Women entrepreneurs need respectful, business-friendly environment: Experts

A respectful and business-friendly environment must be created for women entrepreneurs to grow and succeed, business leaders and academics said today (8 March).

"Many women entrepreneurs struggle to understand business processes and promote their own talents. We must improve the business environment specifically for women," said Md Shouvikur Rahman, founder of ICT Care and a business coach.

He made the remarks during a panel discussion titled "Stories Behind the Business: Strategies and Skills for Sustainable Growth" at the "Sahosika 4.0 Women Entrepreneurs Awards 2026", held at a hotel in the capital marking International Women's Day.

The discussion was moderated by Subah Afrin, local president of JCI Dhaka West and vice president of Citibank NA.

"We are now in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Technology is everywhere, so women must be equipped with technological skills," said Professor Dr Suchita Sharmin of the Development Studies Department at Dhaka University.

Women entrepreneurs often face multiple burdens while running businesses and need stronger technological capacity to adapt to rapid changes, she added.

Dr Afroja Parvin, executive director of Nari Unnayan Shakti, said women entrepreneurs should have easier access to loans.

"Women have a very low rate of loan default. We need policies that ensure banks provide loans on easier terms," she said.

United Commercial Bank Chief Communication Officer Zeeshan Kingshuk Haque said research shows women can be more successful than men in business if they have the courage to take risks.

Eight women entrepreneurs honoured

The event, organised under the slogan "Badh Bhenge Dao" (Break the barriers), brought together more than 150 women entrepreneurs from across the country.

Eight entrepreneurs received the "Sahosika Women Entrepreneur Recognition" in categories including agriculture and safe food, information technology, skill development, social enterprise, tourism, fashion and apparel, and fitness and wellness.

They were recognised for successful business management, innovation, job creation and contributions to the national economy.

International traveller Najmun Nahar, widely known as the "Bangladeshi Flag Girl", received a special Sahosika recognition.

The event was chaired by Bangladesh Bank Executive Director (Grade-1) and Sahosika adviser Md Amjad Hossain Khan, while writer and consultant Nazmul Huda delivered the welcome speech.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, speaking as a special guest, said women have progressed in education but still lag behind in employment.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain attended the event as the chief guest and said the government aims to create one crore jobs within 18 months.

Prime Minister's adviser Mahidur Rahman and Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Nurun Nahar were also present.