online women entrepreneurs is steadily increasing, with many using technology in innovative ways to create their own workplaces and expand their economic participation.

Women entrepreneurs are mainly engaged in the online business of clothing, food items, cosmetics, jewelry, and ornaments, as these products have high demand among customers.

Alongside managing household responsibilities, women are now getting the opportunity to earn additional income from home, successfully expressing themselves in society through online businesses launched with minimal capital.
Currently, over 300 women entrepreneurs in Barishal have achieved self-reliance through various ventures and the number is increasing day by day.

Lisa Yusuf is one of them. Alongside managing her household chores, she created an online page and started selling various types of food, including burgers, ramen, singara, rolls, and sweets.

These food items are delivered to customers through a delivery company.

“For the last three years, I have been selling food online,” said Lisa, adding that her monthly income is around Taka one lakh.

Not only Lisa Yusuf, but many other women are also preparing food at home and delivering it to various educational institutions and offices, as well as participating in different entrepreneurship fairs.

Lisa said, “It was not possible for me to go out and work while taking care of my family and children, so I chose to work online to earn and ensure a better livelihood for my family.”

Another entrepreneur, Israt Jahan, decorates cakes with various designs. Initially, she made cakes at home and sold them online, but now she has established her own business. She sells cakes worth about Taka 1.5 to 2 lakh every month, both online and offline.

In addition to becoming self-reliant, these women have created employment opportunities for many.

Rubayet Rafa, who runs a block-boutique venture from home, earns between Taka 90,000 and Taka one lakh every month.

Not only in Barisal, but they are also sending various types of products online to different parts of the country, including the capital.

They said that if a low-interest loan system and a marketplace for women are created, they will play a significant role in the country's economy in the future.

Rubayet Rafa said, “Today I am self-reliant. Through my own efforts, I have created various businesses, including clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, and ornaments.”

Barisal Women’s Chamber of Commerce President Bilkis Ahmed Lilly said most people are leaning towards online shopping, which is further expanding this sector. She added that if various banking institutions come forward to support women entrepreneurs, they will advance even further.

Barisal BSCIC Deputy Manager Jalish Mahamud said BSCIC is conducting various types of training to support the advancement of women entrepreneurs. In addition, arrangements have been made to provide low-interest loans for their convenience, he added.

The official assured that BSCIC will provide all kinds of support to women on this path.