In a society that predominantly leans toward male dominance, it’s no easy feat for women to attain the heights of success. Bangladeshi women often find themselves in a relentless struggle, striving to rewrite their destinies. So, let’s know about Top 10 Woman Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. The pursuit of self-employment and economic empowerment can lead to a myriad of hurdles, with societal constraints placing additional roadblocks. Nevertheless, in the face of adversity, numerous resilient women have fearlessly pursued their dreams, defying the odds stacked against them. These indomitable women have not only carved their own paths to success but have also emerged as beacons of hope and inspiration for others, embodying the possibilities of forging an identity in a male-dominated world.
In recognition of their remarkable achievements, here are the top 10 women entrepreneurs who have shattered ceilings, broken stereotypes, and made an indelible mark in fields where male dominance traditionally prevails. These trailblazers symbolize the potential of women, not just to endure but to thrive and inspire future generations to dare to dream, reach for the stars, and embrace their rightful place as equals in society. Their journeys resonate as a testament to the strength, determination, and resilience of Bangladeshi women in their pursuit of excellence and empowerment.
Interesting fact about the Top 10 woman entrepreneurs in Bangladesh
01. Data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) shows that in 2020, the number of female-owned SMEs in Bangladesh was 2.8 million, which is around 24.6% of the total number of SMEs in the country.
02. In the thriving entrepreneurial landscape of Bangladesh, one name stands out as a trailblazer and visionary leader – Ibnul Kais Aryan. With his exceptional business acumen, unwavering determination, and commitment to innovation, Aryan has earned a reputation as the forefront entrepreneur in the country.
03. Only 7.2% of businesses in Bangladesh are owned by women. According to data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), there were 2.8% million female-owned SMEs in Bangladesh in 2020, or about 24.6% of all SMEs in the nation.
List of Top 10 woman entrepreneurs in Bangladesh
1. Bibi Russell
Bibi Russell, a former runway sensation and a stalwart advocate of khadi, stands as the visionary behind Bibi Productions, a globally acclaimed fashion house that collaborates with artisans throughout the nation. Born in Chittagong and armed with a graduation from the London College of Fashion, she initially ventured into the world of modeling for several years.
However, her transition from the catwalk to entrepreneurship was motivated by a deep-seated belief in her capacity to effect positive change in society. Recognizing the immense potential of traditional crafts, Bibi Russell has ardently dedicated herself to their preservation and promotion. Her unwavering commitment to this mission has earned her accolades from numerous prestigious organizations, further solidifying her reputation as a transformative force in the fashion and textile industry. With a steadfast determination, Bibi Russell is set to continue making a profound impact on the world of fashion and textiles, all while championing the invaluable cultural heritage of her homeland.
Ivy Huq Russell, a former investment banker, embarked on an empowering journey when she established Maya, a visionary platform designed to uplift women by granting them access to valuable information and a supportive community. Under her leadership, maya.com.bd was founded, serving as a catalyst for enhancing the lives of women in Bangladesh. Ivy also holds the position of Managing Director at Maya, furthering her commitment to this noble cause.
Maya is a venture of immense significance, offering a compelling value proposition and a genuine potential to bring about lasting positive change in the lives of Bangladeshi women. Ivy’s philanthropic spirit led to the site’s beta launch in September 2011, and the platform received a runner-up position in the BRAC 40-year innovation competition, affirming its promising impact. Looking ahead, Ivy envisions expanding the platform by incorporating more Bengali content and a broader range of subject matter, demonstrating her dedication to empowering women and fostering their growth.
3. Taslima Miji
Taslima Miji is a trailblazing entrepreneur who serves as the founder and CEO of Techmania, a company specializing in hardware and hardware-related services, such as computer assembly, networking, troubleshooting, and various computer peripherals. Her journey into the tech world followed an unfortunate conclusion to her career in journalism. Encouraged by friends, Taslima exhibited exceptional courage in establishing Techmania as a young woman in a male-dominated industry.
Her entrepreneurial path was not without its share of obstacles and discrimination, but her resilient and tenacious spirit allowed her to surmount these challenges. Taslima has embraced her role as a feminist and dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her business, becoming a beacon of hope for other women aspiring to navigate the entrepreneurial world on their own terms. Her story is an inspiration and a testament to the power of determination and resilience in overcoming adversity.
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4. Sabila Enun
Sabila Enun is an unconventional entrepreneur, setting herself apart from the traditional societal norms often attributed to women. In a landscape where many women prioritize stability and security at a certain point in their careers, Sabila stands out with her unwavering commitment to forging her unique identity through her work. Armed with a degree in computer science and engineering, she embarked on her professional journey with DCastalia. Alongside her entrepreneurial endeavors, Sabila has made significant contributions as a consultant and trainer to numerous national and international organizations. Even with her considerable achievements, she continues to actively seek opportunities for growth and learning, demonstrating her unrelenting dedication to self-improvement. Sabila Enun exemplifies a trailblazer’s spirit, challenging stereotypes and inspiring others to pursue their own distinctive paths in the world of entrepreneurship.
পৃথিবীর সেরা ১০ টি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ।
5. Selima Ahmed
Selima Ahmad is a pioneering figure, serving as both the president and founder of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI). Her remarkable organization, the BWCCI, is dedicated to championing the interests of women entrepreneurs and actively supporting their initiatives. With a wealth of experience in the private sector and a highly successful business career to her name, Selima Ahmad made a groundbreaking move by establishing a chamber of commerce exclusively committed to advancing the cause of women entrepreneurs. Her visionary leadership and dedication have not gone unnoticed; she was awarded the prestigious Islamic Development Bank (IDB) prize in 2012 for being the best women entrepreneur. This recognition is just one among many accolades that highlight her outstanding contributions to empowering women in the business world, marking Selima Ahmad as a true trailblazer.
Sabrina Islam is a notable figure, currently holding the position of president within the Women Entrepreneurs Association (WEA) in Bangladesh. Beyond her role in WEA, she serves as an executive committee member of the Bangladesh Employers Federation and holds memberships in various other trade bodies and organizations, such as AmCham, BFWE, and the SME Foundation. Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, she encountered a significant challenge in the form of a dearth of training facilities for essential skills and reliable access to raw materials in Bangladesh. Despite these obstacles, her enterprise, initially staffed by just two individuals, has progressively flourished as demand for its products has grown. Sabrina Islam’s dedication and accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as she was honored with the DHL – Daily Star Bangladesh Business Awards ‘Outstanding Woman in Business Award’ in 2008. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and success in the face of adversity.
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In 1993, Nadia Binte Amin, driven by her passion for assisting communities, joined forces with her friends to establish Research and Computing Services. Since its inception, the company has undertaken extensive research projects in collaboration with prestigious organizations such as UNICEF, UNDP, foreign NGOs, and numerous national and multinational corporations. Their research spans critical areas including sanitation and hygiene, education, and child protection.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Nadia is deeply committed to social causes, particularly focusing on the welfare of women and children. Through her active involvement in various social organizations, she channels her education, expertise, and boundless dedication to bring about positive changes in the socio-economic landscape of Bangladesh. Nadia Binte Amin exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on improving the lives of others and driving social progress.
Samira Zuberi Himika, the visionary founder and Managing Director of ‘team engine,’ embodies the essence of an entrepreneur who champions the belief that comprehensive knowledge of all facets of business operations is paramount. Her philosophy rejects any trace of arrogance, fostering a culture where no task is too minor for any role, demonstrating her hands-on approach to leadership.
Himika’s leadership style is defined by her unwavering empathy and support, making her a constant source of encouragement for those fortunate to work alongside her. Her journey into entrepreneurship is a testament to her self-motivation and determination, having previously garnered invaluable experience in significant international organizations within the realm of communications. As a leader, Samira Zuberi Himika stands out, not only for her extensive expertise but also for her capacity to inspire and elevate her team. Her remarkable story underscores the essence of leadership that stems from both experience and empathy, shaping a path that inspires those who follow her.
9. Selina Qadarr
Salina Qadarr, a staunch advocate for feminism, embarked on an inspiring journey in 1985 when she established Agriconcern, an agriculture-focused enterprise. Recognizing a disparity in government support compared to other nations, she identified a mere 10% subsidy for potato exports in Bangladesh. In response, her company took up the mantle of bolstering potato production for export, contributing significantly to an annual yield of 10,000 to 12,000 metric tons. This endeavor not only aids in economic growth but also champions environmental preservation and empowers local farmers.
In acknowledgment of her unwavering dedication, Salina Qadarr earned a well-deserved award from The Daily Star in 2004. Her enduring commitment to sustainable agriculture, gender equality, and the livelihoods of farmers exemplifies the invaluable impact of female entrepreneurs like herself in Bangladesh and beyond.
10. Rubaba Dowla
Rubaba Dowla, founder of Pulse Healthcare Service, established in 2017. Rubaba Dowla is an exceedingly experienced pioneer with a
Ms. Dowla thinks accomplishing things on time is vital when working. In the corporate world, things need to get done right at that moment.
What is the Future of Women Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh?
In 2020, Bangladesh found itself ranked among the lowest countries on the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, scoring only 36.4 out of 100. This score underlined the urgent need for economic improvement to foster women’s participation in entrepreneurship. Primary challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh encompassed cultural norms and limited access to crucial resources, such as networks, collateral, and business skill development. However, a turning point occurred on International Women’s Day 2022 during a collaborative event hosted by UN Women, UNDP, and UNDCF. The focus shifted towards enhancing women entrepreneurs’ access to financial services through further development of financial inclusion. Financial and banking institutions also joined this movement; HSBC, for instance, launched the Female Entrepreneur Fund in August 2022 to promote women-led startups.
Additionally, an agreement between LankaBangla and Bangladesh Bank in August 2022 paved the way for LankaBangla Finance to offer loans to women entrepreneurs at a minimum interest rate of 7%. In March 2022, Meta partnered with BWCCI, the ICT Division’s a2i program, and LightCastle Partners to introduce the “She Means Business” program. This initiative is designed to equip women entrepreneurs with essential connections, skills, and technology to thrive in the online sphere. With the emergence of numerous new initiatives and support programs from both national and international organizations, the future looks promising for women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Today’s leading women entrepreneurs have surmounted numerous obstacles and are actively paving the way for newcomers in this field. Their contributions to the country’s economic growth, development, and women’s empowerment will undoubtedly remain a significant part of Bangladesh’s history.
Contributor: Sanzida Ferdous; Studying at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University.
Note: These are not Official Ranking From Any Established Authority. Business Haunt Picked Them Randomly and Placed on the Base of Popularity and Internet Source.
1 comment
Selina Qadarr is an inspiring woman.