BWCCI’s outstanding venture to commemorate 100 years of Int’l women’s day

Over the last ten years, we have evolved as a vibrant platform for women in business and industries. Instilling women entrepreneurship development led ethos all over the business community, Bangladesh women chamber of commerce and industry is going strong in providing support to its members to help them grow in business. As a continuation of its journey towards ‘progressive women, prosperous Bangladesh’, this year BWCCI has honored women entrepreneurs for their contribution in the field of business. The award was launched this year to commemorate 100 years of International Women’s Day. It was aimed to recognize the women entrepreneurs of BWCCI who have achieved significant success in the business arena and six successful women entrepreneurs from six divisions have received this prestigious award. 

This year's winners are- Bilkis Ahmed from Barisal, Dilara Amzad from Rajsahi, Gazi Laily Akhter Shapna from Sylhet, Yeasmin Morshed Chowdhury from Chittagong, Shayla Sultan from Dhaka and Lutfun Haque Pia from Khulna. Recognizing the important role that the media has played in its journey, BWCCI also awarded two representatives from print and electronic media who have made noteworthy contributions to the development of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. They are- Sanaul Haq, special correspondent of ATN Bangla News in electronic media category and Munima Sultana, senior reporter of the Financial Express in print media category.

                                           Award Winners with Commerce Minister and BWCCI President

The award ceremony was held on May 24, 2011 at the Multipurpose Hall of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Dhaka with Mr. Muhammad Faruk Khan, MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Commerce of the Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh as the Chief Guest. The inaugural award ceremony took place with around 300 women entrepreneurs, diplomats, bank personnel, media representatives, and members of civil society from across the country in attendance.

We hope to continue this initiative each year as a flagship program. As Abraham Lincoln said “That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well”, we believe that more and more women entrepreneurs will be encouraged through this endeavor to flourish their businesses and contribute to the country’s development.

Progressive business women, transformers of future Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a land of smiles and opportunities where women are almost half of the total population. Everyday, more and more women are coming out of their conservative periphery and making bold steps in the business arena. These women entrepreneurs are energetic, innovative, willing to learn, hard working, and have the ability to take risks. Just a little handholding takes them a long way and enables them to graduate from micro to sustainable small and medium size entrepreneurs. And this is where Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) come in. Recognizing the potential of women entrepreneurs and their need to be fulfilled to play a more effective role in private sector development of the country, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) was formed in 2001. Its aim is to encourage and strengthen women’s participation in the private sector as entrepreneurs through promoting a women friendly business environment. This organization acts as a nucleus to assist, activate, inform, organize and assimilate Bangladesh’s women entrepreneurs.
  

WNBA Launching ceremony

Starting with only 24 women entrepreneurs, BWCCI has come a long way and still working effectively with more than 2500 members for the advancement of the courageous women entrepreneurs of our country. The members of BWCCI are individual entrepreneurs of micro, small and medium enterprises from the entire range of socio-economic spectrum. The rapid increases in its membership from diversified sectors every year and expansion of its working areas and services across the country may be mentioned here as one of the indicators of its successful and dynamic journey towards its enlightened vision. BWCCI has endorsed Women’s National Business Agenda (WNBA) in Bangladesh which is the first ever national document for women entrepreneurship development.

The day has gone when Bangladeshi women were only recognized for being just a daughter or wife or a mother. Now, they are making their identities as business women, contributors to the national economy. So for all the women entrepreneurs out there, this is what BWCCI wants to say-“Let us carry ourselves with the honor and dignity of a proud woman, knowing that we are part of a great group. Let us walk, talk, today and everyday - let the whole world see us shine”.