We are thrilled to share the highlights from our recent International Symposium on 'Women Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities.' Organized jointly by the Entrepreneurial Creatives, this transformative two-day event took place in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Development Research Centre of ZNRF University of Management Sciences from November 26-27, 2022. It brought together a diverse and influential group of stakeholders committed to empowering women entrepreneurs.

The symposium secured generous sponsorship from Central Queensland University and was collaboratively hosted with the Entrepreneurship Development Research Centre (EDRC). It further benefitted from valuable support and collaboration with a2i (Access to Information), a flagship project of the ICT Division of the Ministry of ICT, and UNDP Bangladesh.

Key figures from the External Resources Division of the Ministry of Finance, including Secretary Ms. Sharifa Khan, inaugurated the symposium as the Chief Guest. The then Additional Secretary, Mr. Shahriar Kader Siddiqi (currently Secretary, ERD), participated as a panelist. Other public sector leaders, such as Mr. Muhammad Alauddin, Rector of the Power Management Institute of the Ministry of Power Energy & Mineral Resources, Mr. Ekhlesur Rahman, Managing Director of the National Human Resource Developments Fund (a company of the Ministry of Finance), and Dr. Dewan Humayun Kabir, Project Director of a2i, provided their expertise and support to the event. From the INGOs, Ms. Nazeen Ahmed, Country Economist of UNDP Bangladesh joined as a Special Guest.

Esteemed academics from international institutions, including Prof. Quamrul Alam of Central Queensland University (CQUniversity, Australia), Prof. Kosmas X. Smyrrios, Adjunct Professor at the University of the South Pacific, renowned for his expertise in Entrepreneurship development, Prof. Firoz Alam of RMIT, Australia, and Dr. Olav Murrlink, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Social Innovation at CQUniversity, Australia, provided a comprehensive global outlook on women entrepreneurship, significantly enhancing the discourse

Leading Bangladeshi private sector entities, such as Bkash, Daraz, and e-Courier, played an active role, contributing valuable insights. Additionally, prominent women entrepreneurs from various sectors enriched the discussions, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.

Renowned industry leaders like Mr. Kamal Quadir, CEO of Bkash, Mr. Naeem Anis, Director of DARAZ, Mr. Biplob Rahul of eCourier, Secretary-General of b-Sacn, Ms. Salma Mahbuband, Transgender Community leader Lineea Shammi of Jivan Gathan Sangtha contributed as panelists and discussants, sharing their experiences and expertise. This diverse group provided a unique platform for discussing entrepreneurship challenges faced by disadvantaged/excluded communities.

The symposium delved into financial challenges with sessions featuring senior executives from Bank Asia and BRAC Bank. Leading financial sector personalities like Dr. Jamaluddin Ahmed, former Secretary General of Bangladesh Economic Association and former Board Member of Bangladesh Bank, Mr.Iqbal Karim, former Country Representative of Islamic Development Bank, Mr. Sazzad Hossoin, former Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank and Sheik Selim former Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank worked as session Chairs and panelists and answered the entrepreneurs queries. These sessions also allowed entrepreneurs to engage with banking and SME experts, fostering knowledge exchange and networking opportunities.

A significant highlight was the active involvement of numerous women entrepreneurs and industry representatives, including Ms. Rehana Akhter of Bangladesh Tanners Association, Ms. Rezwana Khan, CEO of Star Computer Systems, Ms. Tahmina Shaily, CEO of Entrepreneurial Creatives and lifestyle brand SHOILEE, and Ms. Shormy Roy of Ahana Randhanshala. Their participation showcased the vibrancy and dynamism of the entrepreneurial landscape, providing a platform for networking and empowerment.

The International Symposium on Women Entrepreneurship was a resounding success, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and empowerment within the vibrant landscape of women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh.