Rangpur:The present government has expanded its support for women's economic empowerment, offering loans with favorable terms, training, and various opportunities aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among women.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, officials and leaders from women-led entrepreneurial organizations emphasized the importance of courage and determination for women to achieve economic empowerment during a workshop. The event, titled "Collective Initiatives to Remove Obstacles to Women's Economic Empowerment and Ensure Equal Opportunities," was held at the RDRS Begum Rokeya Auditorium in Rangpur.
The Family Income Development Association (FIDA) organized the workshop under the SWOCCHAR project, with support from Save the Children in Bangladesh. FIDA Executive Director Firoza Begum presided over the event, which saw participation from leaders of 20 women-led entrepreneurial organizations representing eight districts in the Rangpur division.
Director of the Rangpur Divisional Social Services Office, Mst Zilufa Sultana, attended as the chief guest. Other speakers included District Women Affairs Officer Salwara Begum, banker Md Safiul Alam, and representatives from FIDA, RDRS, and BRAC.
The workshop addressed existing opportunities and barriers to women's economic development, shared experiences and challenges faced by women-led organizations, and explored future initiatives. Discussions highlighted issues such as limited market access, restricted skill development opportunities, and challenges in obtaining loans.
The chief guest urged women entrepreneurs to utilize the government's expanded support for promoting entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. She also stressed the need for mutual guidance to overcome obstacles and advance women's progress.