Khulna:Bangladesh Bank recently organized a workshop focused on integrating financially underserved women into the formal financial system. The event, titled "Accelerating Financial Inclusion of Women," was held at the CSS Awa Center in Rupsha Upazila.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the workshop was attended by Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman as the chief guest, with NAU Director Shayema Islam presiding over the session. The discussions emphasized the importance of inclusive financing and explored the current challenges faced by marginal women. Strategies proposed included expanding special credit facilities, promoting digital financial services, enhancing opportunities in e-commerce and freelancing, and boosting financial literacy.
A total of 10 financial service booths were set up at the event by banks, finance companies, mobile financial service providers, and microfinance institutions. Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, alongside participating women, visited these booths, where several marginal women opened financial service accounts and received basic guidance on financial products.
Special guests at the workshop included Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Rup Ratan Pine and Bangladesh Bank Khulna Director SM Kamaluzzaman Kamal. NAU Additional Director Shahana Ferdousi moderated the event, which also featured discussions with Khulna University Development Studies Discipline Associate Professor Dr. Md. Hasan Howlader and Microcredit Regulatory Authority Director Mohammad Kamal Hossain.
Underprivileged women and local women entrepreneurs shared their experiences, and an awareness quiz competition was organized for participants. The workshop drew 120 attendees, including representatives from banks, finance companies, MFS providers, microcredit organizations, and financially excluded women.