Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs:

Bangladesh Perspective

Sponsored by: Conducted by:

SME MIDAS
Foundation

November 2009
 Table of Contents
Acronyms
List of Tables and Figures
Executive Summary
Chapter 1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Statement of the problem 2
1.2 Significance of the study 2
1.3 Objective of the study 3
1.4 Theoretical perspective of the study 3
1.5 Scope of the study 3
1.6 Limitations of the study 4

Chapter 2.0 Study Methodology 5

2.1 Primary Research 5
2.1.1 Location of the survey 5
2.1.2 Sample Size 8
2.1.3 Support Service Providers 9
2.1.4 Methods of Data Collection 9
2.1.5 Techniques of Data Collection 9
2.1.6 Techniques of Data Analysis 10
2.2 Secondary Research 10
2.3 Focus Group Discussion (FGD) 11
2.4 Key Informant Meeting (KIM) and Preparation of Case Studies 12
2.5 Planning Workshops (PW) 13
2.5.1 Planning Workshop Dialogues in the 6 Divisional HQs 13
2.5.2 Discussions at Planning Workshops 13
2.6 National Dissemination Seminar (NDS) 23

Chapter 3.0 Literature Review 24

Chapter 4.0 Entrepreneurship 30

4..1 Concept of Entrepreneurship: A theoretical discussion 30
4..2 Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh 30

Chapter 5.0 Women Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh 31

5.1 History of Women Entrepreneurship Development in Bangladesh 31
5.2 Women Entrepreneurs of Bangladesh 32
5.3 Women Entrepreneurship in Urban Areas 32
5.4 Women Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas 32

Chapter 6.0 Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) 33

6.1 Definition of SME 33
6.2 Theories of SME 33
6.3 SMEs in Bangladesh 34
6.4 Promotion of SMEs for Sustainable Development 35
6.4.1 Access to Finance 35
6.5 Barriers to the Promotion of the SME sector in Bangladesh 35
6.6 Booster Sectors of SME 36
6.7 The program for SME in Bangladesh (Government & NGOs) 36
6.7.1 SME Foundation 36
6.7.2 SME Development through Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) 37

Chapter 7.0 Gender related Issues in SME Development 38

7.1 Gender Equality 38
 7.2 Gender Gaps 38
7.3 Gender Action Plan (GAP) of SME Foundation 38
7.4 Suggested Programmes/Schemes based on SMEF approved 39
Gender Action Plan
7.5 Gender Budgeting 42

Chapter 8.0 The Government Policies for Economic & Industrial 43

Development in Bangladesh
8.1 SME Policy 43
8.1.1 Objectives of the SME Policy 43
8.1.2 Gender and SME Policy 44
8.2 Industrial Policy 44
8.3 Agricultural Policy 45
8.4 Monetary Policy 46
8.5 A Matrix on gender equality and identified gap 46

Chapter 9.0 Policies and Program Effecting Development of Women 47

Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh
9.1 Women Entrepreneurship related policies and Objectives in various 47
Five Year Plans of Bangladesh
9.2 Women Entrepreneurship related objectives in NAP 47
9.3 Women Entrepreneurship related Policies & Objectives in the PRSP 48
9.4 Women Entrepreneurship related Objectives in International Treaties 48
9.4.1 Platform for Action (PFA) 48
9.4.2 Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW 48

Chapter 10.0 Support Service Providing Organization/Institutions and their 49

Activities
10.1 Training Institutions 49
10.2 Municipality/Pourashova 54
10.3 Chambers 55
10.4 Associations 56
10.5 Banks 57
10.6 Non-Bank Financial Institution 59
10.7 Law Enforcing Agencies 61

Chapter 11.0 Women Entrepreneurs in Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) 62

11.1 Characteristics of Women Entrepreneurs 62
11.1.1 Age 62
11.1.2 Educational Qualification 63
11.1.3 Marital status 64
11.1.4 Religion 66
11.1.5 Types of Family and number of Children 66
11.1.6 Educational Background of Family Members 67
11.1.7 Occupational Background of Family Members 70
11.1.8 Previous Occupation 72

11.2 Issues related to Entrepreneurship Development 73

11.2.1 Motivating factors for entrance into business for Entrepreneurship 73
Development
11.2.2 Impediments from Family in becoming an Entrepreneur 74
11.2.3 Impediments from Society in becoming an Entrepreneur 75
11.2.4 Secondary Occupation of Women Entrepreneurs 75
11.3 Enterprise Profile 77
11.3.1 Year of establishment of Enterprise 77
 11.3.2 Experience in Business 77
11.3.3 Nature of Ownership 78
11.3.4 SME-led sectors of Enterprises 82
11.3.5 Income from Business 85
11.3.6 Business Management 87
11.3.7 Problems faced in Business 89
11.3.8 Use of Savings 90
11.3.9 Status of Company Registration/License 91
11.4 Trade License issues & related Problems 92

Chapter 12.0 Access to Government Services 98

12.1 Approach to Government Organizations supporting SME 98
Development
12.2 Names of Government Organizations approached for Enterprise 98
Development
12.3 Types of Support received for Business Development 99

Chapter 13.0 Training & Human Resources 101

13.1 Training related issues 101
13.2 Employment Generation 104
13.3 Skill and Performance of Enterprise Personnel 107
13.4 Salary range of Workers 107
13.5 Types of Workers employed 108
13.6 Problems faced by Employers 109
13.7 Bonus/Incentives to Workers 110

Chapter 14.0 Sources of Capital 111

14.1 Investment in Business (Initial & Current) 111
14.2 Sources of Capital (Initial & Current) 113
14.3 Types of Guarantee provided for Loans 116
14.4 Type of Assets procured 117
14.5 Property Inheritance 118
14.6 Information on Ownership of Land 119
14.7 Impression of Women Entrepreneurs regarding receiving of Bank 120
Loans
14.8 Special Credit Programme of Bangladesh Bank/SME Foundation 124

Chapter 15.0 Business Management 127

15.1 Business Plan 127
15.2 Accounting & Book Keeping 128
15.3 Information on Bank Accounts 129
15.4 Income Tax Identification Number (TIN) 130
15.5 Income Tax Assessment 131
15.6 VAT Registration Number 132
15.7 Process of Income Tax and VAT 132
15.8 Export related information 133
15.9 Import related information 135
15.10 Marketing and Sale of Products 136
15.11 Ownership and expenditure of Showroom 139
15.12 Business Promotional Materials and Process 140
15.13 Access to IT 141
15.14 Target Customer 143
15.15 Target Market 144
15.16 Training on Marketing 145
15.17 Hindrances to Marketing of Products 146
Chapter 16.0 Trade Fair Participation 148
16.1 Information on Trade Fair participation 148
16.2 Types of Trade Fair 148
16.3 Impact of participation 149

Chapter 17.0 Institutional Support for Product Development 151

17.1 Technical support for Product Development 151
17.2 Information on support by Organizations for Product Development 152
17.3 Reasons for not using Product Development Support 153
17.4 Institutional Support 154

Chapter 18.0 Trade Organizations 156

18.1 Membership in Trade Organizations/Associations 156
18.2 Services provided 157
18.3 Expectation of Members 158
18.4 Strengthening of Women’s position in Business and International 158
Trade Promotion

Chapter 19.0 Business Environments 160

19.1 Incidence of illegal Tolls and Briberies 160
19.2 Overall Business Environment 160

Chapter 20.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Status of Women Entrepreneurs In 161

Family
20.1 Head of Households 161
20.2 Role of Family Members in Business 162
20.3 Role of family members in domestic work 162
20.4 Time allocation of Women Entrepreneurs in various activities in a day 163
20.5 Monetary contribution to Family by Women Entrepreneurs 165

Chapter 21.0 Major Problems Faced By Women Entrepreneurs 167

21.1 Major problems faced in Family 167
21.2 Major problems faced in Society 167

Chapter 22.0 Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) 169

22.1 Knowledge of CSR 169
22.2 Types of CSR provided 170

Chapter 23.0 Harassment In Business 171

23.1 Types of Harassment in Business 171
23.2 People involved in Harassment in Business 172

Chapter 24.0 Suggestions for Overcoming Problems 174

Chapter 25.0 Qualities Required for Becoming a Successful Women 176

Entrepreneur

Chapter 26.0 The Entrepreneurs’ Aims and Dreams 177

Chapter 27.0 Achievements in Business 179

Chapter 28.0 Entrepreneurs Contributions towards Family 181

Chapter 29.0 Entrepreneurs Contributions towards Society 182

Chapter 30.0 Case Studies 184

Chapter 31.0 Conclusion and Recommendations 226

31.1 Conclusion 226
31.2 Recommendations 228

References 233

Annexure:
Annexure1 List of participants in FGD & PW in Dhaka Division 235
Annexure 2 List of participants in FGD & PW in Chittagong Division 236
Annexure 3 List of participants in FGD & PW in Rajshahi Division 237
Annexure4 List of participants in FGD & PW in Khulna Division 238
Annexure 5 List of participants in FGD & PW in Barisal Division 239
Annexure6 List of participants in FGD & PW in Sylhet Division 240
Annexure 7 Report on Planning Workshop Discussions in Dhaka Division 241
Annexure 8 Report on Planning Workshop Discussions in Chittagong Division 250
Annexure 9 Report on Planning Workshop Discussions in Rajshahi Division 259
Annexure 10 Report on Planning Workshop Discussions in Khulna 269
Annexure 11 Report on Planning Workshop Discussions in Barisal 278
Annexure 12 Report on Planning Workshop Discussions in Sylhet 288
ACRONYMS

BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics

BEPZA Bangladesh Export Processing Zone
BSCIC Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation
BSTI Bangladesh Standard Testing Institute
BWCCI Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry
DFID Department for International Development
DIG Deputy Inspector General
DOE Department of Environment
EA Enumeration Area
EPB Export Promotion Bureau
FBCCI Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GO Government Organization
GOB Government of Bangladesh
IBM Institute of Business Management
ICT Information and Communication Technology
IWTA Inland Water Transport Authority
JUA Jubo Unnayan Adhidapter (Directorate of Youth Development)
MIDAS Micro Industries Development Assistance and Services
MOWA Ministry of Women’s Affairs
MOC Ministry of Commece
MOI Ministry of Indusries
MSME Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
NASCIB National Association of Small and Cottage Industries, Bangladesh
NBFI Non-Bank Financial Institution
NBR National Board of Revenue
NGO Non- Government Organizations
RAB Rapid Action Battalion
SME Small and Medium Enterprise
SMEF Small and Medium Enterprise Foundation
SWOT Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat
UCEP Under-privileged Children’s Education Programme
VAT Value Added Tax
WE Women Entrepreneurs
WEA Women Entrepreneurs Association
WEAB Women Entrepreneurs Association, Bangladesh
WISE Women In Small Enterprise

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Names of the Districts in the Survey
Table 2 Names of the Upazillas in the Survey
Table 3 Sample size of the Study
Table 4 Type of organization
Table 5 Year of Establishment
Table 6 Duration and time
Table 7 No. of participants enrolled in a batch
Table 8 Frequency of course in a year
Table 9 Fees per participant in BDT
Table 10 Accommodation for participants
Table 11 Follow-up programs for participants receiving training
Table 12 Fixed training programs or organized training according to need
Table 13 Training calendar
Table 14 Number of trainers of your organization
Table 15 Qualifications of trainers
Table 16 The participants’ selection processes
Table 17 Facilities provided
Table 18 Type of training/BDS mostly demanded by women entrepreneur
Table 19 Training Providing in Years
Table 20 Popular business among women entrepreneurs
Table 21 Enhancement of the marketing capacity of women entrepreneurs through training
Table 22 Facilities provided to women entrepreneurs
Table 23 Nature of assistance provided for Trade License
Table 24 Problems faced in managing trade license
Table 25 List of requirement from municipality/Pouroshova
Table 26 Number of members of women entrepreneurs in the chamber
Table 27 Number of members of Executive Committee
Table 28 Facilities provided to women entrepreneurs
Table 29 List of special activities organized for women entrepreneurs
Table 30 Year of Establishment
Table 31 Number of members of women entrepreneurs in the Association
Table 32 Number of women entrepreneurs as members of Executive Committee
Table 33 Number of women entrepreneurs as members of Executive Committee
Table 34 Facilities provided to women entrepreneurs
Table 35 List of special activities organized for women entrepreneurs
Table 36 Names of Banks visited
Table 37 Type of Bank
Table 38 Year of establishment
Table 39 Opportunities provided to women entrepreneurs
Table 40 Utilizing Small Enterprise Fund (SEF) by the Bank
Table 41 Specialized desk for the women entrepreneurs
Table 42 Number of women entrepreneurs who got support from that desk
Table 43 Special facilities for the women entrepreneurs to develop business
Table 44 Problems faced in sanctioning loans
Table 45 Year of establishment
Table 46 Facilities for the women entrepreneurs not provided by the NBFI
Table 47 Organization utilizing Small Enterprise Fund (SEF)
Table 48 Specialized desk for the women entrepreneurs
Table 49 Number of women entrepreneurs got support from the desk
Table 50 Special offers for the women entrepreneurs to develop business
Table 51 Type of problems faced by women in business and support needed
Table 52 Methods to tackle the problems of women entrepreneurs
Table 53 Facilities provided for the women entrepreneurs to carry out business
Table 54 Age Distribution of the Respondents
Table 55 Educational Status of the Respondents
Table 56 Marital statuses of the Respondents
Table 57 Religions of Respondents
Table 58 Family types of the Respondents
Table 59 Average numbers of children
Table 60 Distribution of the Fathers’ Education
Table 61 Distribution of the Mothers’ Education
Table 62 Distribution of the husbands’ Education
Table 63 Occupational Distribution of Fathers
Table 64 Occupational Distribution of Mothers
Table 65 Occupational Distribution of Husbands
Table 66 Previous occupations of Women Entrepreneurs
Table 67 Motivating factors of woman to enter into business
Table 68 Type of impediments from family in becoming an entrepreneur
Table 69 Impediments for entrepreneurship Development (from Society)
Table 70 Secondary Occupation of Women Entrepreneurs
Table 71 Distribution of Secondary Occupation of Women Entrepreneurs
Table 72 Year of Establishment of Enterprises
Table 73 Women’s experience in business
Table 74 Nature of ownership of business
Table 75 Position of the Women owners in the Business
Table 76 Booster-Sector wise ownership of the Women Entrepreneurs
Table 77 Starting year of Business
Table 78 Company Registration year (For interval Verification)
Table 79 Interval Period of business and registration
Table 80 Distribution of Monthly of income
Table 81 Distribution of Monthly sales position in the last year
Table 82 Distribution of Monthly profit in the last year
Table 83 Women Entrepreneurs management of business
Table 84 Type of Employees in the organization
Table 85 Problems faced in the business
Table 86 Utilization of savings by the women
Table 87 Status of company registration/license
Table 88 Company registrations Years
Table 89 Trade license-providing agencies
Table 90 Reasons for not having TL/Registration
Table 91 Problem faced by Women Entrepreneurs with Trade License/ Registration Authority
Table 92 Problems faced by Women Entrepreneur of not having Trade License/ Registration
Table 93 Opinion regarding Company Registration
Table 94 Approaches to Government organizations supporting SME development
Table 95 Approaches to Government organizations supporting SME development
Table 96 Names of Government Organizations’ approached for business
Table 97 Types of Supports from Different Organizations
Table 98 Training Status
Table 99 Training cost born
Table 100 Name of the training
Table 101 Year of Training Received
Table 102 Number of Female Personnel Currently Employed
Table 103 Number of Male Personnel Currently Employed
Table 104 Total No. of Personnel Currently Employed
Table 105 Satisfaction Level regarding skill and performance of personnel
Table 106 Highest Salaries of Workers
Table 107 lowest salaries of Workers
Table 108 Type of workers employed
Table 109 Problems faced with employees
Table 110 Problems encountered by the employers
Table 111 Bonus/incentive paid to employees
Table 112 Initial Investments (Equity)
Table 113 Initial Investment in BDT (loan)
Table 114 Initial Investment in BDT (total)
Table 115 Current Investment in BDT (equity)
Table 116 Current Investment in BDT (loan)
Table 117 Current Investment in BDT (total)
Table 118 Sources of initial Capital
Table 119 Sources of current capital
Table 120 Types of guarantee provided for taking loan
Table 121 Information on assets
Table 122 Assets of Women Entrepreneurs
Table 123 Inheritance of property
Table 124 Type of property inherited
Table 125 Sources of inheritance of property
Table 126 Purchase of land
Table 127 Amount of land Purchased
Table 128 First impressions of women entrepreneurs with regards to receiving loan from private bank
Table 129 First impressions of women entrepreneurs with regards to receive loan from Public bank
Table 130 First impressions of women entrepreneurs with regards to receive loan from Non-Banking Financial Company
Table 131 First impression of women entrepreneurs with regards to receiving loan from NGO
Table 132 First impressions of US with regards to receiving loan from Government Agencies
Table 133 First impression of women entrepreneurs with regards to receiving loan from money lender
Table 134 First impression of women entrepreneurs with regards to receiving loan from other sources
Table 135 Knowledge about the Bangladesh Bank program
Table 136 Knowledge about the SME Foundation program
Table137 Implementation Status of the Refinancing Scheme program
Table138 Possession of Business Plan
Table139 Preparation of business plan
Table140 Duration Business Plan
Table141 Possession of accountant
Table142 Supervision and maintenance of accounts and bookkeeping
Table143 Accomplishment of Accounting Work
Table144 Accounts with schedule bank
Table145 Status of Accounts
Table146 Reason for not having Bank accounts
Table147 Information on TIN
Table148 Amount of Income Tax Paid
Table149 Assessment of income tax
Table150 Information on VAT registration number
Table151 Amount of VAT paid
Table152 Process of income tax and VAT
Table153 Information about Export
Table154 Responses of Exporting Countries
Table155 Export items
Table156 Yearly Value of Exports
Table157 Information about Importer
Table158 Items of Imports
Table159 Yearly Values of Import
Table160 Information about showroom to sell products
Table161 District wise Number of Showrooms
Table162 Information on Sales of product or service
Table163 Ownership of showroom
Table164 Monthly Expenditure of rented Showrooms
Table165 Type of Business promotional materials used
Table166 Type of Business promotional processes
Table167 Possession of Computer
Table168 Training on computer operation
Table169 Internet connection
Table170 Possession of e-mail accounts
Table171 Possession of website
Table172 Production for target customers
Table173 Types of Target Customers
Table174 Target Market
Table175 Training on sales and marketing
Table176 Place of training
Table177 Training benefits
Table178 Hindrances to marketing of products
Table179 Participation in the trade fair
Table180 Type of trade fair organized
Table181 Impact of participation in trade fair
Table182 Technical supports for product development
Table183 Specification of technical support
Table184 Approach to organization for product development support
Table185 Name of organization for product development
Table186 Reasons for not using product development support
Table187 Institutional supports
Table188 Type of support you received
Table189 Name of supporting Organization
Table190 Membership of trade organization/association
Table191 Name of Trade Organisation
Table192 Reasons behind the non-memberships
Table193 Type of services the women getting now
Table194 Expectation of members of trade organisations
Table195 Strengthening of women’s position in business and international trade promotion
Table196 Incidence of illegal tolls and Briberies
Table197 Perception about business environment
Table198 Information of head of family
Table199 Main roles in business
Table 200 Main roles in domestic work
Table 201 Time allocation of WE for main business in a day
Table 202 Time allocation of Women Entrepreneurs in Secondary profession
Table 203 Time allocation of WE in Domestic work
Table 204 Time allocation of WE in Social and community purpose
Table 205 Time allocation of Women Entrepreneur for leisure in a day
Table 206 Women Entrepreneur Monetary contributions to family expenditure
Table 207 Women Entrepreneur Contribution in Family monthly Savings
Table 208 Major problems faced by women entrepreneurs in family
Table 209 Major problems faced by women entrepreneurs in the Society
Table 210 Knowledge about CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)
Table 211 Type of CSR provided
Table 212 Experience of harassment during business
Table 213 Type of harassment faced in business
Table 214 Persons/organizations responsible for harassment
Table 215 Overall Suggestions in overcoming problems
Table 216 Qualities required to be a successful entrepreneur
Table 217 Aims and Dreams of the Respondents
Table 218 Achievements in Business
Table 219 Contributions of women entrepreneurs in family
Table 220 Contributions of women entrepreneurs in Society

List of Figures
Figure 1 Overall Age Distribution of the Respondents
Figure 2 Overall Educational Status of the Respondents
Figure 3 Overall Marital Status of Respondents
Figure 4 Years of Experience of Women Entrepreneurs
Figure 5 Nature of ownership of business
Figure 6 Problems faced by the women entrepreneurs in business
Figure 7 Status of training received by the women entrepreneurs
Figure 8 Distribution of women entrepreneurs according to their current Investment in BDT (total)
Figure 9 Status of Refinancing Scheme program with the women entrepreneurs
Figure 10 Target Market for women entrepreneurs
Figure 11 Overall Distribution of Head of Households
Figure 12 Time allocation of WE for business in a day
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In Bangladesh, a large number of women work in the informal sector, but the real value of their participation
and contribution is not recognized in the society. Differences and inequalities between women and men exist in
terms of opportunities, rights, and benefits. There are various constraints in the way to the up-gradation of their
skills and enhancement of their productivity. These include poor access to market, information, technology and
finance, poor linkages and networks with support services and an unfavourable policy and regulatory
environment. However, it is heartening to note that despite many barriers, a new women’s entrepreneur class
in the Small and Medium sector has developed in the country taking on the challenge to work in a male-
dominated, competitive and complex economic and business environment. It has been found that at present
women entrepreneurs constitute less than 10% of the total business entrepreneurs in Bangladesh whereas
women in advanced market economies own more than 25% of all businesses. Inspite of these, in Bangladesh,
not only have the women’s entrepreneurship improved their living conditions and earned more respect in the
family and the society, but they have also contributed to business and export growth, supplies, employment
generation, productivity and skill development .

In view of the above situation, SME Foundation decided to commission a comprehensive study on “Women
Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective,” to ascertain their present conditions, identify the
sectors of their business activities, find out the impediments to the development of women entrepreneurship,
report their achievements and problems in business, including their family and social constraints, and
formulate programs based on the approved Gender Action Plan (GAP) of SME Foundation to increase
women’s involvement in the SME sector. To review the position of the women entrepreneurs in SMEs and
identify their successes and this study was assigned to MIDAS by SME Foundation. This report is the
culmination of the efforts made by MIDAS to accomplish the task.

The Study Objective, Location and Sample size:

The overall objective of the study was to examine the key gender issues involved in women entrepreneurship
development in the SME sector with a view to addressing the present status of women entrepreneurs in
Bangladesh, their role in the national economy, their achievements, their socio-cultural, educational and legal
barriers and the problems of exclusion of women from access to market, technology and finance and make
recommendations for the SME Foundation to support “Business Services for Women Entrepreneurs”, who face
an uphill battle in starting up and developing business. The study through extensive survey throughout
Bangladesh involved both quantitative survey and qualitative research using Questionnaire Survey, Interviews,
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Planning Workshops. The survey was conducted in 50 Upazillas of the
34 districts of Bangladesh. Of the districts 9 were from Dhaka Division, 8 from Rajshahi, 6 from Chittagong, 5
from Khulna, 3 from Barisal and 2 districts from Sylhet Division. Later the district of Laxmipur was added,
making the total number of Districts to 34 within which the survey was finally conducted. The study was
conducted on Women Entrepreneurs in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and a wide range of data
dispersed all over 34 sample districts in 6 divisions were collected. The total number of respondents in the 34
districts of Bangladesh covered by the survey was 1035 women entrepreneurs. The highest number of women
entrepreneurs interviewed was 35 each from the districts of Dhaka, Tangail, Manikganj, Gazipur, Narayanganj,
Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Mymensingh and Madaripur and the lowest number was 14 from the district of
Laxmipur. 16 women entrepreneurs were interviewed from the district of Noakhali, while in the rest of the
districts surveyed the number of women entrepreneurs interviewed was 30 each. Data were collected mostly
from those women who were actively involved as women entrepreneurs and undertaking business in various
sectors.

Support service providing organization/institutions and their activities:

The survey also covered 165 Service Providers of the 34 districts, interviewing the relevant people of 5 such
organizations in each of the districts among which were personnel from Training Institutes,
Municipalities/Pouroshovas, Chambers, Trade Associations, Banks, Non-Bank Financial Institutions and Law
Enforcing Agencies. The service providing personnel in these organizations and institutions were interviewed
to identify the type of organization, the type of services provided (for Trade Associations and Law Enforcing

i
Agencies), the number of women entrepreneurs benefited, the cost of training, type of training course and
frequency of the courses (for training institutes), type of services and facilities provided for the
entrepreneurship development (for banks, Non-Banking Financial Institutions).

Characteristics of Women Entrepreneurs in Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs):

Age Distribution of the Respondents: The age of the women entrepreneurs varied from less than 20 years
to 61 years and above. The age of the majority (41.64%) of the women entrepreneurs were between 31 to 40
years where the women had the capacity to run enterprises with stability and reliability, overcome obstacles
with courage, face the social criticism and make decisions with confidence. 28.02% belonged to the age group
of 21-30 years where the younger females endeavoured into business professions with zeal and courage,
initiating an income earning capacity and overcoming problems with the strength and courage of the younger
generation. It was found that the greater the age, the lesser was their participation in the business profession
and activities. There were18.36% women in age group of 41 to 50 years and 4.93% women in age group 51 to
60 years. There were only 0.68% women entrepreneurs in the age group of over 61 years and above. There
were only 3.2% young girls less than 20 years in the profession, since lack of knowledge and social security do
not encourage them into the profession of entrepreneurship.

Educational Status of the Respondents: 97.29% of the women entrepreneurs had education from below
SSC to Masters Degree including some professional degree. Majority of the women entrepreneurs (30.63%)
had education below SSC, of whom the highest 40.42% were from Rajshahi division. 25.51% had passed their
SSC and 21.55% had completed HSC. 14.98% were graduates, having B.A./B.Sc./B.Com degrees. It was
found that only 4.44% had completed their Masters Degree having M.A./ M.Com. /M.Sc./ M.Ag./ MBA degrees.
The highest educated women (6.35%) with Masters Degree were from Dhaka division. Among the
respondents, only 2% had a professional MBBS degree. Since the literacy rate of females in Bangladesh is
48.8% (for 15 years and above, 2006 B.B.S.), it is natural that women entrepreneurs would not be highly
qualified or educated. Yet it was true that in spite of their less education, women had succeeded in their
entrepreneurial pursuits through the proper use of their talents in business.

Marital status of the Respondents: The majority of the women entrepreneurs of Bangladesh (82.90%) were
married. The highest number of married women entrepreneurs was from the division of Chittagong (85.56%).
Among the lone women who were single, it was found that 10.63% of the total respondents were unmarried,
while 4.15% were widows, 1.35% were divorced and .0.48% were separated. These single women
entrepreneurs were the heads of the families of female-headed households and constituted 16.8% of the total
respondents.

Religions of Respondents: The majority of the respondents were found to be Muslims by religion (89.76%).
Since Bangladesh was a Muslim majority country, it was natural that most of the women entrepreneurs would
be Muslims. But age-old traditions and mis-interpreted Muslim beliefs in a male-dominated society often
prevented these women from taking up entrepreneurship as a profession, especially in the rural and less
developed districts. On the other hand the Hindu, Christian and Buddhist women did not have to undergo such
rigid restrictions and prohibitions as the Muslim women. Thus, in spite of the lesser representation, women
entrepreneurs among the Hindus was 6.96%, Buddhists 2.42% and Christians 0.68% as found from the survey
conducted throughout Bangladesh.

Family types of the Respondents: The study informed that the largest segment of women entrepreneurs
(77.87%) belonged to nuclear families, while only 15.36% belonged to joint or extended families. Of the women
of nuclear families, the highest number (84.67%) was from Khulna division followed by Rajshahi (82.92%),
Chittagong ( 76.67%), Dhaka (75.56.6%), Sylhet (75.00%), and Barisal (65.56%).

Average number of children: The average number of children per family was found to be 5 in Barisal
division, followed by 4 in each of Dhaka, Rajshahi and Khulna, 3 in Chittagong and 2 in Sylhet division.
Children were found to assist their mothers in business in many areas especially in marketing of products,
production process and packaging of products.

ii
Educational Background of Family Members: The largest number (29.95%) of the fathers of the
respondents had studied below SSC only attending schools for education while 21.16% had completed SSC.
4.44% of the fathers were illiterate. Majority of the women entrepreneurs came from less educated families.
Among the more educated fathers, 11.98% had completed HSC/Diploma, 14.78% were graduates having
B.A./B.Sc./B.com degree while 4.44% had M.A/M.Com./M.Sc./M.Ag./MBA degrees. Only 0.39% of them had
professional degree and were Doctors. The women entrepreneurs of these educated families were usually
urban-based where opportunities for the family, individual solvency and career formation along with education
were easily available.

Regarding the education of the mothers of the respondents, the largest number (60.10%) was found to have
studied below SSC while 12.75% had completed SSC. It was observed that about 5.89% of the mothers were
illiterate. This shows the level of education of mothers in comparison to their daughters, who were more
educated. In comparison to the fathers of the entrepreneurs, more mothers had studied in schools below SSC,
but only 3.96% of the mothers had completed HSC/Diploma, 1.93% of the mothers were graduates having
B.A./B.Sc./B.com degree while only 4 mothers (0.39%) had M.A/M.Com./M.Sc./M.Ag./MBA degrees. It was
found that 2 mothers (0.19%) had professional degree in Engineering.

The survey revealed that there were no women entrepreneurs who were illiterate but it was found that 1.35%
of their husbands were illiterate. On the other hand there were lesser husbands in comparison to the women
entrepreneurs, who were below SSC (16.43%), lesser number had passed HSC (16.71%). However, the
largest segment of the husbands of women entrepreneurs (25.51%) were graduates and had obtained
B.A/BSc//BCom degree, and 10.72% had obtained degree in M.A./M.Com./M.Sc./M.Ag. /MBA. In comparison
to the women entrepreneurs their husbands were more in the professional field obtaining professionals
degrees as Engineers (0.29%) and (0.39%) as Doctors. For 91 women entrepreneurs (8.79%) this question
was not applicable and 54 (5.22%) did not respond.

Occupational background of Family Members: As regards the occupations of the fathers of the
respondents, the majority 35.27% were in business, 21.93% in service, 4.54%, were retired personnel. It may
be assumed that these were the fathers of women entrepreneurs residing in urban areas and many of whom
were solvent in the society. However, there were others who lived in semi urban and rural areas where their
families were poorer in comparison to livelihood earning and had rural-based occupations as farmers (12.75%)
while 0.68% were unemployed and 1.64% belonged to various other professions. The question was not
applicable for 2.32% and 20.87% did not respond.

The largest segment (77.87%) of the mothers of the women entrepreneurs were home makers/housewives.
Some were involved in various professions especially in the urban-based and educated families where women
had the freedom to choose their professions and make their own decisions. Thus we find that 2.80% were in
service, 1.35% were in business, 0.29% were retired personnel and 0.19% were in other professions while
0.19% mothers were unemployed. For 2.03% the question was not applicable.

The occupational distribution of the husbands of women entrepreneurs showed that 54.01% were in business.
This could be a reason for the women to become entrepreneurs through the motivation of their husbands.
22.71% husbands were in service, 1.26% were retired personnel and 2.80% belonged to various other
occupations. Only 0.77% was unemployed. It was interesting to note that 0.19% were home makers and
looked after the families, as their wives were busy with business activities. For 8.99% the question was not
applicable while 6.38% did not respond.

Previous occupations of Women Entrepreneurs: The largest number (64.64%) of these women were only
housewives before they entered into their careers as women entrepreneurs, 17.49% were previously students,
7.83% were in service, 1.84% belonged to various other occupations and 3.86% were unemployed.

Motivating factors of woman to enter into business: The most common factor was to add to family income
(47.25%) .The highest attainment (70%) was in Chittagong division, followed by (58.75%) in Rajshahi. 9.37%
were motivated by self financial benefits and 41.74% had various other non-specified motivating factors. Some
women had taken up entrepreneurship as a profession in order to form a career and emerge triumphant in life

iii
as a successful personality in business. Many had taken up the profession in order to do something worthwhile
in life and devote their lives for the development of Bangladesh.

Type of impediments from family in becoming an entrepreneur: Majority of the women entrepreneurs
(32.1%) informed that the impediments came from parents who did not like them to enter into business. 5.5%
had problems with children who did not like their mother to become entrepreneurs. 11.3% mentioned of
impediments from in-laws and 9.6% complained of impediments from husbands who did not want them to
become entrepreneurs. About one fifth (19.7%) of the women entrepreneurs were previously not interested in
becoming women entrepreneurs themselves.

Impediments by women for Entrepreneurship Development from Society: Majority (28%) of the
respondents said that the people generally did not like women to be in business, and that is the main
impediment for the women to enter into business activities and also to become successful in business. 20%
faced difficulty in getting cash payment from wholesalers, 11% of the women respondents mentioned about the
problems of ill-literacy and lack of knowledge. 9.7% complained of the troubles created through the teasing of
women entrepreneurs by young people, while 5.5% mentioned about the pressure and demand of unusual
tolls which created crisis in business transactions. 5.2% complained of the conservativeness of the society and
the general public regarding women’s business involvement.

Secondary Occupation of women entrepreneurs: 15.56% had secondary occupations, the highest being in
Dhaka (18.73%) and the lowest in Barisal (4.44%). Of them 37.8% were in service, 22.2% were in business
other than their own and 30.3% were in various other occupations.

Year of establishment of enterprise: Of the 1035 women entrepreneurs surveyed, only one business was
established in 1954 and another enterprise was established in between 1971- 1975. Establishment of women
entrepreneurs’ enterprises started growing during the seventies and 14 enterprises were established between
1976-1980, 67 between1981-1990, 280 enterprises between 1991--2000 and 78 between 2006 and 2009. The
highest record of enterprise establishment was 397 (38.3%) during 2001-2005. Nearly 50% enterprises were
established in the beginning of this century from 2000 to 2010. Moreover it is also observed that enterprises of
women were developed after the Liberation of Bangladesh, as women established their business enterprises
from 1971 onwards.

Women’s experience in business (in years): The highest number of women entrepreneurs (44.44%) had
experience of 5 years or less. 33.43% of women entrepreneurs had 5-10 years of experience, 13.14% had 10-
15 years, 6.76% had 16-20 years of experience. It was noticed that only 2.22% of the women entrepreneurs
had more than 21 years of experience. 44.44% women entrepreneurs had the shortest experience of 5 years
or less.

Nature of ownership of business: The highest number of sole ownership of business ownership was among
the 85.41% women entrepreneurs. This was Proprietorship and the highest numbers of proprietorship
enterprises were from Dhaka (93.65%). Only 9.47% had family ownership, 4.54% were in partnership with
others 0.39% were associated with some companies and 0.19% had various other ownership arrangements.

Position of the Women owners in the Business: Majority of the women (85.41%) had sole ownership of
their business enterprises which belonged to the Small enterprise sector and were the proprietors of their
business. Some in the Medium Enterprise sector had Family Ownership, Partnership or were Share Holders in
Companies. 4.54% of the women were Directors in their business, 2.90% were the Managing Directors in their
firms. 2.80% were Chairman of the companies, 3.96% worked as managers of the enterprises while 0.39%
held various other positions in the business enterprises.

Booster - Sector wise ownership of the Women Entrepreneurs: The Booster sector wise ownership of the
women entrepreneurs has been obtained from the survey in line with the information and issues provided by
the Ministry of Industries through the SME Foundation (previously SME Cell). These Booster-sectors were the
areas where majority of the women were involved in and accounts for the main ownership and income of the
women in the SME sector. The greatest number of women entrepreneurs (27.8%) were involved in Designing,

iv
Aesthetically-Challenging, Personal wear and Effects. Of these the highest involvement was in Khulna division
(40.9%) and the lowest in Chittagong (15.6%). The second highest 12.9% were found to be in the ownership of
Knit-Wear and Ready-Made Garments, followed by 10.8% women entrepreneurs who had ownership in Agro-
Processing/Agri-business/ Plantation/ Agri Specialist Farming/ Tissue Culture. The largest 46.8% of the
ownership of the women entrepreneurs belonged to various other trades which were easier to operate and
also had good market. These included Handicraft Manufacturing, Tailoring, Block and Batik works,
Embroidery, Catering Services, Food and Confectionery, Beauty Parlours, Fitness Clubs, Construction Works,
Printing and Publishing etc. Pharmaceuticals/Cosmetics/Toiletries were owned by 5.9% women. 3.4% women
were involved in Health-Care and Diagnostic Centres while 2.6% belonged to Education Services. The lesser
ownership of women were in Electronics and Electrical Enterprises by 1%, Soft-Ware Development Firms by
0.8%, Light Engineering and Metal-Working by 0.6%, Plastic and other Synthetics by .6%, leather-Making and
Leather Goods by 0.3%. Since these sector activities were new for women and mainly dominated by men, few
women went into these trades as they did not have sufficient knowledge, information and skill on these trades
including production and marketing process.

Starting year of Business: It was observed that there were only five women who started their
business/company from 1950-1979, within a span of 30 years. This shows that entrepreneurship among
women of Bangladesh grew after the Liberation of Bangladesh, from the 70s and started developing during the
80s and 90s, reaching to the highest during the beginning of this twentieth century (2000-2009).

Status of Enterprise Registration/license: 51.49% entrepreneurs responded to the question. Consciousness

of enterprise registration along with greater entrepreneurship development started among the women of
Bangladesh during the 80s developing to the highest during the beginning of this twenty-first century (2000-
2009). The highest registration of the enterprises of the women entrepreneurs (38.93%) was between the
years 2000-2009. Only two women had their enterprise registration from 1960-1979. Though the companies
were set up by the women but there were no registration done. Only 1 enterprise was set up between1950-
1959 but there was no registration done. Only one enterprise was set up and registered between1960-1969.

Interval Period of Business and Registration: Only 8.3% women entrepreneurs had registered their
enterprises and then started their business activities. Regarding interval between starting point of business and
company registration, the highest number of entrepreneurs (9.5%) had one year interval, followed by 7.6%
who had two years interval. The greatest interval period was 28 years which belonged to 0.09% women
entrepreneurs.

Income from business: The recorded monthly income of women entrepreneurs varied from BDT 1 lac to 6
lacs through out Bangladesh. The highest income of BDT 6 lacs per month were earned by 13.14% women
entrepreneurs. The lowest income of BDT 1 lac per month was earned by 25.89% women entrepreneurs. The
majority of women entrepreneurs (31.59%) earned BDT 2 lacs per month followed by 12.08% who earned BDT
3 lacs. The monthly sales figures of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh varied from BDT 1.00-7.00 lacs. The
highest sale of BDT 7 lacs per month was by 22.51% women entrepreneurs all over Bangladesh. This sale
was also achieved by the largest number of women. The monthly profits of previous year of women
entrepreneurs all over Bangladesh varied from BDT 1 lac to BDT 6 lacs. The highest monthly profit of BDT 6
lacs was achieved by 22.90%. The lowest monthly profit of BDT 1 lac was earned by 19.32% women.

Business Management: The majority (84.83%) of the women entrepreneurs managed their business by
themselves. They had proprietorship or sole ownership. 22.7% employed trained personnel to manage their
business. 3.1% of the women entrepreneurs utilized the services of administrative people. 5% of the women
entrepreneurs utilized other means to look after their business.

Type of Employees in the organization: 59% of women entrepreneurs employed trained personnel in their
business organizations. 31.1% utilized the services of Experienced Personnel to run their business
organizations, while there were employees who were not trained in the business firms of 16.5% women.
Among the experienced the highest employment was by 51.7% women in the Sylhet division and among the
trained the highest employment was by 27.6% women in the Chittagong division.

v
Problems faced in business: The majority 87.9% of the women entrepreneurs were faced with lack of capital
as the greatest problem in running their business. Among other problems were lack of marketing opportunities
by 21.3% lack of raw materials by 20.4%, lack of skilled workers by 14.2%, lack of experience by 9%, absence
of training by 8.7% and problems of accounts keeping by 2.5%.

Utilization of savings: The women entrepreneurs responded that their savings were mostly used for business
development 70.1%. The next use was for family requirements mentioned by 64.8%. 24% kept their money in
the banks, while 1.7% bought land or assets and 1.5% invested their savings in other activities. Only 0.4% of
the women used their savings for other purposes according to their needs.

Trade License Issue and Years of Enterprise Registration: 34.20% mentioned that trade license was
necessary for business identification. Only 51.49 had mentioned about the registration of their enterprises or
business, which accounts for the realization that nearly fifty percent of the women entrepreneurs (48.50%)
were conducting their business without valid trade license.

Trade license-providing agencies & Expenditure: About trade license-providing agencies 23.5% mentioned
the name of City Corporations 69.5% mentioned the Pouroshova and 7% mentioned the Union Council. The
highest amount paid for trade license by 5.2% WE was BDT 2000 and above followed by 2.9% who paid
between BDT 1501-2000. The greatest number of 30.2% WE paid up to BDT 500.

Reasons for not having Trade License/Registration: Only 25.9% of the women responded and of these the
highest no of respondents 4.8% mentioned that they did not have enough knowledge about registration. 3.8%
said about their financial problems, 3.6% did not feel the need of having trade license. 3% of the women said
that their business was new and small and would apply for trade license when their business extended. 2.1%
said that they didn't have enough knowledge about registration and also that there was shortage of time. 1.3%
applied for trade license but did not get them. 1% mentioned that they had already applied for trade license. Of
them some were harassed by the officials, some were afraid of the long procedures, some lacked interest.
0.4% complained of the excess charges of trade license in many places, while 0.1% could not apply due to
illness.

Problem faced by Women Entrepreneurs with Trade License/ Registration Authority: 41.30% mentioned
that they had faced no such great problems with Trade License/Registration Authority. But of those with
problems, the greatest number of 12.77% mentioned that they did not have time for license, while 10.87%
mentioned about the demand for bribe by the Trade License Authorities and 1.90% complained that the
authorities had taken bribes from them but had not given them their Trade License. 5.43% mentioned that they
did not have time to sit with officials for license, 5.98% had no idea of licensing procedures, 4.35% faced
harassment by officials, 3.26% had applied but did not get their license,. 2.99% faced pressure from licensing
organization, 1.90% mentioned that authorities wanted too many papers for getting trade licence, 2.45 %
informed that registration authorities disturbed WE for not having trade license.1.63% mentioned that there
were too many formalities for registration and 1.63% also said that they did not want any license, not
understanding that to do business trade license was compulsory. 0.82% mentioned that providing TIN
Certificate before registration was a problem for many women who were not familiar with such procedures. The
most disturbing attitude as mentioned by 2.72% women was that since they were women they were not given
importance by the Trade Licence/Registration Authority and to these people women did not carry any respect
or importance.

Problems faced by Women Entrepreneur for not having Trade License/Registration: There were 24.37%
women entrepreneurs who managed their individual situations and did not complain or did not face any
problems while 61.1% did not respond to this question. 38% of women entrepreneurs had spoken of the
problems they faced due to not having trade License/Registration. Most of the women (14.97%) mentioned
that they faced problems related to loans from Banks since bank do not provide loans without trade license,
3.55% mentioned of their inability to avail loans also from financial institutions. 5.84% faced administrative
problems of the government and various ministries and organizations. 4.06% did not get Govt. Support and
facilities. Different Govt. Agencies harassed women entrepreneurs and disturbed them. 3.55% faced custom
hazards and 4.57% had to manage VAT problems. Moreover, 4.57% also faced various others problems

vi
including bribery because of illegality and also lack of proper evaluation, institutional status and inability to
derive various facilities. 7.8% were unable to progress in business and underwent risk, while 4.31%
experienced coercive action for payment of fines and penalties due to not having signboards and trade
licenses. 1.52% complained of city cooperation authorities who forcefully insisted on Trade License application
and on and often disturbed women on issues related to trade license. 4.82% mentioned that due to absence of
trade license they did not get legal support and related requirements for business from any where. 2.03%
complained of disturbances and lack of support of law enforcing agencies. 2.79% received threads by
unknown people and terrorists. 1.27% faced marketing problems including harassment by middleman. 2.03%
complained that they could not participate in any Trade Fair including International Trade Fair. 2.03% also
complained of Tax Officers pressure for registration. 1.27% said that there was a lack of united efforts amongst
business women.

Approaches to government organizations supporting SME development: 29.4% of the respondents

informed that they had approached Govt. organizations supporting SME development. The highest number of
women entrepreneurs (62.0%) utilized the services of Jatiya Mahila Sangstha (JMS) for their business
purposes. The Directorate of Women Affairs was approached by 17.2% of the respondents. BSCIC, Ministry of
Women Affairs, SME Foundation, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Ministry of Industry, Bangladesh Parjatan
Corporation (BPC), National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Business Promotion Council (BPC) and other GOs
were approached by 38.3% for the development of their business, information requirements, trade, technology
and marketing necessities.

Types of support received from different organizations for business development: The, highest support
from Govt. Organizations was Financial support received by 14% women entrepreneurs, followed by Training
by 13.3% women, Consultancy by 2.8% women. 0.1% received business training, credit facilities, donation,
service certificates from the ministry and various suggestions for their business development. 1.1% informed
that they did not get any support.

Training & Human Resources related issues: 53.7% of the respondents informed that they had received
training before business, 19.5% received training during business and 26.7% had not received any training.
Majority of the respondents (34.8%) mentioned that of the cost was borne by donor agencies, 32% said that
the cost was borne by themselves. Of the highest number of respondents (60.2%) who had borne the cost of
the training by themselves were from Chittagong and the lowest (1.2%) from Barisal. 2.9% women informed
that the cost was borne by NGOs, of which the highest (24.%) was in Rajshahi and the lowest (4.1%) in Sylhet.
It was interesting to note that 10.9% women mentioned that their husbands bore the costs of their training of
whom the highest number (26.9%) was from Chittagong and the lowest (2%) was from Dhaka. It was also
found that 9.4% of the women had their training cost borne by their families, of them the highest (22.4%) was
from Sylhet and the lowest (2.4%) from Barisal.

Name of the training: The highest number of training undergone by the women entrepreneurs (38.5%) were
in Sewing followed by training in Beauty parlour (14.6%), Block and Batik printing (12.1%), Poultry rearing
(11.8%), Dress making (10.9%), handicrafts (6.7%). and Embroidery (2.1%). Training on Business
Development was taken by (7%) women, followed by training on Agro-based activities such as Fishery by
3.9%, Livestock by 3.0%, and Nursery by 1.2%. Food and Confectionery training was taken by 1.2% women
entrepreneurs. Non traditional types of training included Design Development which was taken by 0.9% and
Export Promotion by 0.2%. 13.2% of the entrepreneurs took training on various other trades which helped
them to promote their business and succeed in life as an entrepreneur. The highest number of training was
undertaken by 21.5% women entrepreneurs during 2000-2004.

Employment generation - Number of Female Personnel currently employed: In total 89.2% women
entrepreneurs had responded to the question related to employment of female personnel. The greatest
numbers of enterprises of the women entrepreneurs (41.67%) had no female personnel. 17.21% had only one
female personnel followed by 16.02% with two female personnel, and 1.19% with 10 female personnel. 0.22%
women entrepreneurs had developed their business and had achieved great heights in their entrepreneurial
activities employing up to 60 female employees.

vii
Number of Male Personnel currently employed: 938 (90.6%) of the women entrepreneurs employed male
personnel in their enterprises. Of them the greatest number was 82.30% women who employed 1-10 male
personnel in their enterprises as their workers, followed by only 5.22% women who employed 11-21 male
workers. The lowest number of 0.32% women entrepreneurs employed 130-142 males. The greatest numbers
of male workers 143-153 was employed by 0.75% women entrepreneurs. The highest number of female
workers was up to 60 only, while male workers were employed up to 130 to 142 persons by these women
entrepreneurs, indicating the necessity of male workers in the business enterprises.

Total No of Personnel Currently Employed: The highest number of personnel currently employed was
between 1 and 10 workers in the businesses of 68.1% women entrepreneurs. It is important to note that the
highest number of workers between 141 and 150 were employed by a few 0.4% women.

Satisfaction Level regarding skill and performance of personnel: 97.2% of the respondents informed that
they were satisfied with their skill and performance, of which 100% of the women entrepreneurs of Sylhet and
Barisal divisions reported their satisfaction over skill and performance of their personnel.

Salary range of workers - Highest Salaries of Workers: 72.8% women entrepreneurs responded to this
question. The greatest number of women entrepreneurs 32.63% paid salary between BDT 2001-3000,
followed by 27.32% who paid between BDT 1001-2000. It may be mentioned that 9.28% paid the highest
salary of up to BDT 1000 to the workers and 9.42% paid the highest salary of above BDT 5000 to the workers.

Salary range of workers - Lowest Salaries of Workers: 71.4% women entrepreneurs responded to the
question. The greatest number of women entrepreneurs 47.90% paid the lowest salary between BDT 1001-
2000. 3.92% paid between BDT 3001 to 4000 and 2.57% paid between BDT 4001 to 5000. Only 4.06% paid
the lowest salary of above BDT 5000 to the workers. Highest salary of up to BDT 1000 and the lowest salary of
up to BDT 1000 determined the largeness of the enterprises and also the capability of the enterprise owner to
pay the salary. Very few women entrepreneurs (only 4.06%) had developed themselves and risen to the
position to be able to pay a salary of above BDT 5000 per month to her employees.

Types of workers employed: The highest number of respondents 75.9% mentioned that they employed
permanent workers. 33.7% women entrepreneurs employed part time workers, 11.4% employed seasonal
workers. The respondents informed that they usually employed permanent workers for their enterprises. But
for special activities and requirements part-time workers were employed. Seasonal workers were employed for
seasonal production or for great order supplies.

Problems encountered by the employers: Out of 47.8% valid respondents, only 13.8% of the respondents
faced problems with employees, of which the highest was in Rajshahi, 17.2% and lowest in Barisal 3.3%. Of
them 10.10% women entrepreneurs were faced with problems with workers who were unreliable and
neglected their work, 8.28% faced problems with workers who complained of non-fulfilment of basic needs due
to low salary, 7.68% faced problems due to unskilled workmanship, while 3.5% suffered problems from lack of
punctuality of workers and 7.07% had problems with those who were inattentive in work. 5.45% faced
problems as workers did their job temporarily, 5.25% found that workers were irregular and stayed absent from
work. 4.85% faced problems of high labour costs and also the problems of workers who lacked the sense of
duties and responsibilities. 4. 85% had problems when workers took payment but left the jobs suddenly without
notice, while 4.65% were found inattentive, careless and had low interest in work. 4.44% women found
workers to have been socially harassed. 4.44% also detected workers stealing products of the enterprises or
involved with irregular delivery of goods from employees. 4.24% also faced problems since the employees
were illiterate, while 4.04% found that the women employees left home for household works during working
hours and 1.6% identified workers who violated organizational rules and regulations.

Bonus/incentive paid to employees: Bonus and incentives were given to employees by 47.9% of the women
entrepreneurs. Of these the highest were by the women entrepreneurs of Dhaka, 62.7% and lowest by those
of Khulna 32.7%. Among those who did not give any bonus or incentives, the highest was from Khulna 67.3%
and the lowest from Dhaka 37.3%.

viii
Investment in business - Initial Investments (Equity): Among the 1011 women entrepreneurs who
responded, the initial investment (Equity) by the greatest number of women entrepreneurs (21.96%) was BDT
10001- 30000. The least number of women (1.68%) invested BDT 110001-130000. The maximum investment
was by 16.32% women who invested above BDT 150000, and the minimum investment was up to BDT 10,000
by 21.36% women. Loan: the initial investment through loan by the greatest number of women entrepreneurs
(31%) was up to BDT10000, which was also the minimum investment. The least number of women (14%)
invested the maximum through loan which was above BDT 50000. There were only 221 women entrepreneurs
who responded to this question. Total: The Total Initial Investment was the greatest among 36% women
entrepreneurs who invested between BDT 10001-50000 and the least was of 16% women who invested up to
BDT 10000. The maximum investment was by 24% women who invested above BDT 100000 and the total
minimum initial investment was by 16% women entrepreneurs who invested up to BDT 10000 only. The valid
respondents were 792 women entrepreneurs.

Current Investment in BDT - Equity: Among the 832 women entrepreneurs who responded, the current
investment (Equity) by the greatest number of women entrepreneurs (34%) was BDT 50001- 100000. The
least number of women (8%) invested BDT 150001-200000. The maximum investment was by 22% women
who invested above BDT 200000, and the minimum investment was up to BDT 50,000 by 23% women. Loan:
the current investment through loan by the greatest number of women entrepreneurs (30%) was above BDT
50000, which was also the maximum investment. The least number of women (6%) invested between BDT
30000 – 40000 through loan. The minimum investment through loan was up to BDT 10000. There were only
420 women entrepreneurs who responded to this question. Total: The Total current Investment was the
greatest among 31% women entrepreneurs who invested between BDT 50,001 – 100000. and the least was
by 9% women who invested BDT 150001 - 200000. The total maximum investment was by 31% women who
invested above BDT 200000 and the total minimum investment was by 12% women entrepreneurs who
invested up to BDT 50000 only. The valid respondents were 816 women entrepreneurs.

Sources of Initial Capital: The majority of the women entrepreneurs 87.5% managed their sources of initial
capital out of their own savings. Another important instance is the information of 32.2% women whose
husbands provided them the initial capital. Fathers provided 7% of the women. NGOs provided 7% while the
Government Agencies provided 6.7% of such capital to the women. 3.6% were provided by their friends, 3.3%
by their mothers, and 2.4% by Non-Bank Financial Companies. Both Public and Private Commercial Banks
provided 1.1% of the women, 0.9% managed their capital from Money lenders and 0.6% managed their money
through their inherited property. 2.3% received their initial capital from other unspecified sources.

Sources of current capital: Majority of the women entrepreneurs 92.4% had their sources of current capital
from their own savings. It was interesting to note that 27.6% of the women’s husbands provided them the
sources of current capital while fathers provided the current capital to 4.5% women and mothers provided
1.5% of the women. 13.3% obtained their capital also from Government Agencies, 13% from NGOs, 4.9% from
Non-Bank Financing Companies, 4.7% from Private Commercial bank, 2.6% from Public Commercial Bank.
Friends provided 3.2%, while 0.8% borrowed money from Money Lenders. 3.5% managed from other sources.

Types of guarantee provided for taking loan: 66.4% of the women entrepreneurs provided the personal
guarantee for taking loans. 10.6% provided land mortgage 7% provided house mortgage and 3.4% gave
ornaments as guarantee. 18.5% provided various other unspecified types of guarantees for taking loans.

Information on assets of Women Entrepreneurs: 83.7% mentioned that they held various types of assets.
Among the assets held by the women entrepreneurs were ornaments by 62.4%, the highest of them (77.2%)
being in Dhaka, followed by 69.5% in Rajshahi. Houses were bought by 57.6%. Of which, the highest was by
72.9% women of Rajshahi and the lowest 24.1% in Sylhet. Among the other assets owned were Furniture by
56.5% women, Cash by 41.8% and Electronic Equipments by 24%, Car by 1.8% and Share / Bond by 0.6%.
The survey informs that 12% of the women were owners of domestic animal as seen especially in the rural
areas. 3.8% of the women entrepreneurs owned various other unspecified types of assets.

Inheritance of property: Only 21.84% did inherit property. 83.5% inherited from fathers 7% from mothers
0.6% from grand fathers 8.9% from others. 73% of the women informed that they received land, 21.4%

ix
received houses, 1.9% received cash, 0.6% received furniture, household items and electronic equipments,
2.5% received various other things.

Information on ownership of land: Only 14.40% women informed that they had bought land through their
business income, after their success in business. The greatest number of women 69.1% had bought land
ranging from .01-.10 decimals. The highest amount of land .71- .80 decimals of land was bought by 0.8% only.
It was important to note that, 85.60% of women entrepreneurs did not buy any land.

First Impression of women entrepreneurs regarding receiving of Bank Loans: Private banks: Regarding
first impression in receiving loans from private banks, the majority 38.4% of women entrepreneurs of all the
divisions expressed good impression, 28.3% expressed moderate impression, 20.4% very good, 8.8%
excellent and only 4.1% experienced bad impressions. Public banks: Regarding first impression in receiving
loans from public banks, it was found that the majority (33.3%) of the women entrepreneurs of all the divisions
had good impression 28.9% had moderate impression, 24.4% had very good 11.7% had bad and only 1.7%
had excellent impressions. Non-banking financial companies: Receiving loans from Non-banking financial
companies the first impression of women entrepreneurs showed that the majority 32.9% had very good
impression, 29.5% had good impression, 17.8% had moderate 11.6% had excellent and only 8.2% had bad
impressions. NGOs: First impression of women entrepreneurs with regard to receiving loans from NGOs the
majority of the women entrepreneurs (35%) had good impression, 22.8% had excellent impression, 21.3% had
very good. 16% had moderate and only 4.2% had bad impressions. Government agencies: In receiving loans
from government agencies the majority 26.7% of the women expressed both excellent and good impression.
Again 19.4% of the women expressed both very good and moderate impression. Only 7.8% experienced bad
impression. Money lenders: In receiving loan from money lenders, the highest number of women (45.8%)
mentioned that they had moderate impression, 22.4% had good and 18.7% had bad impression, while 8.4%
and 4.7% expressed their excellent and very good impression. Loan from other sources: With regards to
receiving loan from other sources majority of the women entrepreneurs (24.2%) mentioned that they had
moderate impression, 21.2% had both good and bad, while 18.2% of women had excellent impression. 15.2%
expressed very good impression.

Special Credit Programme - Bangladesh Bank/SME Foundation: Knowledge about the Bangladesh Bank
(SEF) Program was known to only 11% of the respondents, of whom the highest (17.2%) were from
Chittagong followed by 11% from Khulna. Only 14% women had knowledge about the SME Foundation
Programme of whom the highest 40% women were from Barisal followed by 24% from Chittagong.

Refinancing Scheme program: 9% of the respondents informed that they had applied for loan under this
program to Bank/Non-Bank Financial institutions. 53% of the respondents mentioned that they had not applied
for loan under this program. Only 2% of the respondents had applied but not yet received any loan while 36%
had no knowledge about the Refinancing Scheme.

Business Management - Possession of Business Plan: Only 577 (56%) Entrepreneurs informed that they
had Business Plan. Of these 71% informed that they themselves prepared their business plans. Only 3%
engaged individual consultants and 9% employed others for the job. 70% women entrepreneurs had prepared
the duration of their business plans. The highest number of women 45% had business plans above 5 years,
while 12% women had the business plan up to 1 year, 7% had for 2 to 3 years, and 6% for 4 to 5 years.

Accounting & Book Keeping: 23% of the respondents answered that they employed accountants for their
business firms. Out of 1035 respondents, 802 (77%) Entrepreneurs had no professional accountant. Majority
of the respondents 70% informed that they themselves supervised and maintained their own accounts and
book keeping. Family members assisted 3% of the respondents in this regard, while 1% was done by others.
Regarding accomplishment of their accounting works majority of the women (53%) informed that they did it
monthly, 46% accomplished it daily, 19% completed it weekly

Information on Bank Accounts: Total Consciousness of Bank transactions and maintaining of Bank
accounts did exist among the majority of the women entrepreneurs (82%) of the country. They had bank
accounts in schedule banks. They were especially aware of banking facilities and the need for Bank Accounts

x
for business transactions and activities. 54.8% mentioned that they had Savings Account. This was the
highest, and was mostly operated by 75.4% of the women entrepreneurs of Chittagong followed by 65.4% from
Dhaka. It was also mentioned that 51.8% operated Current Account while 1.1% had Joint accounts. Out of
1035, 185 (18%) Entrepreneurs had no Bank account. Regarding the reasons for not having Bank Accounts
only 18% women entrepreneurs responded. Of these 68% replied that they did not require any Bank Accounts,
while 11% mentioned that since their business status was not so good they did not maintain any Bank
Accounts. 18% thought that there were too many formalities in having a Bank Accounts, while 3% maintained
Bank Accounts by using others accounts. 18% of the women felt that having a bank account was not required.
At present Banks were offering special facilities for SME loans and also for loans for women entrepreneurs.

Income Tax payment, Assessment and Tax Identification number (TIN): Only 10% of the women
entrepreneurs of Bangladesh had Tax Identification numbers (TIN). None of the women entrepreneurs of
Barisal had TIN. Out of 1035, 103 (10%) Entrepreneurs had TIN and among them only 49 (4.7%)
entrepreneurs paid Tax. Of these 84% paid up to BDT 4000 and 8% paid between BDT 4001-8000. Only 2%
paid between BDT 12001-16000. The highest amount of tax paid was above BDT 32000 by 2% women
entrepreneurs. Majority of the women entrepreneurs 95.2% did not pay income tax. Out of 1035 total
respondents, 103 (10%) Entrepreneurs had assessed Income Tax. 83% of the women did it by themselves,
while 15% utilized the services of lawyers and 2% took the services of others.

Information on VAT Registration Number: Of the 1035, only 124 respondents (12%) did have VAT
registration numbers, among whom the highest number of women entrepreneurs (21.8%) were from Dhaka,
There was not a single women entrepreneur having VAT registration number in Barisal. Only 83 (8% of total
respondents) paid their Vat. Of these, the highest number of women entrepreneurs 89% paid up to BDT 4000.
Only 1% paid above BDT 12000. Regarding the process of Income Tax and VAT, only 11% respondents
informed that they were fully informed, 16% were partially informed and 73% were not at all informed.

Information about Exporter and Countries of Export: Only 32 (3%) of the women entrepreneurs out of the
1035 respondents exported their products. Women entrepreneurs exported their products to as many as in 18
countries. The highest number 22% exported to their products to United Kingdom (UK). The next country of
export was United States of America (USA) where 9% of the women exported. Similar 9% exported to Japan
and Canada. 6% exported to China and India. The rest 3% exported each to Australia, Europe, Sweden, Italy,
Germany, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Dubai, Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. 3% women
exported various items of the SME sector, of which the highest number of women (22%) exported garments,
followed by fashion dresses by 19%. The other exportable items were bags of various designs and materials,
handloom cloth, nakshi kantha (embroidered quilt), designed pillow covers and saris of various materials and
these were exported by 6% women exporters. The highest value of export was above US Dollar 2,00,000 done
by 9% of the women, followed by 13% women exporters whose export value was between US Dollar 150,000
and US Dollar 2,00,000. It was seen that majority of the women exporters (41%) had exported goods worth up
to US Dollar 50,000.

Information about Importer and countries of Import: Out of 1035, only 13 (1.3%) of the respondents were
registered importers of this country. Out of the 1.3% women importers 2.9% belonged to Dhaka, 1.7%
belonged to Chittagong 0.8% were from Rajshahi while only 0.7% were from Khulna. There no women
importers from Barisal and Sylhet. The highest number of 23% women entrepreneurs, imported ready made
garments and dresses, while 15% imported cosmetics. The rest of the imported materials were brought by 8%
each. These included chemicals, cotton, electrical equipment, jewellery, children’s dresses, medicine, beads
and stones and saris. The highest value of import was above US Dollar. 250,000 by 15% women importers
and the lowest value of imports was up to US Dollar 50,000 performed by 15% women entrepreneurs. The
greatest number of women importers 23% imported goods worth US Dollar 150,000 to US Dollar 200,000. The
minimum number of women had import value of US Dollar 100,001 to US Dollar 150, 000.

Marketing and Sale of products - Information about showrooms to sell products: Out of 1035, 521
(50%) Entrepreneurs owned or rented showrooms. The highest numbers of show-rooms were owned by 12%
women entrepreneurs in the district of Dhaka, followed by 9% in the district of Chittagong, 6% in the district of
Sylhet, 5% in the district of Brahmanbaria. 4% of the women had show rooms in the district of Jamalpur,

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Rajshahi and Cox’s Bazar where most of these were owned by the women of the Rakhine Community. 3% had
newly built show-rooms in Bogra, Jessore, Rangpur, Comilla, Narayanganj, Kishoreganj, Sirajganj and
Dinajpur. 2% had show rooms in Manikganj, Moulvibazar, Kushtia, Madaripur, Rangamati, Pirojpur, Gazipur,
The areas of recent development were in Barisal, Pabna, Naogaon with 2%, Noakhali 1% and Bagerhat 1%
women’s show-room ownership. The lowest number of show-rooms by 0.2% women entrepreneurs was found
in the district of Laxmipur. There were no records of show-rooms in the districts of Panchagar, Chuadanga and
Jhalokathi assuming that the social system did not appreciate much involvement of women in business.

Information on Sale of product or service: 48% of women entrepreneurs were involved with their own
business promotional activities and direct sale of their products and services. For others (4%) it was through
distributors/wholesellers and retailers, 2% through hawkers and 1% through Commission agents.

Ownership and expenditure of Showroom: 39% owned their individual showrooms while out of total 1035
respondents, 385 Entrepreneurs (61%) had showrooms on rental basis. Most of them 74% had their
expenditure up to BDT 3000 per month. The higher expensive show-rooms were rented by 18% whose
monthly expenditure was between BDT 3001- 9000. Only 1% women paid between BDT15001-21000. The
highest expenditure was by 2% women who paid between BDT 21,001 and BDT 24000.

Business Promotion materials and process: Majority of the 72.3% women entrepreneurs used Signboard
as the main and popular type of Business Promotional Material. 41.6% used Business cards, 4.8% used
Handbills, 3.2% took the advantage of Billboards, 2.1% publicized their Enterprise Brochure, 0.9% used the
Website, while 0.3% managed Flyers and 0.1% distributed Pamphlets. For 19.5% there was no specific
strategy for the type of business promotion materials. Regarding business promotional process majority of the
women entrepreneurs (62.8%) utilized the services of their friends and families. 9.3% of the women processed
through the attendance of Trade Fairs and various Melas, which were organized as national or regional events,
for festivals, for seasonal programmes or religious occasions. NGO network was used by 8%, Electronic Media
Advertisement by 5.1%, distribution of Handbills by 5%, Print Media Advertisement by 4.2%. Modern
promotional process of business development was used through Billboards by 2.6%, Website by 1.5% and
Flyers by 0.2%. Trade Organizational Network was utilized by 2.8% while 0.5% distributed Pamphlets as a
type of business promotional process.

Access to IT: 17.1% women entrepreneurs owned computers. The highest numbers of computers were
owned by women of Dhaka (23%). Majority of the women entrepreneurs 90% did not have any training on
computer operations. Only 10% women were conscious enough to take training of which the highest 24% was
from Barisal, followed by 11% from Dhaka. Internet facilities were available to only 5% women entrepreneurs
of the country. Business enterprises of 96% women entrepreneurs did not have email account while only 4%
maintained individual email account. Only 1.2% informed that they had a website. Business development and
increase of promotional activities depended to a great extent on the modern system of access to IT.

Target customer: Out of 1035, 178 (17%) of the respondents informed that they did produce for target
customers and the women entrepreneurs of Dhaka (26%) gave the highest importance for target customers. It
was found that the largest target customers for 22% women entrepreneurs were the women, followed by 13%
whose target customers were local customers, 11% whose target customer were children and 6% whose
customers were students. It was natural to have shops as the target customers for 8% women entrepreneurs.
Orders of clients and regional markets were the target customers of 4% WE. National Markets, foreign
markets, associations, local markets, NGOs, household customers, seasonal customers, rich customers and
the service people were the target customers of 3% women entrepreneurs. Variation was found by 3% women
entrepreneurs whose target customers were construction people and Tea Garden people.

Target market: Majority of the respondents (43%) concentrated on district level market as their target market
followed by Upzilla level by 16% and regional by 10.4% women entrepreneurs. 7.7% of the respondents
operated in the national level market while 7% targeted the international market. 2.8% talked of other markets
including local, rural and special markets for special people on specific days and times. 13% of the
respondents had no clear idea about the target market.

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Training on sales and marketing: Out of 1035, only 242 (23.4%) of the respondents received training on
sales and marketing. Training institutes provided training to 40% of the entrepreneurs, while NGOs provided
33% and Government Organizations provided the training to 28% entrepreneurs. 76% of the respondents
mentioned that they were benefited from the trainings received, while 17% replied in the negative and 7% had
no idea about it.

Hindrances to marketing of products: All the women entrepreneurs interviewed responded regarding the
factors hindering marketing of their products and mentioned 30 hindrances which they faced. Lack of security
and safety in market proved to be the highest hindering factor for marketing followed by lack of knowledge
about market and lack of suitable market and various communication problems.

Information on Trade Fair participation: Out of 1035, only 277 27% of women entrepreneurs participated in
trade fair. It is observed that in the SME sector, majority of the small enterprise owners participated in local,
regional, seasonal, festival fairs and some in national trade fairs. Festival fairs were related to socio-cultural
events and religious occasions. Rural melas were usually participated by the rural WE, who had products
satisfying to the tastes of the rural buyers. The national trade fairs as the DITF (Dhaka International Trade Fair)
organized by Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), was participated mainly by SMEs. International Trade Fairs
participation is primarily to enter into the export field and also display products to a varied type of buyers
outside the country. The highest amongst of all types of trade fairs 39.8% of the women participated in the
local trade fair. 34.1% took part in regional trade fairs, 22.3%, in rural market 20.8% in seasonal trade fairs,
17.8% participated in festival fairs and 9.5% participated in National fairs. 8.7% of the women ventured outside
the country for the participation in International Trade Fairs. The highest number of international trade fair
participation was by 20.0% women entrepreneurs from Chittagong. 74% of the business women expressed
that Trade Fairs had a positive impact, though 1% expressed of negative impact. 21% women entrepreneurs
said that they had no idea about participation in the trade fairs.

Technical support for product development: 79.2% of the respondents said that they did not receive such
support. The highest non-recipient was from Rajshahi 92.6% and the lowest 36.7% from Barisal. 20% of the
respondents said that they did receive technical support. Amongst whom the highest numbers of recipients
(63.3%) were from Barisal. The technical supports received by 1% respondents were on quality control and 1%
on embroidery only. 43% got other technical support.

Information on support by organizations for product development: Out of 1035, 162 (16%) Entrepreneurs
received institutional product development support. The reasons for low level of technical support for product
development showed that 84% of the respondents did not go to any organization for such support at all.
Amongst all the divisions women entrepreneurs (98.3%) of Sylhet was the highest while those of (64%)
Rajshahi and Khulna was the lowest regarding their interest for product development support. Of those 16%
who approached organizations for product development support, the highest were 36% from Khulna there
were as many as 24 organizations who had provided the various services to 162 (16%) women entrepreneurs
for their product development. Amongst all the organizations the highest support were provided by the NGOs
which included BRAC, Singer, and other such non government organizations operating throughout Bangladesh
for the development of business through the product development. Amongst the others were Ministry of
Women and Children’s Affairs, Directorate of Women Affairs Jatiya Mahila Sangstha, the Livestock
Department, Government Organizations as BRDB, BSCIC and Jubo Unnayan Adhidapter, Public and Private
Banks, international organizations as ILO and Asia Foundation and also trade bodies as Chambers.

Reasons for not using product development support: Out of 1035, 873 Entrepreneurs did not receive
product development support. It was observed that 84% of the women entrepreneurs responded to the
question. Of these the majority 33% mentioned about their financial problems 21% mentioned about their lack
of information of the issue. 10% said that they did not have a chance and 8%had no knowledge of the issue.
3% mentioned that they did not feel the necessity of such activities or that there was shortage of time for such
programmes. They also complained that there were no appropriate available institutions and also did not get
specific organization. 2% expressed their lack of interest and lack of facilities. They also felt that there was no
benefit from getting these product development supports as they could not always implement them in their
enterprises. They informed that religious barrier from the society and lack of cooperation for doing business

xiii
from the family created problems for many of the women entrepreneurs. 1% informed that the superstition of
women’s participation and communication gaps restricted their progress in business especially in this male-
dominated society. They said that since all their employees were not experts just taking product development
support did not contribute to their enterprise development, while others who were new in this profession were
afraid to go to organizations for product development.

Institutional support: Out of 1035, 465 (45%) entrepreneurs received institutional support from various
organizations. 45% received institutional supports of whom the women entrepreneurs who received the highest
institutional support were 79% from Barisal followed by 72% from Dhaka. 50% received financial support
followed by 38% women entrepreneurs who received training and 10% who mentioned that they received
technical support. 2% mentioned that they received various other institutional supports in different forms
according to their requirements. 12 organizations provided the various women entrepreneurs for their
institutional development. Amongst all the organizations the highest support were provided by various NGOs
to 25% women followed by Jatiyo Mahila Sangstha which assisted 16% women entrepreneurs. MIDAS
provided support to 12% women and Directorate of Women Affairs to 11% women. BSCIC gave support to 6%
women. Jubo Unnayan Odhidapter and various government organizations and departments provided support
to 5% women, while 3% women were given support by BRAC and the Department of Livestock. BRDB helped
2% women. The lowest support received was received by 1% women from ILO and also by Sonali and Agrani
and Islami Bank.
Trade Organizations/Associations: 70.82% were not members of any trade organizations while only 29.18%
were the members of various trade organizations. Of the trade organizations in which the women
entrepreneurs were members of, 6 were nationally recognized while the other 18 trade organizations were
mostly district or area based. Membership between 5.6% to 1% were sector based. Membership were 19.2%
in Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB), 11.9% in Bangladesh Women Chamber of
Commerce & Industry (BWCCI) 11.25% in National Association of Small and Cottage Industries, Bangladesh
(NASCIB), 7.94 in Banglacraft 7.9% in Bangladesh Association of Business and Professional Women
(BABPW) and Women Entrepreneurs Association (WEA). Regarding the reasons for not having membership in
the trade organizations, 12.5% of the respondents said that they did not need it, 2.6% said that they were not
available and 0.5% (mostly from Barisal) said trade organizations did not provide them any benefit, 40.3%
mentioned about various other reasons while 44.1% did not respond to the question.

Services provided by Trade Organizations & Expectation of members: 13.9% of the responding members
mentioned about receiving financial information followed by training by 8.5%, trade fair participation by 3.3%
and marketing support by 1.3%. There were different other business-oriented services provided mentioned by
8.7%. 21 various types of expectations were mentioned by entrepreneurs as members of various trade
organizations. The greatest expectation of the women entrepreneurs (4.6%) was to increase business
contacts. Obtaining good marketing opportunities was mentioned by 2.5%, information about trade fairs by
2.3%, increase participation in International fairs by 2.3%. 1.6% expected good service for trade promotion,
0.9% members wanted to increase their knowledge of business through seminars, while 1.4% wanted to
receive Skill development training opportunities and 1.0% required technical support.

Strengthening of women’s position in business and international trade promotion: 16 different

suggestions were provided by the respondents on this issue. Strengthening of women’s position in business
and international trade promotion of the women entrepreneurs could be attained through Increase of business
contacts nationally and internationally mentioned by the highest number (4.6%) of women entrepreneurs. 3.2%
mentioned Training on International Marketing 2.7% focussed on financial support from banks 2.3% said
about Information on trade fairs and Participation in International Fairs. 1.9% mentioned about creating
opportunity for export while 1.7% felt that there was need to strengthen women’s socio-economic position and
1.6% spoke of role of Association for strengthening the women as entrepreneurs. Skill development training
opportunities for making quality products was discussed by 1.4% including the need for increase and
strengthening of good business contacts as stated by 0.3%. Increase knowledge of business through seminars
indicated by 0.9, obtaining good technical support remarked by 1%, receive additional capital from banks for
developing business and international trade promotion as suggested by 0.3% and contribute towards social
and national development as pointed out by 0.3%.

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Business Environment - Incidence of illegal tolls and bribes: The majority 96.14% of the women did not
face any of such incidences, though in some incidences only 3.86% were reported to have paid such tolls and
bribes all over Bangladesh. This type of incidence was however found highest in Khulna by 5% women
entrepreneurs, 5.40% in Dhaka and 5% in Chittagong. There were no incidence of illegal tolls and bribes as
stated by 100% of the women in Barisal, followed by 99.58% of Rajshahi and 98.33% of Sylhet.

Perception about overall business environment: 66.86% of the women entrepreneurs opined that the
overall business environment was good and a very low number of them (1.55%) said it was as bad, while,
31.59% of the women had no idea about such an environment and could not comment on the issue.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a compulsion on
the part of business people and industry owners to share some of their income earnings for the less privileged
of the society, especially those who are in distress and also the less fortunate to survive and lead better lives
and also provide support for development of the socio-economic scenario of the society and country.
Regarding knowledge about CSR, a total of 31% respondents mentioned that they knew about CSR.
Regarding the type of CSR, the highest was provided by 9.5% women entrepreneurs through financial
assistance to the less privileged. The best CSR with 7.3% of the women entrepreneurs have been the Income
Generation Activities provided through employment to the people in their enterprises. 6.2 % gave awareness
programmes 0.9% provided vocational and skill training 0.3% assisted in providing non-formal and adult
education. 13.1% provided other forms of CSR which helped the dis-advantaged of the society, while 64.4%
did not provide any CSR.

Roles, Responsibilities and Status of Women Entrepreneurs in Family - Information about Head of
Family: 31.59% of the women entrepreneurs were the heads of their families considering the fact that the
women entrepreneurs were also the heads of the households. Women of Female-headed households were
found to take up the profession of entrepreneurship more quickly than those women who had husbands as
their family heads. Families of majority of the women entrepreneurs 58.55% were headed by their husbands.
6.57% were headed by their fathers, 1.35% by their mothers, 1.06% by their brothers and 0.87% by their in-
laws.

Main Role of family members in business: 92.5% women entrepreneurs informed that they themselves
played the main role in business. 17.8% mentioned that their husbands played the main role. Main role in
business was played by the fathers of 0.8% respondents, by brothers of 0.9%, by mother of 0.7%, by sisters of
0.3%, by in-laws of 0.1% and by uncles of 0.1%.

Main Role of family members in domestic work: 80.9% of the respondents mentioned that they themselves
played the main role. 18.4% of the respondents mentioned that maid servants played the main role in domestic
work, followed by husbands of 8% women entrepreneurs. Among the others were mothers of 7.1% women,
sisters of 1.7% women, in-laws of 0.9% women, brothers of 0.8% women and fathers of 0.7% women.

Time allocation of Women Entrepreneurs for main business in a day: The greatest number (36%) of
women entrepreneurs devoted 6 - 9 hours a day in their main business, followed by 25% who worked 3 – 6
hours a day. The highest time allocation for business of above 12 hours a day was by only 2% women
entrepreneurs while the lowest amount of time of 1-3 hours for main business in a day was by 17% women.

Time allocation of Women Entrepreneurs in Secondary profession: 943 of the women entrepreneurs had
their secondary profession. Of these the highest number of 88% devoted only 1-3 hours for their secondary
profession, followed by 9% who were found to have given 3-6 hours a day while only 3% had given most of
the working time of 6-10 hours a day to other secondary professions.

Time allocation of Women Entrepreneurs in Domestic work: Majority of the women (45%) gave 1-3 hours
a day for domestic work. 42% women engaged themselves for 3-6 hours a day for the domestic activities while
9% gave 6-9 hours and only 3% gave above 9 hours.

xv
Time allocation of WE in Social and Community purpose: 92% of the respondents participated for only 1-3
hours in social and community works. 7% gave 3-6 hours and only 1% allocated 6-9 hours for social and
community purposes.

Time allocation of Women Entrepreneur for leisure in a day: Majority of 46% of the women entrepreneurs
gave time of 1-3 hours only a day for their leisure. 27% gave 6-9 hours exclusively a day for leisure and 15%
gave 9-12 hours. It was only 1% who devoted above 12 hours a day according to their needs for leisure.

Monetary contribution to family - Contribution to family expenditure by women entrepreneurs: Out of

1035, 1004 (97%) women entrepreneurs contributed to the family expenditure. The survey revealed that
maximum amount contributed by 16% women entrepreneurs to the family monetary expenditure was above
BDT. 20,000. It was also observed that the greatest number of women (31%) contributed BDT 5001 – 10,000
and the least number of women 12% contributed BDT 15001 – BDT20,000. Their main reason for taking up
entrepreneurship has been for their economic contribution towards the family.

Women Entrepreneur Contribution in Family monthly Savings: Out of 1035, 690 (67%) women
entrepreneurs contribute in family monthly savings The maximum amount contributed by 18% women
entrepreneurs to the family monthly savings was above BDT. 5,000. Majority of the women (30%) gave up to
Tk. 500 and the lowest number of only 2% contributed BDT 1001- BDT1500. Contribution towards family
monthly savings was an important issue for the family and the contribution of the women through their
business earnings was a matter of great pride for them.

Major Problems Faced By Women Entrepreneurs - Major Problems faced in Family: Women faced
various hindrances as entrepreneurs and the foremost obstacles were from their own family members. There
were 81.1% respondents to this question. 1.2% faced the problems from their parents who did not want them
to be in the line of business. The married women (1.4%) faced problems from their husbands. 0.6% faced
problems from in-laws, 17.3% mentioned of other problems faced from families as women entrepreneurs.
18.2% did not spend for family purpose. 42.5% did not face any problems from families.

Major Problems faced by Women Entrepreneurs in the Society: Major problems faced in society by the
women entrepreneurs were those which the women in this country face when they try to use the freedom of
movement in this male-dominated social structure. 12% complained that religious leaders did not approve of
women in business and these issues became religious barrier by people. 9% complained of the male
domination of the society and 9% also mentioned about the security problems faced in business and at work,
4% reminded that family heads did not like women to work out side homes. 12% women entrepreneurs
mentioned about backbiting of the society including nasty remarks and bad comments about women’s free
movement as businesswomen. 7% said that they could not move alone at night safely, 7% reminded that the
women were not equally accepted as their male entrepreneurs also stated about the transport problem for
marketing and movement. 6% said that women could not participate alone in social work and enjoy social
occasions, while 5% spoke of non-cooperation of the society people regarding business development and out-
house activities. 6% said that they could not move freely in the society and 6% pointed out the negative
attitude of the social leaders. 5% mentioned that the conservative society did not allow women in business or
work out-side at night, while 5% complained of teasing by men & hoodlums.

Harassment in Business: 6.18% informed of incidences of harassment. The highest numbers of their
incidences of business harassment were informed by 12.70% of the respondents of Dhaka division. The
women entrepreneurs identified about 27 types of harassment faced by them in business and related activities.
The highest type of harassment faced was with problems involving lack of capital as mentioned by 9.4%
women, followed by the absentee employees in business faced by 7.5% women entrepreneurs who also felt
harassed due to delay in loan processing and problems involved in production. 6.2% complained of
harassment in receiving no financial help from banks. 4.7 complained of administrative harassment 3.1%
mentioned about the unlawful and instigating discussions of the employees in the business house. Among
other harassment faced were the sale of their products on credit, the non-cooperation of the whole sellers and
irregular cash payment which resulted in hampering the smooth running of their business. 4.7% of the women
further told that they were harassed with bad words by their whole sellers in recovering money. The illegal tolls

xvi
were also a great problem for 3.1% of the women. In addition the harassment caused through incidence of
hijacking, threat from terrorists, harassment of law enforcing agents, lack of safety for fair price, theft of goods,
infrastructure problems, lack of electricity and so on were some of the major types of harassments worth
mentioning for the women entrepreneurs in business.

Persons/organizations responsible for harassment: Women entrepreneurs mentioned 21 names of

persons and organizations responsible for the harassment in their business of whom 14% were harassed by
their whole sellers, 13% by showroom owners, 9% by the people of the society, 7% by the Juba Unnayan
Officials, 6% by the buyers and also by licensing officers, 5% by the village touts, 4% by religious leaders and
also by cloth Shop owners. It was found that 3% of the women entrepreneurs were harassed by their own
employees, by government agencies, RAB and DESA officials, political Parties, neighbours, Bank officials,
transport companies and terrorists who disturbed them for demanding cash or ransom in kind. 2% were
harassed by their husbands.

Overall Suggestions in overcoming problems: The women entrepreneurs provided overall suggestions in
overcoming problems which could be solved by organizing training on product design, skill and business
development including accounts management, providing financial supports, introducing user-friendly loan
procedures, reducing the existing duties on raw materials for reducing production cost, giving various facilities
for entrepreneurship development, establishing technical institutes for product development. They said that
building special markets for women, introducing financial incentives to bring more women to business could
solve many of the problems faced by the women entrepreneurs. 12% suggested sales & marketing and also
ICT training for building women entrepreneurs to become more proficient in doing business and provide loan at
low rate of interest to run their business smoothly. 8% of them expressed that provision of collateral free loan
with low interest for women entrepreneurs could solve their problems, while 4% suggested to make their
products competitive against imported finished products and also thought that problems could be solved by
reducing rampant corruptions of the officials of all ranks and files. 5% said that by organizing vigorous
awareness program could change the attitude of people like; religious leader, family, society head and others
towards women entrepreneurship, while 5% of the women further opined that the problem of entrepreneurs
could be solved if they were well organized and have a strong women association at all divisions/districts.

Qualities Required For Becoming A Successful Women Entrepreneur: Among the 10 qualities mentioned
by the women entrepreneurs required to become a successful entrepreneur the highest number of women
(59.5%) gave importance to honesty as the most important quality, followed by hard work mentioned by 55.2%,
education and knowledge by 29.9% and good behaviour 29.8%. The next importance was given to capital for
business by 27.3% along with skill worker stated by 23.5% intelligence of entrepreneur by 8.2 % discipline in
life and work by 5.3% entrepreneurial knowledge by 3.7% and high ambition by 0.1%.

Aims and Dreams of the Women Entrepreneurs: The highest aim or dream of 31.50% of the women was to
become a successful women entrepreneur, 19.17% aimed at expanding their existing business, 15.83%
wanted to become a self-dependent personality, 6% wanted to create employment for others, 3.67% wanted to
establish a beautifully decorated showroom, while 3.33% wanted to become financially sound. The other
significant dreams of the women entrepreneurs were contribution to financial development of the family by 2%,
establishment of garment factory by 1.83%, shifting of business from rural hut to urban trade centre by 1.50%,
building up a commotion free society to remove poverty and also establish a renowned beauty parlour by
1.17%. The aims and dreams of the women entrepreneurs depicted their ultimate endeavours through success
in business. There was a time when society rebuffed them but after success today society recognized their
achievements. Their contribution towards the national economy was through their income earning and
providing employment to the skilled workers and also providing support of various kinds to the disadvantaged.
Through their efforts in uplifting the status of the people and also the socio-economic development of the
society they have contributed and also prepared the path of success for the future generations of the country.

Achievements in Business by Women Entrepreneurs: In terms of achievement in business, almost one

fourth (26.30%) of the women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh were found to have gained financial stability,
17.80% have become self dependent, 10.10% earned goodwill and success in business, while 9.30%
contributed to their family financially. On the other hand 7.60% achieved moderate success in business, 5.70%

xvii
earned respect from family and society while 7.6% gained other achievements. 0.8% achieved sustainability in
business and 0.90% earned prestigious business awards. There were various other achievements through
which the struggles of the entrepreneurs had been rewarded. Comparing all categories of achievement of all
divisions, 53.9% of the women entrepreneurs of Chittagong ranked the highest in achievement of financial
stability followed by 32.9% of Dhaka which ranked second. In achieving self dependence the highest was by
44.4% women of Barisal followed by 32.7% of Khulna.

Women Entrepreneurs Contributions towards Family: The survey revealed that the women entrepreneurs
contributed towards the family in various ways including the 27 types of contribution as recorded in Table 219.
Of those the highest contributions made by 10.2% of the women, was of bearing Family and household
expenditure, and lowest 2.2% in bearing personal expenditure without burdening family. The other
contributions were bearing cost of Children’s Education by 6.9%, reducing financial problem in business by
6.4%, (5.9%) of the women contributed to have created employment for family members, 5% assisted poor
people, 4.5% encouraged women in business, 3.6% lessen family burden as women, jointly assisting to social
development by 4.3% and contributing towards women’s education by 4%. The other contributions in the
society were significant in nature as mentioned by 2.2% - 3.0 % women and these were found to be linked
with family requirements as enhancing the family prestige, as well as the family image and status in society,
contributing towards family in crisis, earn social respect as member of an established family through financial
contribution, raise consciousness in family on women’s development and also providing assistance to
marriage of destitute family members.

Women Entrepreneurs Contributions towards Society: With regards to the contribution of the women
entrepreneurs in the society, the survey provided a long list of their contributions (41 in number), covering a
wide range of contributions. The highest number (5.9%) of the women contributed to have created
employment for family members, 5% assisted poor people, 4.5% encouraged women in business, 3.6%
lessened family burden as women, 3.1% contributed to establish large poultry and diary firms, 3.2% helped
poor and helpless women, 3% provided financial help to poor women, 2.9% Contribute to health care service
for the family, 2.8% encouraged women to become self dependent in the family, while 2.5% of the women took
initiative to stop early marriage and created employment for uneducated women in the family. A large number
of contributions, 1.7% were found women in organizing and involving women Chamber activity, assisting UP
members to play positive role for development, controlling violence against women, contributed to make
rewards to business women, established peace and harmony in the family, contributed to solve social
problems, contributed to increase protein supply to the family members as well as others for meeting demand
of protein and provided training to women to become entrepreneurs.

Case Studies: The study also included the conducting of 30 case studies of women entrepreneurs from six
divisions of Bangladesh. The entrepreneurs were selected for the purpose at random. The case studies
portrayed some important aspects of women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. The starting of business
enterprises, the reasons for enterprise development, the initial and current investment, the problems met in
business, the impediments faced in family and society, the products manufactured or services rendered, the
achievements as entrepreneurs, the future plans, the contributions towards family and the successes attained
as entrepreneurs were some of the information provided in the case studies. There were also the SME award
winning women. Information of many was collected giving priority for their struggles in life in order to succeed
in their endeavours as women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Entrepreneurship has been regarded as one of the important determinants of industrial growth both in
the developed and in the under-developed countries. Despite its importance for the economy, the
emergence of women entrepreneurship is a new phenomenon all over the world.

Bangladesh is still a poor country, but she is rich in human resource. In Bangladesh women constitute
slightly less than half the population. The majority of them are underprivileged, under nourished,
illiterate and poor. According to the 1999/00 labour force survey (LFS), the labour force of Bangladesh
was estimated at 60 million, more than 20 million being women. There are not enough employment
opportunities for women. Therefore, economic activities, through self-employment have become
essential for potential working women. As a matter of fact, women entrepreneurship or “women in
business” is a very recent phenomenon in Bangladesh. Although women are taking to entrepreneurship
in many challenging fields, their activities in Bangladesh are not that extensive. In spite of fewer
opportunities, many women have succeeded in business, but they are still very small in number. The
Begum (1993) stated that before 1985, Bangladesh had very few women entrepreneurs. Another study
also shows that the number of women entrepreneurs is around 3000, representing only 2% of the total
entrepreneurs in the country, although women constitute about 50% of the population (Ahmed). In fact
women entrepreneurship started developing in Bangladesh after the liberation. Very few women entered
the profession of business before the nineteen hundred seventies.

According to the Bangladesh Economic Review 2009, around 6 percent of the country’s $ 90 billion
economy comes from SMEs, which is also the largest sector in terms of employment generation. (Daily
Star December 29, 2009). Bangladesh is rightly dubbed as a country of the SMEs. Bangladesh
industrial economy is thickly populated by these industries which amount for over 99 percent of the
private sector industrial establishments and provide more than 80 percent of industrial employment. The
relative SME shares in total GDP range between 25-30 percent and that in manufacturing value added
vary between 40-45 percent (Ahmed Momtaz Uddin 2008). The sector is currently exhibiting notable
dynamism by registering an average annual compound growth rate of over 7- 8 percent in their value
added shares to GDP. However, their potentials contributions to the country’s growth process vis-a-vis
their numerical dominance in the economy continue to remain unveiled. Their financial insolvency
because of restricted access to sources of institutional finance acts as a serious deterrent too the
sector’s prospective growth, expansion and dynamism. Various systemic and institutional barriers
cutting across supply as well as demand related factors inhibit credit flows to the SME sector.

In the context of a developing country like Bangladesh, where SMEs are the engine of growth, there has
arisen a new class: SME women entrepreneurs. The urban and rural women of Bangladesh are now
turning the situation as a crucial progress in national development. Though there has been substantial
participation of women in the off-house activities of late, women are yet to assume a dominant role in
mainstream economic activities.

SMEs constitute one of the major driving forces of economic growth in the developing countries. Self-
employment and the creation of new employment through SMEs help to reduce disguised
unemployment and under-employment in the farm sector. In a poor country like Bangladesh, poverty
alleviation through economic growth, as well as employment generation on mass scale is heavily
dependent on the development and expansion of SMEs. With increased family income for the poor, the
income disparity in the society would reduce to certain extent. Rising rural income prevents migration of
the rural poor to urban centres in search of jobs and reduces further burden on the already strained
urban infrastructure. The micro-entrepreneurs and their families are able to explore utilization of the
local resources in rural areas. As a result they help in creating a market for local products in villages and
towns with new income and products. This is not limited to program participants, since indirect spill over,
second-order effects spread through the entire locality due to an increase in economic activity. Micro-

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

finance has evolved as an important sector of development, until recently, the objective centred on
graduation of clients from poor to non-poor status. But presently through many programs, women are
moving up the scale and they need an environment to flourish. “Poor people are like bonsai trees. They
could have grown into giant trees if they had been supported by the right environment for growth”
(Yunus, 2003). If remedial measures are taken for impediments, SMEs owned/managed by women may
trigger on economic breakthrough and set a virtuous circle of rural growth in motion.

It found that no comprehensive national-wide study has been done to determine number of women
entrepreneurs or women who are self-employed at various levels. As such no reliable statistics are
readily available on this important subject. Though some studies were conducted on entrepreneurship
development in Bangladesh, no significant research study was conducted on the performance of
women entrepreneurs either in rural or urban areas of Bangladesh.

1.1 Statement of the problem

In Bangladesh women constitute almost half the population, but the presence of women in the SME
sector is insignificant. The magnitude and momentum of women’s involvement in economic activities is
still very low. Many countries have made substantial progress and achievement by involving women in
economic activities specifically in the SME sector. But in Bangladesh enhancing women participation in
SME development is a great national challenge. Gender equity in the SME sector is closely linked to
various issues, like education facilities, socio-cultural norms, customs, resource allocation, opportunities
and policy supports and programs. It is, therefore, necessary to provide supports in addressing these
issues in order to reduce the knowledge gaps of policy makers and their attitudinal problems and
practices.

There are differences and inequalities between women and men in terms of opportunities, rights, and
benefits in Bangladesh. A large number of women work in the informal sector, but the real value of their
participation and contribution is not recognized in the society. There are a variety of constraints in the
way to the up-gradation of their skills and enhancement of their productivity. These include poor access
to market, information, technology and finance, poor linkages and networks with support services and
an unfavourable policy and regulatory environment.

In view of the above situation, SME Foundation decided to commission a comprehensive study on
“Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective,” to identify the impediments to the
development of women entrepreneurship, and to formulate programs based on the approved Gender
Action Plan (GAP) of SME Foundation to increase women involvement in the SME sector.

This study to review the position of women entrepreneurs in SMEs and identify their success and
problems in business, including the family and social constraints was assigned to MIDAS by SME
Foundation. This report is the culmination of the efforts made by MIDAS to accomplish the task.

1.2 Significance of the study

It is envisaged that the study will find a causal relationship between women entrepreneurship and
economic development of Bangladesh and demonstrate the effectiveness of women’s participation in
small economic activities to help gender equality. The study will also show how to integrate
entrepreneurial skills and attitude of women as one of the most valued assets in creating enterprise and
their continuation and how women as an indispensable part of the reformist community are working
under the same macro, regulatory and institutional framework with their male counterparts. Thus, it is
necessary to analyze in-depth the problems in order to understand the gender parity embedded in
society that eventually limits women's mobility, interactions, active economic participation, access and
control to business development services.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

1.3 Objective of the study

The overall objective of the study is to examine the key gender issues involved in women
entrepreneurship development in the SME sector with a view to addressing the problems of exclusion of
women from access to market, technology and finance and make recommendations for the SME
Foundation to support “Business Services for Women Entrepreneurs”, who face an uphill battle in
starting up and developing business, and includes the following specifically:

a) To identify the present status of women entrepreneurs in different sectors and the role of women
entrepreneurs in the national economy,
b) To determine the women entrepreneurs profile, their success indicators with reference to a
particular sector
c) To examine and assess the socio-cultural/educational and legal barriers to women's entry into
enterprise, as well as performance and growth in entrepreneurship
d) To examine the issues need to address to increase access to economic opportunities and formal
inputs which promote entrepreneurship development.
e) To review the current policies towards gender equality and identify gaps;
f) To examine how women’s business associations can strengthen women’s position in business and
international trade promotions;
g) To indicate areas in need of further research with understanding of economic contributions by
female enterprise owners ;
h) To provide strategic directions on how to promote and strengthen potentiality of women
entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.

1.4 Theoretical perspective of the study

Currently, many theoretical approaches are being pursued. These approaches are: (1) Structural
Functional approach; (2) Marxist approach; (3) Feminist approach, (4) Liberal Feminism, (5) Radical
Feminism, (6) Socialist Feminism, (7) Women in Development (WID), (8) Gender and Development

Of these approaches, the Marxist-Class approach or frame-work is more helpful to understand how the
mode of production determines women’s position/status in the family and society. Marxian perspective
also takes in to cognizance the social oppression of women and its institutional and ideological supports
in the society. In the notion of Marxist perspective, men are a privileged class, while women constitute
an under privileged, exploited and oppressed class.

To overcome the deplorable socio-economic conditions, women need economic independence and
empowerment can be achieved if they are engaged in some income generating activities like small and
medium business activities or SMEs.

1.5 Scope of the study

The scope of the present study covers women entrepreneurs of 34 districts of Bangladesh, irrespective
of their ownership pattern and type of enterprises. The study also makes an attempt to project a broad
view of the status of the existing women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Some important factors such as
personal, social, psychological and economic-factors have been examined in order to understand
whether these facilitate or constrain women to emerge as successful entrepreneurs.

The study also throws light on women entrepreneurs’ access to services provided by supporting
institutions, and also takes into consideration the impact of entrepreneurship on the socio-economic
status of both urban and rural women and their living conditions.

The scope of the study was mainly to adjudge and examine the key gender issues involved in women
entrepreneurship development in the SME sector, emphasizing and addressing the problems of these
women from access to market through technology and finance, and make recommendations for the

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

SME Foundation to support the Women Entrepreneurs, who face tremendous problems in initiating and
developing their business. The study conducted through extensive survey of women entrepreneurs
selected randomly in 34 districts of Bangladesh focuses on various issues, which have not been
identified before. In fact, this study will not only enrich the SME Foundation with the projection of
information never received before but will also assist the SME Foundation in setting up a Data-base on
women entrepreneurs of Bangladesh.

1.6 Limitations of the study

Since the study is an empirical one based on field-work through the interviews of women
entrepreneurs engaged in SME in 34 districts of Bangladesh, it has some obvious limitations. These are
as follows:

1.6.1 Data collection through primary source or through interview was a time consuming matter. The
respondents sometimes were found non-cooperative with the interviewers.

1.6.2 Present study covered women entrepreneurs engaged in SME only. Large scale business had
been kept outside the purview of the present study.

1.6.3 Gathering information from some of the women entrepreneurs was sometimes very difficult
and extremely time-consuming. They did not give enough time to the interviewers.

1.6.4 Further, it was also found that women entrepreneurs have a tendency to disclose lower income
and higher expenses. They think that this would help them to get more credit. This is
considered to be a limitation to the research study.

1.6.5 Contacting women entrepreneurs to gather information was a very difficult task.

1.6.6 The study was conducted among women entrepreneurs of 34 districts of Bangladesh where all
the Upazillas were not covered and as such this may not reflect the total picture of Bangladesh
relating to women entrepreneurs.

1.6.7 In view of time and resource constraints, conducting a comprehensive study in full depth and
width has not been possible.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 2

2.0 STUDY METHODOLOGY

The study through extensive survey throughout Bangladesh involved both quantitative survey and
qualitative research using Questionnaire Survey, Interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). In broad
sense, the study adopted the following methodologies:

i. Primary Research
ii. Secondary Research
iii. Focus Group Discussion
iv. Planning Workshop
v. Key Informant Meeting

The total sample size was 1035 women entrepreneurs who were interviewed for the survey and the total
number of personnel interviewed for Support Services was 165.

2.1 Primary Research

Primary data were collected through questionnaire survey and interviews in the six divisions, namely,
Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet. Depending on the number of districts,
population, economic activities, etc, survey was carried out at district level within each division so that
representations of all areas of Bangladesh may be ensured. The respondents of the primary research
were as follows:

• Women entrepreneurs drawn from SME sector.

• Organizations involved in promotion of women entrepreneurship
• Women associations, chambers, etc.
• Bank / Financial Institutions, etc
• Government and non-government organizations and institutions related with SME development.

2.1.1 Location of the Survey

The study was conducted on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs and a wide range of data dispersed all
over 34 sample districts in 6 divisions were collected.

The total number of respondents in the 34 districts of Bangladesh covered by the survey was 1035
women entrepreneurs. The highest number of women entrepreneurs interviewed was 35 each from the
districts of Dhaka, Tangail, Manikganj, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Mymensingh and
Madariipur. The lowest number interviewed was 14 from the district of Laxmipur. 16 women
entrepreneurs were interviewed from the district of Noakhali, while in the rest of the districts surveyed
the number of women entrepreneurs interviewed was 30 each.

Districts under Survey:

Table 1: Names of the Districts in the Survey

Sl. Name of Districts No of women %

No. entrepreneurs
interviewed
1 Dhaka 35 3.4
2 Tangail 35 3.4
3 Manikganj 35 3.4
4 Gazipur 35 3.4
5 Narayanganj 35 3.4

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl. Name of Districts No of women %

No. entrepreneurs
interviewed
6 Jamalpur 35 3.4
7 Kishoreganj 35 3.4
8 Mymensingh 35 3.4
9 Madariipur 35 3.4
10 Rajshahi 30 2.9
11 Rangpur 30 2.9
12 Panchagar 30 2.9
13 Sirajganj 30 2.9
14 Dinajpur 30 2.9
15 Noagoan 30 2.9
16 Pabna 30 2.9
17 Bogra 30 2.9
18 Chittagong 30 2.9
19 Rangamati 30 2.9
20 Comilla 30 2.9
21 Cox’s Bazar 30 2.9
22 Brahmanbaria 30 2.9
23 Noakhali 16 1.5
24 Khulna 30 2.9
25 Jessore 30 2.9
26 Bagerhat 30 2.9
27 Chuadanga 30 2.9
28 Kushtia 30 2.9
29 Barisal 30 2.9
30 Jhalokathi 30 2.9
31 Pirojpur 30 2.9
32 Sylhet 30 2.9
33 Moulvi Bazar 30 2.9
34 Laxmipur 14 1.4
Total 1035 100.0

The survey was conducted in the 9 districts from Dhaka Division, 8 from Rajshahi, 6 from Chittagong, 5
from Khulna, 3 from Barisal and 2 districts from Sylhet Division. Later the district of Laxmipur was
added, making the total number of Districts to 34 within which the survey was finally conducted.

Upazillas under Survey:

Table 2: Name of Upazillas in the Survey

Sl. Name of Upazillas Number of %

No. Respondents
1. Alamdanga 6 0.6
2. Babugonj 3 0.3
3. Bagerhat Sadar 30 2.8
4. Bandar ( Narayangonj) 7 0.7
5. Barisal Sadar 7 0.7
6. Boyra, Khulna 30 2.8
7. Barura 4 0.4
8. Bogra Sadar 30 2.8
9. Brahmanbaria Sadar 30 2.8
10. Chandina 6 0.6

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl. Name of Upazillas Number of %

No. Respondents
11. Chatkhil 24 2.3
12. Chittagong Sadar 28 2.7
13. Chuadanga Sadar 23 2.2
14. Comilla Sadar 20 1.9
15. Cox’s Bazar 25 2.5
16. Dinajpur Sadar 30 2.8

17. Daulatpur 4 0.4

18. Gazipur Sadar 23 2.2
19. Gaurnadi 20 1.9
20. Hathazari 7 0.7
21. Jamalpur Sadar 35 3.3
22. Jessore Sadar 30 2.8
23. Jhalokathi Sadar 30 2.8
24. Kamalgonj 4 0.4
25. Kapasia 6 0.5
26. Keraniganj 35 3.3
27. Kishoregonj Sadar 30 2.8
28. Kumarkhali 4 0.4
29. Kushtia Sadar 21 2.0
30. Laxmipur 3 0.3
31. Madaripur Sadar 35 3.3
32. Manikgonj Sadar 35 3.3
33. Maulvibazar Sadar 16 1.6
34. Mymensingh Sadar 35 3.3
35. Narayangonj Sadar 27 2.6
36. Noagoan 30 2.8
37. Paba 30 2.8
38. Pabna Sadar 30 2.8
39. Panchagar Sadar 30 2.8
40. Pirojpur Sadar 30 2.8
41. Raipur 4 0.4
42. Ramgonj 5 0.5
43. Rangamati Sadar 30 2.8
44. Rangpur Sadar 30 2.8
45. Sandwip 4 0.4
46. Sirajgonj Sadar 30 2.8
47. Sonaimuri 5 0.5
48. Srimangal 9 0.9
49. Sylhet Sadar 30 2.8
50. Tangail Sadar 35 3.5
Total 1035 100.0

The survey was conducted in 50 Upazillas of the 34 districts of Bangladesh. The highest coverage of
respondents was 3.3% in Jamalpur Sadar, Madaripur Sadar, Manikganj Sadar, Mymensingh Sadar,
Keraniganj and Tangail Sadar, while the lowest coverage was 0.3% in the Upazillas of Babuganj in
Barisal and Laxmipur Sadar of the district of Laxmipur. The coverage of the remaining Upazillas ranged
from 2.8% to 0.4%.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

2.1.2 Sample Size

After critical review by the study team, the sample size was finalized along with the distribution of
sample districts, further specifying the sample on the basis of concentration of women entrepreneurs in
the selected districts as follows:

Sample Planning of the Divisions

Survey Total

Chittagong
Rajshahi

Barisal

Sylhet
Dhaka

Khulna
No. of districts within division 17 16 11 10 6 4 64
1st stage sampling: Number of
districts (50% of districts within 9 8 6 5 3 2 33
division)
2nd stage sampling:
a) 30 SME women 270 +
240 180 150 90 60 1035
entrepreneurs from each 45 =
selected district 315
2nd stage sampling:
b) 5 support organizations from 45 40 30 25 15 10 165
each selected district
Sub-total (a+b) 360 280 210 175 105 70 1200
FGD: 1 1 1 1 1 1 6
1 FGD in each division
Key Informant Meeting(KIM) 1 1 1 1 1 1 6
1 KIM in each division
Planning Workshop: 1 1 1 1 1 1 6
1 PW in each division
Interview / Discussion for
Cases Studies:
5 5 5 5 5 5 30
5 SME women entrepreneurs at
each division
National Dissemination
Workshop: 1 1
1 in Dhaka

A sample of districts was selected to conduct the survey at the 1st Stage Sampling within each division
to conduct the survey, since the number of districts varied among the 6 divisions. Thus 9 districts from
Dhaka Division, 8 from Rajshahi, 6 from Chittagong, 5 from Khulna, 3 from Barisal and 2 districts from
Sylhet Division were selected for the survey. Later the district of Laxmipur was added, making the total
number of Districts to 34 within which the survey was finally conducted.

As resolved in the 2nd Stage Sampling, 30 women entrepreneurs were randomly drawn and interviewed
from the districts selected from each of the 6 Divisions of Bangladesh. However as Dhaka Division had
a greater number of women entrepreneurs, 45 more women (5 from each of the 9 selected districts) of
Dhaka Division were chosen and interviewed, covering a total of 315 respondents from Dhaka Division.
Moreover, 280 women entrepreneurs from Rajshahi Division, 180 from Chittagong, 150 from Khulna, 90
from Barisal and 60 from Sylhet Division were interviewed making the total number of respondents
among the women entrepreneurs to 1035 throughout Bangladesh. Along with the women, 5 personnel
who were the service providers of various business related organizations were also interviewed in each
of the 6 Divisions, making the total number of respondents to 1200 in the survey required for the study
undertaken.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Data were collected mostly from those women who were actively involved as women entrepreneurs and
undertaking business in various sectors particularly, Agro Processing / Agribusiness/ Horticulture and
Nursery, Floriculture, Tissue Culture, Bee Keeping, Livestock, Fishery, Poultry, Knitwear and
Readymade Garments, Plastics and other Synthetics, Healthcare and Diagnostics, Educational
Services, Cosmetics/ Toiletries, Designing, Aesthetically-challenging Personal Wear and Effects.
Among the majority of the women the Handicraft manufacture was the biggest business venture,
including Jute Work, Leather, Stitching, Cane /Bamboo Work, Tailoring, Embroidery, Fashion wear,
Block and Batik works, Leather wear items and Leather Goods.

2.1.3 Support Service Providers

The survey also covered 165 Service Providers of the 34 districts, interviewing the relevant people of 5
such organizations in each of the districts. Among the service providers interviewed were personnel
from Training Institutes, Municipalities/Pouroshovas, Chambers, Trade Associations, Banks and Non-
Financial Institutions.

2.1.4 Methods of Data Collection

Review of available data and the existing reports/documents was an important initial work undertaken
by the Consultants. Primary data were collected from the fields by deploying sufficient number of
Enumerators, Supervisors and a Field Coordinator in time.

The Gender Expert and other Key Professionals collated, analyzed and extracted the collected field
data and relevant information /recommendation of the FGD, KIM, Cases Studies and findings of the
Planning Workshops for the study.

2.1.5 Techniques of Data Collection

To collect data from the field, appropriate questionnaires / checklist were developed. The survey
covered elements required for the survey. Qualified and experienced Field Enumerators (FE) from
MIDAS roster of Field Enumerators, were employed to conduct the field survey.

For qualitative research, techniques such as interviews, focus group discussions, key informant
interviews and case studies were used.

Objective wise details:

SL. Objectives Activities Tools used

No.
01 To identify the present status of women Questionnaire Survey Structured
entrepreneurs in different SME sectors and role Questionnaire
of women entrepreneurs in national economy,
02 To determine the women entrepreneurs profile, Questionnaire Survey Structured
their success indicators with reference to a Questionnaire
particular sector
03 To examine and assess the socio- Key Informant Meeting Checklist
cultural/educational and legal barriers to and Focus Group
women's entry into enterprise, as well as Discussion (FGD)
performance and growth in entrepreneurship
04 To examine the issues need to address to Key Informant Meeting Checklist
increase access to economic opportunities and and Focus Group
formal inputs which promote entrepreneurship Discussion (FGD)
development.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

SL. Objectives Activities Tools used

No.
05 To review the current policies towards gender Literature Survey Checklist
equality and identify gaps;
06 To examine how women’s business Questionnaire Survey Structured
associations can strengthen women’s position and Focus Group Questionnaire and
in business and international trade promotions; Discussion (FGD) Checklist
07 To indicate areas in need of further research Questionnaire Survey Structured
with understanding of economic contributions and Focus Group Questionnaire and
by female enterprise owners ; Discussion (FGD) Checklist
08 To provide strategic directions on how to Questionnaire Survey Structured
promote and strengthen potentiality of women and Focus Group Questionnaire and
entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Discussion (FGD) Checklist

Pre-testing of questionnaire
The draft questionnaires covering the objectives of the study were made ready for field testing and
examination of its validity in order to ascertain the time length of the interview, suitability of questions
and their sequence or flow in real time situation of the study. After analysis of pre-test results, the
questionnaires were modified, where needed and finalized for data collection from the field.

Recruitment & Training of Field Staff

A pool of Field Enumerators (FE) was recruited for the survey. The educational qualifications of the field
workers were at least Graduate with working experience in at least three large-scale projects of field
survey / data collection,

In order to orient the Field Enumerators, arrangement was made for conducting a two-day training
program on the study project, its background, objectives, technique of interview, use of tools for data
collection and inter-personal communication.

2.1.6 Techniques of Data Analysis

Data cleaning began with the enumerators who reviewed their survey work at the end of each day.
Advanced statistical analyses of the study were performed using important statistical software, like
SPSS. A number of univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to find the proportions of different
population segments and some multivariate analysis was done to identify the causal relationship among
the variables. Before analyzing the data, the editing of the data were again done by using software.
After the analysis, the data were interpreted on the basis of analytical results. MIDAS Study Team
interpreted the results.

2.2 Secondary Research

he study involved both quantitative survey and qualitative research. Secondary data were collected
from different sources such as statistical year books, national surveys, previous surveys on women
entrepreneurs, websites, etc. Other relevant research reports, journals, newspaper clippings, etc were
also consulted. This facilitated the preparation of the guidelines for primary data collection, and
comprehension of the general perspective of women entrepreneurship in the country, etc. and
supplemented field-based data. Information was also collected from selected Case Studies of women
entrepreneurs in SME.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

2.3 Focus Group Discussion (FGD)

Participatory consultations through Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were organized with a cross-
section of people in the six divisional head quarters. In addition to the questionnaire survey, Focus
Group Discussions were used to obtain more in-depth understanding of the overall scenario of the
locality. FGD had to be qualitative work in nature and were focused at the community level to
complement and deepen the quantitative survey work.

Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were executed by the study team in each division. Each FGD was so
organised at the Divisional Headquarters, as to include 10-15 participations covering a cross-section of
stakeholders and other concerned people of the areas as shown below and a checklist was used
involving pertinent issues affecting women entrepreneurs.

Women entrepreneurs;

Local elite, influential people;

Civil societies (teachers, academicians, researchers);

Local development agencies, NGOs, associations;

Local government authority/representatives;

Representative from financial institutions, business support organizations, etc.

The Focus Group Discussion took up the relevant business development and problematic issues and
they were mooted in detail with the women entrepreneurs participating in the discussion. The issues
discussed were as follows:

1. Benefits

1.1 Service provided by Associations / Chambers

1.2 Benefits given by the government

2. Constraints

2.1 Registration Problems

2.2 Availability of raw materials
2.3 Technical know-how
2.4 Transportation problems
2.5 Storage problems
2.6 Marketing problems a) Local b) International
2.7 Financial Constraints
2.8 Gender equality and gaps in Policy
2.9 Social Barriers
2.10 Gender priority and National Budget

3. Suggestions

3.1 Strengthening Associations/Chambers

3.2 Overcoming Policy Barriers
3.3 Conducting improved and modern forms of Training & Skill Development Programmes
3.4 Providing opportunities for International Trade
3.5 Initiating Media Support
3.6 Other relevant issues

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

2.4 Key Informant Meeting (KIM) and Preparation of Cases Studies

Key Informant Meetings consisting 10-12 leading small & medium women entrepreneurs (sector wise)
were held in order to assess the present scenario involving entrepreneurs, such as access to economic
opportunity, and formal inputs in gender equality and gaps. A checklist was used to perform the activity.

In addition to FGD, the study team had separate one to one discussion / interview with women
entrepreneurs. This facilitated preparation of appropriate cases based on actual scenario and
experiences of women entrepreneurs.

The key informant meetings were held in each of the 6 divisions after the Planning Workshop and Focus
Group Discussions with the women entrepreneurs of these divisions. Six meetings were held in the
cities of Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet.

The people with whom the meetings were held included the following:

a) The Mayor of the Pauroshova

b) The managers/Officers of Banks
c) The Officers of the Jubo Unnayan Odhidapter (Department of Youth)
d) The Officials of the Jatiyo Mohila Sangstha
e) The relevant officials of the Law Enforcing Agencies (Police)
f) Some influential and successful women entrepreneurs of the city

The meetings were held through prior appointments with the relevant people. Information regarding
issues of women entrepreneurs in each division was derived through interviews and informal meetings.

The development of women entrepreneurs through the efforts of the Pauroshova was discussed with
the Mayors of each city.

The managers of banks (BRAC Banks, National Bank, United Commercial Bank and Sonali Bank)
provided information on SME loans given to women and also of their activities regarding the Re-
financing scheme for women of Bangladesh Bank. The problems faced and future strategies for
providing financial assistance to women entrepreneurs were discussed with the banks officials.

The officers of the Jubo Unnayan Odhidapter shed light on the types of training provided to the women
in order to enable them to start their own business after the received of professional and skill
development training.

Jatiyo Mohila Sangstha officials mentioned the types of assistance provided to the women through skill
development training, loans for business, marketing facilities and participation in track shows.

The law informing agents of each city (SP, ASP) were interviewed to know the form of assistance
provided to women entrepreneurs in case of problems faced by them during business transactions,
transportation of goods to different places and especially during cases of snatching, demand of tolls,
bribery etc.

Some influential and successful women entrepreneurs of the 6 cities (Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong,
Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet) which were visited in the 6 divisions, were interviewed to gather their views
on women’s entrepreneurship development in the area especially focusing on the problems faced, the
types of business of the area, the attitudes of the families and the societies of the women
entrepreneurs, their investments and expenses, their requirements and the future of women’s
entrepreneurship in the respected areas. The women’s individual views and comments on the different
issues, especially emphasizing on women’s empowerment role through entrepreneurship development,
were given special attention.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Case studies

Case studies were collected from amongst the successful women entrepreneurs of the 6 divisions. Their
initial conditions and activities were brought to focus in order to identify their gradual development in
business and record their roles in achieving success in spite of the various obstacles faced in life as
women entrepreneurs. The endeavours of these women in strengthening their status in society and
family along with the achievement of empowerment of women were highlighted through the case
studies.

2.5 Planning Workshop (PW)

Sector-wise mixed group of people, end-users and visionaries were invited to participate in a half-day
planning workshop to discuss strategic issues relevant to the study on women entrepreneurs in SME.
Six planning workshops were arranged in six divisional head quarters. Fifteen to twenty participants
were invited to participate in each of these planning workshops.

The workshop examined the environment and dynamics, evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of
the approach, identified the approach, the external opportunities that could support the approach and
should be taken advantage of, and scanned the risks of the provisional strategy that had to be taken
into account. The end product of the workshop was a report that documented the findings and
recommendations of the participants.

Issues of the Planning Workshop included the following:

i. Barriers to Entrepreneurship Development

ii. Issues needed to increase access to economic opportunities
iii. Directions needed to promote and strengthen potentiality of women entrepreneurs
iv. Contributions of women’s Business Associations/Chambers for strengthening women’s position
in business and international trade
v. Research on economic contributions by female entries owners

2.5.1 Planning Workshop Dialogues in the 6 Divisional Headquarters

The objectives of the Study were brought to focus through the Planning Workshop discussions held in
each of the 6 Divisions visited. In each of the Workshops five groups of the participants were provided
with the five objectives of the study and the final report of all the discussions in the 6 divisions have
been compiled and presented in this report. (Detailed discussions of each of the divisions, with identified
problems, possible solutions, suggested activities with recommendations and concerned responsibilities
have been provided in Annexure 7 – 12)

2.5.2 Discussions at Planning Workshops

a) Barriers to Entrepreneurship Development for Women

Sl.No BARRIERS TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT
1. Problems Faced: Lack of Capital for business.

Solutions: Provision of collateral free credit at low rate of interest for Women Entrepreneurs
can be provided by the Banks.

Responsibility: SMEF/Banks/GO.

Recommendation/Suggestions: SME foundation should immediately give instruction to all

relevant Banks to the effect that the bank should provide credit to the illegible women
entrepreneurs as per circular of the SME Loan under refinancing scheme of Bangladesh

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No BARRIERS TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Bank and SMEF should monitor progress of the credit delivery and recovery position on
regular basis.
2. Problems Faced: Illiteracy, old values of the family as well as society is a great problem for
Women entrepreneurs

Solutions: Education of the women and positive attitude of the family and society can break
the barriers and help the growth of women entrepreneurs.

Responsibility : SMEF/Educational institutions/GO/NGO/Institutions/Chambers and FBCCI

Recommendation/Suggestions: SMEF / Educational Institutions / GO / NGO / Institutions /

Chambers and FBCCI should increase facilities of business education and training for
women in business administration, production, trade fair participation and make display
centres for women on regular basis, and organize regular training courses on women in
business.
3. Problems Faced : Terrorist activists demand toll from Women entrepreneurs

Solutions: GO/Law enforcing Agencies can take action against the enlisted and new
terrorist activists to create safe and secured environment for smooth business operation of
the Women entrepreneurs.

Responsibility: SMEF/ GO/NGO/Chambers/ local Administration/ Police/ Law enforcing

Agencies

Recommendation/Suggestions: GO/Law enforcing Agencies should take regular action

against the enlisted and new terrorist activists to create safe and secured business
environment for the Women entrepreneurs.
4. Problems Faced: Licensing authority demand bribe for Trade license and harass them
unnecessarily.

Solutions: City Corporation can start one stop service for women entrepreneurs and stop
harassment.

Responsibility: City Corporation, SMEF, Chamber of Commerce, women’s business

organization, Associations.

Recommendation/Suggestions: City Corporation should immediately start one stop

service for providing
trade license to women entrepreneurs on demand and stop harassment.
5. Problems Faced: Lack of storage Facility for stocks of the Women Products.

Solutions: SMEF in collaboration with Chambers, NASIB, City Corporation can create
storage house for stocking products of the women in the city area.

Responsibility : SME Foundation, M/O Industries, FBCCI, BSCIC, Chamber of Commerce,

City Corporation

Recommendation/Suggestions: SMEF in collaboration with other Chambers, NASIB and

City corporation should take steps to build storage house for stocking products of the
women products in the city area.
6. Problems Faced: Lack of facilities and easy access to National and International trade Fair

Solutions: SME Foundation, FBCCI, EPB, NASIB, Women’s Trade Associations & MIDAS

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No BARRIERS TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT

can coordinate with each other and ensure increased participation of the Business Women
in various National and International trade Fair.

Responsibility: SMEF, EPB, FBCCI, NASIB, Women’s Trade Associations and Chambers
and other relevant export oriented organization.

Recommendation/Suggestions: SME Foundation, EPB, FBCCI, NASIB, Women’s Trade

Associations and Chambers and MIDAS should have coordination with each other to ensure
regular participation of the Business Women in various National and International trade Fair.
7. Problems Faced: Information Gap between Supplier, Customer, other business
opportunities.

Solutions: ICT Desk may be created for increased co-ordination with retailers and thereby
provide support to Women Entrepreneurs through Media Partners of GOB for exploring
wider Market and increased trade volume.

Responsibility: SMEF, GOB, EPB, M/O ICT, Mass Media Communication, ICT related
trade bodies

Recommendation/Suggestions: SMEF, GOB, EPB, M/O ICT and Various Mass Media
Communication and ICT related Trade Bodies should provide relevant information and
increase support to Women Entrepreneurs for their products through Media Partners for
exploration of wider Market and increased trade volume.
8. Problems Faced: Lack of skill training as per need of the business women and their
involvement

Solutions: Organise training courses as per need of the business of the women and the
technology requirement.

Responsibility: SMEF, GOB, SCITI, Training Institutions

Recommendation/Suggestions: SMEF, GOB, SCITI, Training Institutions should organise

training courses as per need and technology requirement of the business women.
9. Problems Faced: Lack of Marketing facilities.

Solutions: Women’s Business organizations and various national and regional Chambers
can facilitate various training courses for raising marketing skill of the women entrepreneurs,
organise various trade fairs nationally and internationally for the women and establish more
stalls, display centres and show rooms in the important market place and in SMEF premise
for building stronger marketing network on sustainable basis.

Responsibility: SME Foundation, Banks, GO, NGO, FBCCI, various Chambers of

commerce, Women’s trade bodies and various international and local training institutions.

Recommendation/Suggestions: The relevant organizations should arrange collaborative /

foreign and local training and skill development courses on marketing as well as on other
business development / product development training for the women entrepreneurs and
employees on regular basis.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

b) Issues needed to increase access to Economic Opportunities and Formal Inputs for
Women’s Entrepreneurship Development
Sl.No ISSUES RELATED TO INCREASE ACCESS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
1. Existing Problems: Collateral free Bank loan for Business development of Women

Strategies for solution of the problems: Access to easy Loan from the Bank as well as
from SMEF Sources, particularly, Loan from Refinancing Scheme of Bangladesh Bank.

Responsibility: SMEF, Bank, GO

Recommendation/ Suggestions: Provide necessary support for ensuring credit from the
Bank, especially from Banks involved in SME loan under Refinancing Scheme of
Bangladesh Bank.
2. Existing Problems: No provision for increasing trade fairs and export facility

Strategies for solution of the problems: SMEF, EPB, M/o Commerce and Industry can
create regular trade fair activity throughout the country and EPB can create
provision/facilities for exporting the products of the Women Entrepreneurs and also provide
training for export related information and activity.

Responsibility: SMEF, EPB, M/o Commerce and Industry and NGO.

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF, EPB, M/o Commerce and Industry should create
regular trade fair activity throughout the country and EPB can create provision/facilities for
exporting the products of the Women Entrepreneurs to foreign markets and provide training
for export related activities.
3. Existing Problems: Provision of Bank loan on easy terms and condition with low rate of
interest.

Strategies for solution of the problems: Easy Loan from the Bank as well as from SMEF
Sources, particularly Loan from Refinancing Scheme of Bangladesh Bank

Responsibility: SMEF, Bank

Recommendation/ Suggestions: Women Entrepreneurs should get easy Loan from the
Bank as well as from SMEF Sources, particularly Loan from Refinancing Scheme of
Bangladesh Bank.
4. Existing Problems: Lack of Social Recognition: The Women Entrepreneurs and their
individual products are not properly valued, honoured or recognised by different business
communities, organizations and people and they do not get real price of their products.

Strategies for solution of the problems: SMEF/GOVT should introduce more awards of
recognition/prizes for the business Women and fix proper price of their products as well as
increase dignity, prestige and honour by the concerned people in SME business.

Responsibility: SMEF, GO, NGO, Women’s Trade Bodies and Chambers, Banks

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF, GO NGO, Women’s Trade Bodies and Chambers

should introduce awards of recognition/prizes to increase dignity, prestige and honour by the
concerned people in SME business for the business Women, and fix proper price of their
products as well.
5. Existing Problems: Before registration provision for compulsory TIN certificate increases
Registration Cost and discourages trade license activity.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No ISSUES RELATED TO INCREASE ACCESS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Strategies for solution of the problems: SMEF, GO and individual City Corporation can
discuss on the matter and allow women entrepreneurs to have registration without TIN
Certificate.

Responsibility: SMEF, GO, Women’s Trade Organizations and Chambers, City

corporations.

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF, GO, Women’s Trade Organizations and

Chambers and individual City Corporations can discuss on the matter and allow women
entrepreneurs to have registration without TIN Certificate where required.
6. Existing Problems: Lack of skill training as per need of the business women and their
involvement.

Strategies for solution of the problems: Organise training courses as per need of the
business and technology requirement.

Responsibility: SMEF, GOB, Training Institutions, Women’s Trade Bodies

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF, GOB, Training Institutions, Women’s Trade

Bodies should organise training courses as per need and technology requirement of the
business women.
7. Existing Problems: Lack of Proper Marketing facilities for business women

Strategies for solution of the problems: Bangladesh Women Trade Organizations can
facilitate various training courses for raising marketing skill of the women entrepreneurs and
organise various trade fair and establish more stall, display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF premise for building stronger marketing network on
sustainable basis.

Responsibility: SME Foundation, Banks, GO, NGO, FBCCI, Chambers of commerce and
various international and local training institutions.

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SME Foundation, Banks, GO, NGO, FBCCI, Chambers

of commerce and various international and local training institutions should arrange
collaborative / foreign and local training courses on marketing as well as on other business
development / product development training for the women entrepreneurs and also their
employees on regular basis.

c) Directions and Strategies needed to Promote and Strengthen Potentiality of Women

Entrepreneurs
Sl.No DIRECTIONS NEEDED TO PROMOTE AND STRENGTHEN POTENTIALITY OF WOMEN
ENTREPRENEURS IN BANGLADESH
1. Directions Needed: Direction for getting easy Loan for genuine Business Women.

Authority for Direction: SMEF, GOB, Bangladesh Bank, Mass Media. Women’s Trade
Organizations

Strategies for Direction: SMEF in collaboration with Bangladesh Government should

formulate, publicise necessary Policy Direction providing easy loan to genuine Women
Entrepreneurs through policy formulation. Mass Media can provide the relevant support on
the issue.

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF in collaboration with Bangladesh Government

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No DIRECTIONS NEEDED TO PROMOTE AND STRENGTHEN POTENTIALITY OF WOMEN

ENTREPRENEURS IN BANGLADESH
should review bottlenecks in the existing rules and laws and make necessary Policy
changes and provide direction to all concerned for providing easy loan to genuine Women
Entrepreneurs.
2. Directions Needed: Direction for creating enabling investment environment for Women
Entrepreneurs.

Authority for Direction: SMEF, FBCCI, Chamber of Commerce, Women Trade

Organizations and Chambers, M/O Industry, Commerce, Home, EPB, M/O FWC.

Strategies for Direction: SMEF in association with FBCCI, Chamber of Commerce,

Women’s Trade Bodies and Chambers, M/O Industry, Commerce Home, EPB, M/O WCA,
should review rules and regulations in order to take necessary decision for creating women’s
business friendly environment by changing exiting laws, rules, regulations where necessary,
for promoting business of the Women Entrepreneurs.

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF in association with FBCCI, Chamber of

Commerce, Women Trade Bodies and Chambers, M/O Industry, Commerce, Home, EPB,
M/O WCA, should take necessary decision and undertake actions for creating women’s
business friendly environment by changing exiting laws, rules, regulations and issue
direction as and where necessary for promoting business of the Women Entrepreneurs.
3. Directions Needed: Direction for making region-based or district-based women’s forum like
Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry useful for women to increase communication
towards Entrepreneurship Development.

Authority for Direction: SMEF, NASIB, District-based Chamber of Commerce and

Industry,
Strategies for Direction: SMEF, Women forum of every district can take steps towards
establishing District-based Women’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry and also organize
programs for women to increase women interest and communication towards
Entrepreneurship Development.

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF, Women forum of every district, NASIB, District

Chambers of Commerce and Industry should take steps towards the establishment of
district-based Women’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry and should also organize
programs for women to increase entrepreneurship development and business activities.
4. Directions Needed: Direction for making raw materials available to the Women
Entrepreneurs for promoting business.

Authority for Direction: SMEF, GOB, Women Trade bodies, M/O Industry, Commerce and
various associations.

Strategies for Direction: SMEF, GOB, Women Trade Bodies, M/O Industry, Commerce
can facilitate supply of quality raw materials at whole sale price.

Recommendation/ Suggestions: To facilitate supply of quality raw materials at whole sale

price, SMEF, GOB, Women Trade bodies, M/O Industry, Commerce and various
associations should play active role and ensure supply of raw materials, provide necessary
information and provide raw material at reasonable price for the assistance of Women
Entrepreneurs for business promotion.
5. Directions Needed: Direction for providing power and infrastructure facilities for the Women
entrepreneurs.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No DIRECTIONS NEEDED TO PROMOTE AND STRENGTHEN POTENTIALITY OF WOMEN

ENTREPRENEURS IN BANGLADESH
Authority for Direction: M/O Power, Communications, REB and SMEF.

Strategies for Direction: SMEF, GOB, Women Trade Bodies and Chambers, M/O Power
and Communications can facilitate the regular provision of power and various other
infrastructure facilities required by women in their business production.

Recommendation/ Suggestions: M/O Power, Communications and REB can be

persuaded by SMEF for uninterrupted electricity supply to run Women’s Business
enterprises smoothly. They can also assist in providing infrastructure facilities when and
where required.

d) Contributions of Women’s Business Associations/Chambers for strengthening women’s

position in Business and International trade
Sl.No CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN’S BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS FOR STRENGTHENING
WOMEN’S POSITION IN BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
1. Contributions: Assist towards Empowerment of the women

Strategy for improving Women’s position: Keep on contact with all relevant organizations
for drawing program for women’s empowerment.

Responsibility: WEA, WISE, WEA,B, BABPW, BWCCI, NASCIB, SMEF, GOB

Recommendation/ Suggestions: WEA, WISE, WEA,B, BABPW, BWCCI, NASCIB, SMEF,

GOB should keep in contact with all relevant organizations for organizing relevant and
important programmes related to women’s empowerment.
2. Contributions: Assist Initiative for Organizing the women in Common Platform

Strategy for improving Women’s position: Take initiative for Strengthening women’s
organizational strength into power

Responsibility: WEA, WISE, WEA,B, BABPW, BWCCI, NASCIB, FBCCI, District

Chambers, SMEF, GOB

Recommendation/ Suggestions: WEA, WISE, WEA,B, BABPW, BWCCI, NASCIB, FBCCI,

District Chambers, SMEF in consultation with the GOB should prepare comprehensive plan
in order to strengthen organizational capability into power and thereby activate women’s
entrepreneurship skill.
3. Contributions: Identify innovative and trend-setting business and trade line and make use
of the interested business women to activate those businesses.

Strategy for improving Women’s position: Identify list of innovative, trend-setting and
uncommon products and prepare location map for marketing.

Responsibility: WEA, WISE, WEA,B, BABPW, BWCCI, NASCIB, FBCCI, SMEF, GOB

Recommendation/ Suggestions: To expand marketing network WEA, WISE, WEA,B,

BABPW, BWCCI, NASCIB, FBCCI, , SMEF, in consultation with GOB should prepare the
innovative, trend-setting and uncommon products list and identify the location map for
marketing those products.
4. Contributions: Provide skill training and design development as per need of the business
women and their involvement.

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Sl.No CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN’S BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS FOR STRENGTHENING

WOMEN’S POSITION IN BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Strategy for improving Women’s position: Organise training courses as per need of the
business and technology requirement.

Responsibility: Women’s Trade Bodies and Chambers, Training Institutions, SMEF, GOB

Recommendation/ Suggestions: Women’s Trade Bodies and Chambers, Training

Institutions, SMEF in consultation with GOB should prepare priority and comprehensive list
of training needs and thereby organise the required training courses as per need and
technology requirement of the business women.
5. Contributions: Identify Business training Need for Women through Training Need
Assessment.

Strategy for improving Women’s position: Conduct training need assessment for
identification newer scope of product development and business promotion

Responsibility: Women’s Trade Bodies and Chambers, Training Institutions, SMEF, GOB

Recommendation/ Suggestions: Conduct training need assessment for identification

newer Production Technology on regular basis and thereby assist in business promotion.
6. Contributions: Create new marketing channels for selling products of the women
entrepreneurs.

Strategy for improving Women’s position: Develop website and ICT programs for
marketing channels.

Responsibility: Women’s Trade Bodies and Chambers, Training Institutions, IT related

Organizations, SMEF, GOB

Recommendation/ Suggestions: Women’s Trade Bodies and Chambers, Training

Institutions, ICT related Organizations, SMEF, in consultation with the GOB for the
promotion of the women’s business should develop website and IT programs to help
business women create their marketing channels.
7. Contributions: Provide loan to business women who frantically need it.

Strategy for improving Women’s position: Prepare priority list for needy entrepreneurs.

Responsibility: Women’s Trade Bodies and Chambers, Banks, Financial Institutions,

SMEF, GOB

Recommendation/ Suggestions: Make provisions for loan disbursement for needy women
entrepreneurs for financial assistance and business development.
8. Contributions: Assist in improving A level skill of the women through training in global
standardization.

Strategy for improving Women’s position: Establish a permanent Training Institute at

SMEF head Quarter for offering A grade Training to Women Entrepreneurs.

Responsibility: SMEF, GOB

Recommendation/ Suggestions: GOB should establish a permanent Training Institute at

SMEF Head Quarters at Dhaka and regional institutes at important districts for offering A
grade Training to Women Entrepreneurs.

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Sl.No CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN’S BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS FOR STRENGTHENING

WOMEN’S POSITION IN BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
9. Contributions: Assist and ensure quality raw materials available for the Women
Entrepreneurs in promoting business.

Strategy for improving Women’s position: SMEF, GOB, Women’s Trade Organizations,
FBCCI, District Chambers, M/O Industry, Commerce can facilitate supply of quality raw
materials at whole sale price.

Responsibility: SMEF, GOB, Women’s Trade Organizations, FBCCI, District Chambers,

M/O Industry, Commerce

Recommendation/ Suggestions: To facilitate supply of quality raw materials at whole sale

price, SMEF in co-operation with GOB, and through various associations, Women’s Trade
Organizations, FBCCI, District Chambers, M/O Industry, Commerce should play an active
role and ensure supply of raw materials for the Women Entrepreneurs for business
promotion.

e) Research Needs on Economic Contributions by Female Enterprise Owners

Sl.No RESEARCH ON ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY FEMALE ENTERPRISE OWNERS
1. Research Issues: Research on environment friendly new products and product designs of
the women entrepreneurs

Strategies for Conducting Research: Create laboratory facilities for testing standard of the
products of the women entrepreneurs.

Responsibility: SMEF, BSTI, MIDAS and DOE

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF in collaboration with relevant organization should

create facilities for testing standardization of products of the women entrepreneurs and
research should be conducted on these issues for quality production and innovative designs.
2. Research Issues: Research on barriers to credit supply to the Women Entrepreneurs

Strategies for Conducting Research: Carry out research on credit supply to women
entrepreneurs and its constraints.

Responsibility: SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and any other Research organization or researchers

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF should conduct research including eminent

economists, financial and business related academicians, and also eminent women
researchers in the field for identifying the actual barriers to credit supply to women
entrepreneurs, concentrating on evaluation of the research quality.
3. Research Issues: Research on problem of equity loan for women entrepreneurs.
Strategies for Conducting Research: Carry out research on performance of equity loan
and compared performance with micro-finance

Responsibility: SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and any other Research organization or researchers.

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF, IBM, MIDAS should sponsor research on

performance of equity loan and compared performance with micro-finance in some selected
areas,
4. Research Issues: Research on system of price fixation of the products produced by
Women Entrepreneurs

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Sl.No RESEARCH ON ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY FEMALE ENTERPRISE OWNERS

Strategies for Conducting Research: SMEF, Price Control Commission and M/O Finance
can formulate policy guidelines for fixing prices of the products produced by Women
Entrepreneurs.

Responsibility: SMEF, M/O Finance, MIDAS, IBM, FBCCI, Price Control Commission.

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF, Price Control Commission, MIDAS, IBM and M/O
Finance should allocate grant for conducting survey on existing prices of the Women
Entrepreneurs before Policy formulation and provide guidelines for fixing prices of the
products produced by Women Entrepreneurs.
5. Research Issues: Research on contribution of women entrepreneurs towards Gender
Empowerment

Strategies for Conducting Research: SMEF, Women’s Trade Bodies and Chambers, M/O
Finance, MIDAS, IBM or a separate committee taking members from various women’s
organization can identify research topics for Gender Empowerment.

Responsibility: SMEF, M/O Finance, FBCCI, MIDAS, IBM, Various women’s organizations
in the country

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF, Women’s Trade Bodies and Chambers, M/O

Finance, MIDAS, IBM or a separate committee formed by taking members from various
women’s organization should identify research topics for Gender Empowerment and indicate
sources of fund for research allocation.
6. Research Issues: Research on criteria for selecting Genuine women entrepreneurs for
awards and recognition

Strategies for Conducting Research: SMEF, in co-ordination with various Women’s Trade
Organization and Chambers along with FBCCI, and M/o Women Affairs can conduct
intensive study on contribution of selected women entrepreneurs to measure criteria for
award and their real contribution in the economy.

Responsibility: SMEF, Women’s Trade Organizations and Chambers, FBCCI, District

Chambers and M/o Women Affairs.

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF, in co-ordination with various Women’s Trade

Organization and Chambers along with FBCCI, and M/o Women Affairs should undertake
intensive study on contribution of selected women entrepreneurs to measure criteria for
award and their real contribution in the economy and allocate fund for study.
7. Research Issues: Research on problems and prospect of marketing the product of the
women Entrepreneurs.

Strategies for Conducting Research: Various Women’s Trade Bodies can undertake
different training and research programs for raising marketing skill of the women
entrepreneurs and identify role of various trade fair making networks and identifying
problems of establishing more stall, display centres and show rooms in the important market
place and in SMEF premise for building strong marketing network.

Responsibility: SMEF, Banks, GO, NGO, FBCCI, Women’s Trade Bodies, District
Chambers of commerce and various international and local research and training
institutions.

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Sl.No RESEARCH ON ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY FEMALE ENTERPRISE OWNERS

Recommendation/ Suggestions: SMEF, Banks, GO, NGO, FBCCI, Women’s Trade
Bodies, District Chambers of commerce and various international and local research and
training institutions should undertake various training and research programs for raising
marketing skill of the women entrepreneurs and identify role of various trade fairs, making
networks and should identify problems of establishing more stall, display centres and show
rooms in the important market place and in SMEF premise for building strong marketing
network on sustainable basis

2.6 National Dissemination Seminar (NDS)

A group of national NGOs, stakeholders and professionals are working for the SMEs for developing
women entrepreneurship environment and women entrepreneurship issues in Bangladesh will be
invited to participate in a half day long National Dissemination Workshop at a convenient place in Dhaka
at the end of the all set activities. In total 50 to 70 selected people will be invited in this workshop.

The objective of the workshop is to obtain public opinion on the women entrepreneurship development
and the findings.

The pedagogy of this intensive a-half day workshop would include a combination of lectures, hands-on
case studies, group discussions and computer simulations. The program will provide a thorough
coverage of concepts, techniques, and applications. The findings of the National Dissemination
Workshop will be included in the final report.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 3

3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

This chapter makes an attempt to present a brief summary of studies so far held on women
entrepreneurs, their activities in Bangladesh and the growth of the SME sector in Bangladesh.

Article No. 1:“Role of Institutional Financing in the Development of Small and Medium Enterprise
(SMEs) in Bangladesh” by Dr. Momtaz Uddin Ahmed, Professor of Economics, Dhaka University
and former Managing Director and CEO, SME Foundation.

A great many articles have been written on the issue by Dr. Ahmed. In this article Dr. Momtaz Uddin
mentions that SMEs constitute one of the major driving forces of economic growth in the developing
countries. The development potentials of these industries in Bangladesh are boundless. Characteristically,
the SMEs are poised to create millions of low-cost and productive job opportunities, add to national output
and exports, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, and spread industrial growth over wider
geographic regions and among vast number of potential business owners. These intrinsic merits of the
SMEs make them handy instruments for achieving employment intensive industrial growth, “Socially
inclusive” national economic growth and sustained poverty alleviation. He identifies that the SME sector
accounts for upwards of 90% of total industrial establishments, 60 to 70 percent or more of employment
and provides livelihoods for three-fourths of the workforce n most of the Asian courtiers.

On “Institutional Financing of SMEs in Bangladesh”, Dr. Ahmed mentions that there are broadly, four
categories of institutions which cater to the financial needs of the SMEs in Bangladesh. These are
Commercial banks, Non-bank financial institutions [NBF], (i.e., leasing companies), Specialized Banks and
Development Financial Institutions, (i.e. BASIC, MIDAS Financing Ltd. Etc) and Selected Microfinance
Institutions (MFLs, such as BRAC, ASA PKSF and Shakti Foundation). Additionally, the Bangladesh Bank
(BB), the central Bank of the country also arranges various credit lines (i.e. refinancing schemes) from
time to time to accelerate flow of institutional funds to the SMEs in tandem with Governments strong policy
support to SME development as a “thrust sector” for achieving employment-intensive industrial growth.
The Small enterprise Fund (SEF) programme, a window of SME refinancing facilities for commercial
banks, NBFIs, and the Equity Entrepreneurship Fund (EEF) introduced by the BB in the recent years
constitute important BB programmes to expand and deliver better financial services to the SME sector.
Encouraged by these facilitating arrangements the banks and NBIs are increasingly coming forward to
extend financial support to the SME sector and boost up their contributions to national economic growth.

Another notable addition to SME financing landscape is the increasing participation by some of the leading
MFIs in providing micro enterprise loans to the graduating micro credit borrowers involved in small-scale
manufacturing, trade and service activities. These loans generally constitute collateral-free working capital
loans of 1-3 years duration which are designed to promote growth of the popularly called “missing middle”
SME categories at the base of the SME pyramid which neither qualify as microcredit borrowers nor as
credit-worthy SME borrowers from the commercial banks, Educated guess is that these lending operations
currently provide loans to roughly 3% of the potential SME borrowers.

Dr. Momtaz Uddin says that despite Bangladesh Bank initiatives encouragements (and also directives at
times) provided to the banks to participate in SME lending the current availability of institutional credits to
the SME sector remains grossly inadequate which stifles their growth efforts seriously. During the recent
past fifteen years between 1992 and 2007, the relative shares of the SMEs in both term loans and working
capital loans extended by the banks to the economic sectors hovered around only 2 to 5 percent and 4 to
10 percent respectively. The situation leaves no choice but to depend greatly on borrowing from the non-
institutional sources and internally generated funds, neither of which are adequate to boost growth and
implement business expansion plans.

Dr. Ahmed says that while the estimated potential market demand for SME loans (from over 1 million
potential SME borrowers both willing and able to borrow) is huge (TK. 255 billion in 2006), the sector goes

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

hungry for funds with the total current supply being only TK. 88.9 billion in 2009 (ADB 2009). This puts the
overall supply-demand gap for SME credit to a staggering figure of Tk. 165 billion in Bangladesh, resulting
in what is called the “frustrated credit demand” of the SMEs in the country. The evidence of enormous size
of the “unmet” credit demand is substantiated by many other studies all of which attest to only 25-30
percent of the capital requirements of the SMEs being met by bank loans.

While talking of the “Flow of institutional Loans to the SME Sector”, Dr Momtaz Uddin says that the
internet anti-SME bias in the institutional credit market keeps these industries at bay from accessing credit
facilities of their choice and convenience both during start-up as well as subsequent operations. He goes
on to say that the problem of limited access to formal sector financing by the SMEs in Bangladesh is
further aggravated by almost conspicuous absence of new and innovative credit schemes and financial
instruments introduced in many countries (i.e. Philippines, Malaysia) to accelerate the flow of institutional
funds to the SME sector. The major innovations termed as “best practices” for addressing the SME
Finance constraints include: Credit guarantee funds, Venture capital, Leasing, Group-based lending,
Supply Chain Lending Scheme.

Regarding Credit Lines Arranged by Bangladesh Bank, Dr. Ahmed mentions that establishment of Equity
Entrepreneurship Fund(EEF) in 2001 through budgetary allocations of the Government and opening of
refinancing facilities by the BB through the Small Enterprise Fund(SEF) in 2002 with its own funds as well
as those from the donor agencies (ADB and World Bank) and SEDF support to the commercial banks to
deliver better financial services to selected SME sectors have encouraged the commercial banks as well
as many NBFIs to take greater participation in SME financing in the recent years. Since begging till end of
June 2009, banks and NBFIs disbursed Tk. 12.43 billion to a total of 29014 SMEs under the refinance
schemes. Due to lack of close monitoring, the lending operations conducted under the refinance schemes
also failed to ensure geographical parity, gender balance and balance between promoting new and
existing enterprises (ADB, 2009).

Finally, Dr. Ahmed mentions that the banks and the NBFIs are currently responding favourably to the
Government initiatives towards channelling more funds to the SME sector as conduits for employment
generation and poverty alleviation. As of end of June 2009, the share of SME loans to total outstanding
bank loans stood at nearly 22%, rising from 10.9% in June 2006 and registering an annual average yearly
growth of 26% during the three year periods. After approval by the BB, as many as 139 SME service
centres have been opened by the banks (mostly private banks) in 2009 to facilitate SME lending and other
SME banking needs. These centres helped enhance the outreach of the banks as they are located in the
relatively undeveloped areas that generally remain underserved by the banks (ADB, 2009). This is an
encouraging sign, but the relative SME share in the total bank advances to different economic sectors is
still much below the desired level, especially compared to their financing needs.

Article No.2 : “The Emerging Role of Women as Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh” by Professor

Masuda M. Rashid Chowdhury, Professor of Sociology, University of Dhaka, Vice-President,
SAARC SME Forum, former Director FBCCI and President Bangladesh Association of Business &
Professional Women.

In her article, Professor Masuda M. Rashid Chowdhury made an attempt to identify some of the factors
that led to the adoption of women entrepreneurship. She also discussed the problems faced by the
women entrepreneurs in their business enterprises. As small entrepreneurs, women played a significant
role in the national economy. In the article, she suggested that the governmental and non-governmental
development for women entrepreneurship should be activated in order to increase the contribution of
women towards the national economy.

She also rightly identified the major problem of women entrepreneurship which included the lack of credit
facilities, skill training and market opportunities. She also pointed out those middlemen created problems
by offering low prices. Women face difficulties in procurement of raw materials and transportation.

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Professor Chowdhury mentioned that in Bangladesh, many household women have become business
entrepreneurs to meet the financial needs of their family members. The article also outlined the nature
and types of business the women entrepreneurship were engaged in such as (a) Self-employments, (b)
Manufacturing, (c) Partnership business, (d) Family trade, (e) Agricultural activities, (f) Sub-contracting,
(g) Traders and (h) contractors, the study is an empirical and inductive in nature.

Professor Masuda R. Chowdhury especially mentions about the contribution of women entrepreneurs
towards their families and the society.

Article No. 3: “A Preliminary Investigation of Urban Female Entrepreneurs: A study of female

entrepreneurship of Dhaka Metropolitan Area” by Abdul Moyeen and Afreen Haq. (Journal of
Business Administration, Vol.20, no. 3 & 04, July-Oct, 1994, PP.233-241)

In their article Moyeen and Huq have analysed the various problems faced by the urban female
entrepreneurs of the Dhaka Metropolitan area. They studied 51 female entrepreneurs in respect of the
nature of their business management skills, level of education, occupational influences, and
demographic information

Their study revealed that the mean age of women entrepreneurs lies between 25 and 40 years. Seventy
percent of the samples were married with children. Sixty percent attended college or University of whom
27 percent had Masters ‘Degree. Their parents were more educated than the general people and 73%
of the women entrepreneurs belonged to the upper or upper middle class. The majority of women
entrepreneurs’ husband had business background and 20% of the female entrepreneurs were actively
assisted by their husbands. Over 90% of the samples were engaged in the service sector. Only 3%
were engaged in manufacturing, 55% of the enterprises were partnership type while 45% were sole
ownership type, 60% of the enterprises had been in operation for only five years or less. 60% of these
female-managed enterprises had only one to three employees, most of whom were female. The
organizational structures were informal. Most of them had no formal training. So, they lacked
managerial skill needed to run business enterprises. They also faced financial problems during the start-
up stage. Many of them talked about their personal problems.
.
Article No 4: The study conducted by Dr. Bandana Saha

The study conducted by Dr. Bandana Saha deals with the general problems faced by women
entrepreneurs’ in their business development. Finance was identified as the main problem of the women
entrepreneurs.

The author found that the women entrepreneurs of Dhaka City were all educated and 43% of them had
post-graduate degrees. Most of them belonged to families with business background. They had easy
access to technology, finance, market and packaging facilities.

The women entrepreneurs were engaged in readymade garments, embroidery, herbal medicine and
food products like dry fish, pickles etc.

Article No 5: “A profile of the women Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh” by Abu Saleh

Abu Saleh in his article “A profile of the women Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh” tried to discern the
motivation of women entrepreneurs for entering into business and assessed the entrepreneurial skills of
the women entrepreneurs. He also tried to evaluate the performance of women entrepreneurs in their
business.

Keeping I view of the above objectives, he randomly selected 20 women entrepreneurs supplied by
BMDC, who had received training from BSCIS and BMDC. The findings of his study showed that most
of the women entrepreneurs (95%) were married and 75% of them belonged to the age group of 30 to
45 years. The average age of the women was 40 years while starting their business. The educational

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background of the women entrepreneurs was higher than the national average and 75% of them were
Graduates and Master Degree holders.

The study further showed that the training the women entrepreneurs received was the theoretical and
80% of the sample had no business background or experience. Only 15% had business experience
varying from 5 to 15 years. Only 5% had experience in the same type of business and 90% of women
entrepreneurs came to business on their owner initiative. Only 10% of the women had acquired
business through inheritance.

The study also showed that the majority of women entrepreneurs (60%) were engaged in production i.e.
manufacturing and 25% were engaged in the service sector and 15% in trading. About 45% women
employed workers on fulltime basis and 10% did manage their business without outside workers. The
average number of persons employed was 14.

The majority (60%) of the women became entrepreneurs of their own intention. Forty percent of the
women entrepreneurs took to business to earn money, 35% to meet family needs. Sixty percent of the
women entrepreneurs pointed out that they had problems of marketing their products and 20% of the
women entrepreneurs mentioned that they met 100% of their family need out of business income,
Whereas 30% reported that their business provided 25% to 50% of their total family income.

Article no. 6: “Women Entrepreneurs of Rural Industries in some selected Area” by Pijush Kanti
Chowdhury and Begum Nurun Nahar

Pijush Kanti Chowdhury and Begum Nurun Nahar in their article “Women Entrepreneurs of Rural
Industries in some selected Areas” made an attempt to (i) Identify the factors responsible for emergence
of rural women as entrepreneurs, (ii) Assess the socio-economic impact of entrepreneurship on their
lives and living; (iii) Assess the problems faced by the women entrepreneurs in their business.

The authors of the article selected 43 craft women engaged in different crafts on the basis of random
sampling-drawn from Comilla Sadar, Laksam and Barura Thana of Comilla district and Begumgonj
Thana of Noakhali district. The sample comprised only those crafts women who became entrepreneurs
by their own effort. The authors observed that illiterate and less educated women preferred bamboo and
cane-work and other craft like sewing, garments making and embroidery. Seventy Nine percent of the
sample became entrepreneurs due to circumstances that compelled them to find out some source of
income for their living. It was also found that the majority of women entrepreneurs (76.47%) acquired
initial experience about the craft either from families or from neighbours.

The study also showed that 63% of the women entrepreneurs required outside workers for their
business enterprise. It is also observed that 73% of women entrepreneurs used to control their income,
while 12% of the sample answered that their income was controlled by their husbands. Some of the
women entrepreneurs (33.33%) admitted that they faced resistance from the villagers and neighbours
and 7.69% from their husbands and husbands’ family at the time of starting their business enterprises.
Besides these, lack of accessibility to finance/financial institutions and difficulty in marketing the
products were identified as their main constraints.

Article No 7: “On women Enterprise Management, Training Out-reach Program (WEMTOP):

Sector survey and Training Needs Assessment” by Nilufar Ahmed

Nilufar Ahmed prepared a report “On women Enterprise Management, Training out-reach program
(WEMTOP): Sector survey and Training Needs Assessment”, World Bank, Dhaka, 1991.The main
objective of the Report was to strengthen the capacity of NGOs to deliver management training to
landless and marginal women in rural and urban areas. The report was divided into two parts: Part-I, (a)
gave a brief description of the services provided by six selected NGOs and assessed their capacity to
undertake WEMTO activities, (b) recorded perception about women entrepreneurship among the senior
management of selected NGOs; (c) recommended the nature of management training programmes for

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women entrepreneurs, and (d) assessed NGOs as potential partner institutions for WEMTOP activities.
The second part of the Report discussed the characteristics of the enterprises managed by women,
their business performance and constraints. The following observations have been made based on
primary data collected from women entrepreneurs:

(i). Some of the enterprises were managed by women, but actual ownership and control lay with
husbands. In case of group-based enterprises, women could protect them from male
interference.

(ii). They borrowed money from male persons and they themselves brought raw materials. Women
entrepreneurs found difficulties in maintaining stocks due to lack of funds and storage facilities.

(iii). Women entrepreneurs usually followed the traditional process of manufacturing.

(iv). Usually women did not go to market to sell their commodities. They sold their products through
male members.

(v). Women entrepreneurs fixed the prices of their products based on direct production cost and
the prevailing market prices. They did not consider the wage for family labour while calculating
the cost of production. They had little idea about the concept of net profit.

(vi). Social norms restricted women’s mobility. This affected their profit margin. This did not,
however, apply in case of the educated women entrepreneurs who lived in the urban areas.

Article No 8: “The entrepreneurs operating in the industrial units within the radius of 35 kms
around Dhaka City,” by Mohammad S. A. Momen and Sayma Rahman

Mohammad, S. A. Momen and Sayma Rahman made a study on the entrepreneurs operating in the
industrial units within the radius of 35 kms around Dhaka City. The sample population comprised the
owners of firms. The authors tried to highlight the major factors hindering the development of
entrepreneurs’ in Bangladesh. They also tried to measure the success of entrepreneurs and examined
whether any correlation existed between various factors like age, education, experience and investment
size and the selection of projects.

Their study showed that bank assistance in the form of feasibility study, project preparation, machinery
selection etc. did not have any correlation with the entrepreneurs’ success. They found negative
correlation between investment and the level of success. The cause was attributed to a small market,
high overhead cost and high rate of interest on borrowed funds. Further more they observed that no
correlation was found between age and success, education and success and experience and success.

Article No.9: “Entrepreneurship Development with some reference to Bangladesh” by Shahid

Uddin Ahmed

Shahid Uddin Ahmed in his article “Entrepreneurship Development with some reference to Bangladesh”
stressed the fact that entrepreneurs were indispensable for the development of the economy. The
entrepreneurs, promoted enterprises, created jobs and produced goods and services. Goods produced
within the country saved foreign currency. He strongly refuted the prevailing myth that the people of
Bangladesh were neither innovators nor risk-takers. He argued that the national policy had failed to
attract the people with positive attitude to emerge as entrepreneurs. He further said that the social
attitude should be changed. However, he held the view that the social environment was under-going
rapid change and quite a large number of educated men and women were coming forward to take up
business as a career.

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These young men and women seemed to be more dynamic, courageous and challenging. To uphold
the attitudinal change of the entrepreneur, training was most essential. He stressed the fact that
entrepreneurs should have easy access to loan.

Article No. 10: “Entrepreneurship Development and Economic growth: The Bangladesh Case”
by Mubina Khandokar

Mubina Khandokar in her article “Entrepreneurship Development and Economic growth: The
Bangladesh Case” argued that entrepreneurship was the most essential factor for economic
development of a country.

She said that entrepreneurship development in Bangladesh was at its initial stage. No serious efforts
had been made so far. Little amount of money had been spent on entrepreneurship development in this
country. However, situation had been changed. Nationalized banks and other non-government
institutions were undertaking schemes and training programs to encourage entrepreneurship in the
small-scale business enterprises. These efforts were, no doubt, praiseworthy, but are still inadequate
compared to the needs of the country.

So, she recommended the implementation of the following measures to promote entrepreneurship for
socio-economic development of the country:

(i). Prospective entrepreneurs should be motivated to overcome the prevailing notion in the
society i.e., fatalism.
(ii). The attitudes and behaviour patterns of individuals should be changed.

(iii). The government should adopt pragmatic policies and programs regarding entrepreneurship
development.

(iv). Appropriate local technology should be made available for small enterprises.

(v). The potential entrepreneurs should be identified for imparting training.

(vi). The government should provide necessary support in the form of financial, technical as well as
physical facilities and services.

(vii). The government should provide internal security and maintain law and order. Fiscal and tax
incentives should be offered to promote entrepreneurship development in the country.

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CHAPTER – 4

4.0 ENTREPRENEURSHIP

It is to be noted that entrepreneurship has been under discussion for more than two centuries. Gloss,
Steads and Lowry made an attempt to define entrepreneurship through four common characteristics of
an entrepreneur. These are as follows:

i Purposeful i.e. sets goals and strives to accomplish them

ii Persuasive i.e. influences others to assist in reaching desired goals
Iii Presumptions i.e. strikes out boldly and acts when others hesitate to do so.
iv Perceptive i.e. understands how each separate decision relates to accomplishing the established
goals.

4.1 Concept of Entrepreneurship: A theoretical discussion

Karl H. Vesper defined the overall field of entrepreneurship as the creation of new business ventures by
individuals or small groups Marshal expanded entrepreneurship as:

a) Structuring of organization through division of labour, b) formulating plans and policies to be executed
by subordinate, c) innovating and d) bearing risk.

E.E. Hagen described entrepreneurship as creating opportunities for investment and production,
establishing an organization capable of introducing non production process, accumulation of capable,
collection of raw materials, innovating new production techniques and new products, searching for new
sources of raw materials and above all the selection on an efficient manager to run the day to day
affairs of the organization.

4.2 Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh

Entrepreneurship is one of the indispensable ways to economic self-sufficiency around the world. In the
developing country like Bangladesh where well-paid employment is scarce, entrepreneurship may be
the only way that most individuals can rise above the poverty.

This problem is particularly severe for women. Society in Bangladesh tends to grant women limited
access to material resources, land capital, an education. It is historically true that when half of the
country’s population is not involving them with formal or informal economic activities, the country will not
progress further.

Now the time has come when we should emphasize on creating self employment opportunities and on
expansion of employment-generating small and medium business enterprises and at the same time on
active involvement of women in the economic development process.

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CHAPTER – 5

5.0 WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN BANGLADESH:

Women entrepreneurs constitute less than 10% of the total business entrepreneurs in Bangladesh
whereas women in advanced market economies own more than 25% of all businesses. It is heartening
to note that despite many barriers, a new women’s entrepreneur class has risen in the country taking on
the challenge to work in a male-dominated, competitive and complex economic and business
environment. Not only have their entrepreneurship improved their living conditions and earned more
respect in the family and the society, but they are also contributing to business and export growth,
supplies, employment generation, productivity and skills development of Bangladesh. A recent United
Nations report concluded that economic development is closely related to the advancement of women.
(Hua Du, Asian Development Bank, 2006).

Although the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees all citizens equal rights, in reality, the society is
highly stratified and services are rendered on the basis of class, gender location, etc., which often
results in disparities. Seventy percent (70%) of the women entrepreneurs are micro and rural based.
They are not given proper opportunity for expansion. On the other hand, urban educated women
already engaged in micro and small businesses, as well as export-oriented enterprises are receiving
comparatively less attention. As a result, they are unable to expand their operations due to lack of
technological support and expertise, fund constraints, marketing techniques, and detachment from the
international business arena, especially in the context of today’s globalization and rapidly growing
business world. After the financial crisis in Asia, the governments of many countries in Asia has placed
emphasis on SMEs led by women entrepreneurs, which they believe will be the new thrust for economic
growth in the future. If adequate support can be provided, these small scale business entrepreneurs
would be able to generate employment and render training to women of rural and slum areas. All these
can help them to step into new ventures of their own. In order to actively pursue the advancement of
women, it is required to empower, upgrade and uplift the women entrepreneurs in both rural and urban
sectors. Special priority should be given to the poor rural women. In new ventures, modern technology
can be greatly helpful in facing the competitive challenge of the age. Since technology is a strategic
variable in the modern business paradigm, women empowerment with technology will give rise to
economic advancement.

A recent survey data of BBS revealed that women own only 2.8% of all enterprises outside agriculture in
Bangladesh. This figure exposed that while progress is being made towards the equality of women and
men in the decision-making level women remain under-represented. (Akbory, Yeameen, 2008)

5.1 History of Women Entrepreneurship Development in Bangladesh

It is said that entrepreneurs are persons who bring about phenomenal economic changes, through their
risk taking innovativeness and constant agility. Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs need to have an
extra quality in the form of dogged determination and resilience since this is greatly needed to fight with
adverse situations which seem to confront female entrepreneurs rather than their male counterparts in
the present-day context. Women in business in Bangladesh require more efforts than men to gain a
foothold as economic change agents. Sustained efforts are needed to enhance the capability of women
entrepreneurs as well as to create conditions for entrepreneurship to succeed in terms of setting up and
maintaining productive operations. Many organizations have assisted in the formation of women
entrepreneurs. WEDP of BSCIC under its project (1997-2002) has identified 90,661 women
entrepreneurs, developed 73,169, disbursed BDT 5,711.40 lac to 73,169 women and provided skill
development training to 4,302 and management training to 32,995 women entrepreneurs

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5.2 Women Entrepreneurs of Bangladesh

The types of enterprises operated by women may be placed under following categories: (i) Household
or family trade (Cottage Enterprise or Industry), (ii) Small Enterprise or Industry (iii) Medium Enterprise
or Industry

In general, the degree of TCA (Technology Content Added) of Women SMEs is low. An important
element of Women SMEs is that the technologies or processes used are often relatively simple. These
types of business include food processing, tailoring, hot gram (chanachur) production, grocery stores,
poultry farm, cow rearing, sweetmeat shop, restaurants etc. Required skills for these kinds of SMEs are
generally picked up through observation and experience. The training facilities offered both by the
government, private organizations, NGOs, etc., can increase their efficiency and competence especially
in rural areas.

5.3 Women Entrepreneurship in Urban Areas

Today in addition to the traditional “women sectors” like food, beauty, health, fashion, animal husbandry,
boutiques, handicraft and tailoring, women have entered into broader areas such as garments, shipping,
engineering, advertising travel agencies, interior decoration, IT, agro-industry, educational institutions,
restaurants etc. With trade liberalization, new market opportunities will come up. Thus diversification will
be essential for women entrepreneurs in order to make best use of these opportunities.

5.4 Women Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas

Bangladesh has shown success in the arena of the rural women entrepreneurs operating micro
enterprises. Women in Bangladesh have the ability to flourish and contribute to society if they are given
the opportunity. It has observed that the rural and urban women entrepreneurs are in dire need of many
types of assistance. This assistance should revolve mainly around product development, training,
business incubation and marketing, etc. The driving force behind this are the women, who, given the
opportunity, may prove to be dynamic, hard working and successful.

Women SMEs, with their small size, lack of skill and absence of technology development have
disadvantages in competing with large firms in the local & global sphere. For them, technology up-
gradation can accelerate growth and sustainability. This study provides the conceptual setting as to how
technology can spur growth of SMEs especially belonging to women entrepreneurs. It also highlights
the key elements required for technology adoption, transfer and adaptation process for Women SMEs.

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CHAPTER – 6

6.0 SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs)

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have historically been one of the steeples of the enterprise
landscape within economies. The SME sector accounts for upwards of 90% of total industrial
establishments, 60 to 70 percent or more of employment and provides livelihoods for three-fourths of
the workforce in most of the Asian countries. Growth with clear benefits for poverty reduction puts a
premium on integrating, productively and profitably, small and medium enterprises in the very process
of economic growth. The over-riding vision must be for setting up a market-based economic order with a
level playing field for all enterprises, in which SMEs can respond to opportunities of growth and wealth-
creation commensurate with their own endowments and diligence, innovation and management
commitment. In addition, the vision must lead to a priority in the delivery of government services so as
to neutralize, on a continuing basis, the handicaps and irritants which almost reflexively, tend to spring
themselves upon SMEs in a selective manner. A historically accelerated pace of trade liberalization in
Bangladesh since the early 1990s by spurring a veritable deluge of imports has quite significantly
increased competitive pressures on SMEs in Bangladesh. Rapidly falling cost of communications have
by unifying global markets heightened the intensity of competition. Trading is widely seen as a safer,
richer, smarter and bulkier career to have than manufacturing, and it is a bad news indeed for
industrialization. The Government of Bangladesh formulated a comprehensive industrial Policy-2005 by
putting special emphasis for developing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a thrust sector for
balanced and sustainable industrial development in the country to help deal with the challenges of free
market economy and globalization.

6.1 Definition of SME

SME means Small and Medium Enterprises. There is no common acceptable definition of SME that has
been applied world wide. The definition of SME varies from one country to another and even within the
same country. So, there is a definitional ambiguity in cases of SMEs in Bangladesh. Different
organizations define it according to their objectives and conveniences. However, the amount of capital
investment and the number of workers employed are the two major criteria of defining SME.

More than 90% of the industrial enterprises in Bangladesh are in the SME size-class, i.e. with up to 100
employees. Generally, SMEs are labour intensive with relatively low capital intensity.

6.2 Theories of SME

Since SME covers a wide range of activities, its concepts and definition differ from person to person and
also form one country to another. At the initial state the attitude of theorists seemed to be very cold
towards the concept of entrepreneurship. It is only in recent years, the role of an entrepreneur has been
considered very significant in industrial growth and economic development, both in the developed and
the developing countries.

However, a general theory of SME is yet to be developed. The definition of entrepreneur had never
been differentiated on the basis of gender and could be extended to women entrepreneurs without any
restrictions. National level standing committee of women entrepreneurs *1948) defined a woman
entrepreneur as a women who creates something new, organizes production, undertakes risk and
handles economic uncertainties and to adjust personality needs, family life, social welfare, and
economic independence.

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6.3 SMEs in Bangladesh

There are about 6 million SMEs in Bangladesh. This is the single largest industrial sector of the
Bangladesh economy. Small and medium enterprises shall be categorized using the following
definitions as provided by the Ministry of Industries

a) Manufacturing enterprise

Small enterprise: An enterprise would be treated as small if, at current market prices, the replacement
cost of plant, machinery and other parts/components, fixtures, support utility, and associated technical
services by way of capitalized costs (of turn-key consultancy services, for example), etc, excluding land
and building, is between BDT 50,000 and BDT1.5 crores (BDT .05 million to15 million). The number of
workers is maximum 50.

Medium enterprise: An enterprise would be treated as medium if, at current market prices, the
replacement cost of plant, machinery, and other parts/ components, fixtures, support utility, and
associated technical services (such as turn-key consultancy), etc. excluding land and building, is
between BDT 1.5 crores and BDT 20 crores (BDT 15 million to BDT200 million. The number of workers
is maximum 150.

b) Non-manufacturing activities: (such as trading or other services)

Small enterprise: An enterprise would be treated as small if, at current market prices, the replacement
cost of plant, machinery and other parts/components, fixtures, support utility, and associated technical
services by way of capitalized costs (of turn-key consultancy services, for example), etc, excluding land
and building, is between BDT 50,000 and BDT 50 lacs (BDT .05 million to 5 million). An enterprise
would be treated as small if it has less than 25 workers, in full-time equivalents.

Medium enterprise: An enterprise would be treated as medium if, at current market prices, the
replacement cost of plant, machinery, and other parts/ components, fixtures, support utility, and
associated technical services (such as turn-key consultancy), etc. excluding land and building, is
between BDT 50 lacs and BDT 10 crores (BDT 5 million to BDT 100 million). An enterprise would be
treated as medium if it has a maximum of 50 employees.

Type Manufacturing Sector Service and Trading Sector (Not

Public Limited Company)
Value of resources other than land and Value of resources other than land and
Small factory buildings is between 0.05 million and factory buildings is between 0.05 million
Enterprises 15 million BDT and / or number of workers is and 5 million BDT and / or number of
maximum 50. workers is maximum 25.

Medium Value of resources other than land and
Enterprises factory buildings is between 15 million and
200 million BDT and / or number of workers
are maximum 150.
Source: Bangladesh Bank circular of May 26, 2008
Value of durable resources other than
land and factory buildings is between 5
million and 100 million BDT and / or
number of workers are maximum 50.

Implementation of poverty alleviation action programs and strategies is a systematic and continuous
effort in Bangladesh. Rapid and sustainable growth of SMEs is undoubtedly one vehicle for accelerating
national economic growth to the point of having a measurable impact on the way of reduction of poverty
and unemployment, generation of more employment. More than 90% of the industrial enterprises in
Bangladesh are in the SME size-class, i.e. with up to 100 employees. Generally, SMEs are labour
intensive with relatively low capital intensity.

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6.4 Promotion of SMEs for sustainable development

SMEs may become the main foreign currency-earning sector for the country if they get enough nursing
with professionalism. The government has established the SME Foundation, for the development of this
sector which can be a sustainable tool for alleviating poverty, increasing household earnings and
boosting export earnings. For achieving them, we must first conduct a “Strength, Weakness,
Opportunity and Threat” (SWOT) analysis for this sector. Among the requisites for sustainable
development of SMEs especially for women entrepreneurship, emphasis should be given to access to
finance, marketing and sales, skill development, technological advancement, product development
including design improvement,

6.4.1 Access to Finance

It has been observed through different studies conducted over the years that most SMEs do not get
bank finance and even if they do, they have to show collateral and pay high interest rates. Nearly half of
the 30 private commercial banks (PCBs) exhibited poor performance in SME credit disbursement,
despite the central bank’s continuous efforts to boost it. 13 PCBs disbursed less than 5% of their total
loan portfolios to SMEs according to Bangladesh Bank data. The average SME loan portfolio for a PCB
is 13.45%. On the other hand, 6 PCBs lent around 40% or more of their total loan to SMEs, statistics
show. However, Banks are gradually and increasingly becoming interested in funding SMEs. Many of
the banks have initiated taking special measures to increase loans to SMEs. (Daily Star, December 21,
2009). The problem for women remains in a critical situation as the banks do not encourage on
women’s loan disbursement. The most problematic part lies in the part of the guarantor for their loans
who are difficult to find and especially in the SEF loan of the Bangladesh Bank as one the guarantors
have to be their husband, it is here that women face acute problems as majority of the husbands refuse
to act as their guarantors. This has been recorded in almost all the FGDs and Planning Workshops held
in the 6 divisional headquarters.

The Banks and the NBFIs are currently responding favourably to the Government initiatives towards
channelling more funds to the SME sector as conduits for employment generation and poverty
alleviation. As of June 2009, the share of SME loans to total outstanding bank loans stood at nearly
22%, rising from 10.9% in June 2006 and registering an annual average yearly growth of 26% during
the three year periods. The most recently completed (2009) national sample survey of nearly 4000
enterprises from twenty SME sectors reports that only 23%, of the sample enterprises had access to a
bank loan. However, only 10% of the micro units in the sample reports any exposure to bank
loans.(Ahmed Momtaz Uddin 2009). After approval by the Bangladesh Bank, as many as 139 SME
service centres have been opened by the banks (mostly private banks) in 2009 to facilitate SME lending
and other SME banking needs. These centres helped enhance the outreach of the banks as they are
located in the relatively undeveloped areas that generally remain undeserved by the banks (ADB, 2009)

The Banks and the NDFI are currently responding favourably to the Government initiatives towards
channelling more funds to the SME sector as

6.5 Barriers to the Promotion of the SME Sector in Bangladesh

Discussions and identification of the Barriers to the promotion of he SME Sector in Bangladesh have
been recorded mainly from the Focus Group Discussions held in the 6 Divisional Headquarters. Barriers
to women entrepreneurs’ development in SME sector have been provided in Planning Workshop
Discussions and also from the answers of the respondents in the questionnaire (Table 208 and Table
209)

Lack of capital support: A majority of our small and medium industry entrepreneurs belong to the
lower class or lower middle class. They are hard workers, innovators, and-challenge-takers, but cannot
get funding from commercial banks due to their inability to provide collaterals.

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Absence of policy for transfer of modern technology: The sector is suffering from lack of
technological support for upgrading the product quality.
Unavailability of appropriate infrastructure facilities: An Infrastructure facility as water, electricity
and gas hampers industrial activities.
Lack of marketing opportunities: Our SME sector includes a wide range of small and medium
industries, but they do not have marketing knowledge and capability to promote their products.
Inadequate policy reforms: Till now, we do not have uniform definition of SME. The Bangladesh Bank,
Bureau of Statistics, and SME Foundation have different definitions of SMEs. Government may take
necessary initiatives to make it uniform.
Lack of exposure to international markets: Our SME sector is producing handicrafts and decorative
and household items having high demand in the developed market, but having the demand women
entrepreneurs are unable to attend international markets due lack of exposure and promotion.
Law and order situation: The members of the business community, especially those involved in the
SME sector, suffer because of the law and order situation
Illegal imports and non-tariff barriers: Both illegal import and non-tariff barriers are threats to our
SME sector. If banned products are smuggled into the country domestic production will be harmed. Our
SME products are facing many non-tariff barriers in different markets.

6.6 Booster Sectors of SME (Provided by Ministry of Industry)

For providing promotional support, the following 11 booster sectors have been indented by “The
Industrial Policy 2005” of the Government of Bangladesh and the list would be reviewed every three
years:

(i). Electronics and electrical

(ii). Software development
(iii). Light engineering and metal-working
(iv). Agro-processing/agri-business/plantation agriculture/specialist farming/ tissue-culture and related
business
(v). Leather-making and leather goods
(vi). Knitwear and ready-made garments
(vii). Plastics and other synthetics
(viii). Healthcare and diagnostics
(ix). Educational services
(x). Pharmaceuticals/cosmetics/toiletries
(xi). Fashion-rich personal effects, wear and consumption goods.

6.7 The program for SME development in Bangladesh (Government & NGOs)

The government and the non-government organizations in Bangladesh have initiated various
programmes for the SME development in Bangladesh. As various types of industries and business
enterprises have grown in the SME sector the government has given priority for the promotion of this
sector both for industrial and also economic development in the country. Special emphasis has been
given to the growth of women’s entrepreneurship in SME and this has added to the attraction of different
opportunities provided especially for the women in business.

Initiating with the SME Task Force and later with the SME Advisory Panel, the SME Foundation was
formed by the Government and has been in operation since 2006 with specific objectives to look after
policy, drawing up a reliable strategy for SMEs and conducting country-wise study.

6.7.1 SME Foundation

Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Foundation is a non profit organization mandated to help growth,
expansion and overall development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh. Over the
years SME Foundation has taken a leadership role across the country in building an efficient SME

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sector through policy intervention by advocacy, technological development, organizational innovation

and capacity building of SMEs, with a view to reducing poverty and accelerating economic growth. This
institution is committed to empower women for the economic development of the country. It is also
working to create an enabling safe environment to increase women participation in the SMEs sector.
One of the important visions of this institution is to provide policy support to overcome impediments in
the development of women entrepreneurs in the SME sector.

The SME Foundation is committed to promoting gender equality and addressing gender issues at all
stages of formulating development programs and planning designing, implementation, and monitoring
and evaluation of development project to create a gender sensitive business environment. The
Foundation in this direction has already adopted a National Gender Action Plan (GAP) and created a
SME Women Entrepreneurs Forum (WEF) to that end with regard to creating an enabling environment
for promoting women entrepreneurship in the SME sector.

6.7.2 Non-government Organizations

Among the non-governmental organizations involved with the SME development in Bangladesh are the
related trade bodies, including the Chambers and the Associations, the Training Institutions, the private
banks and financial institutions and the various forms of NGOs especially working for women’s
development.

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CHAPTER – 7.0

7.0 GENDER RELATED ISSUES IN SME DEVELOPMENT

Though gender related issues in the SME have been given priority in the development activities of the
government, it is observed that in the conservative male-dominated society women have to overcome
various hurdles while working in out-house activities. Although Bangladesh has made remarkable
progress in empowering women in economic development but extent and scale of involvement in the
economic activities revealed that gender based discrimination is still prevailing. Women are facing gross
inequality in the business arena, which results much lower participation of women in the SME sector.

7.1 Gender Equality

Bangladesh has always been in the forefront of international community’s endeavour to establish
gender equality and women’s empowerment. Our National Policy and the National Action Plan (NAP)
for the Advancement of Women are being implemented, among others, through incorporation of gender
equality concerns in the National Strategy for Accelerated Poverty Reduction (NSAPR). It is moreover
believed that investment in women has a multiplier effect. Financing for gender equality, therefore,
remains a top priority of Bangladesh Government in all its policies especially for the overall development
of women in this country. In the national strategy, gender is integrated in all the 19 policy matrices,
including a specific matrix on gender equality.

7.2 Gender Gaps

Many social and operational constraints continue to restrict women from starting and running economic
enterprises. Though modernization has been endorsed in various activities including social and
economic interests, yet age-old traditions, misinterpreted religious beliefs and conservative attitudes
restrict women’s movement and freedom of activity in various areas of this male-dominated society.
Apart from the family and social barriers against the mobility of women, the operational barriers such as
lack of access to capital, lack of training facilities for skill development, lack of business services, lack of
business data, complex banking procedures and collateral requirements, etc. continue to critically limit
their progress. In spite of all these obstacles, women have struggled hard to achieve their own identity.
Moreover, women’s entrepreneurship is not an easy task. “Becoming an entrepreneur is an evolution of
encountering, assessing and reacting to a series of experiences, situations and events produced by
political, economic, social and cultural changes” (Hossain, Abir 2007).

7.3 Gender Action Plan of SME Foundation

Realizing the challenges faced by women, the Government of Bangladesh has implemented various
activities for the development of women leading to their empowerment, focussing on gender related
issues. Among such activities is the Gender Action Plan prepared by the SME Foundation.

In September 2007, the Board members of the SME Foundation Recommended for developing a
Gender Action Plan on the basis of the guideline provided in the first women Entrepreneurs” Conference
held on 8 August 2006. The process adopted during the formulation of this Gender Action Plan involved
extensive review of different policies specially Women Development Policy 2005, Millennium
Development Goal, Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and National Action Plan for Women 2000 along
with dialogues and meetings with experts. The main objectives of this action plan are:

1) To strengthen institutional capacities for monitoring and evaluation of gender equality in the area of
entrepreneurship development.
2) To create favourable environment for women entrepreneurs and bring them in the mainstream of
development process.
3) To ensure full participation of women entrepreneurs in economic development of the country.
4) To improve efficiency of women entrepreneurs in performing their business responsibilities.

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5) To identify the key issues and problems relating to women entrepreneurs in order to inform policy
level and facility effective support for these target groups.
6) To enhance women’s participation in the decision making process and build up capacity to improve
knowledge, skills, abilities, aptitudes, values and preferences in order to set up successful business
enterprises.

The Gender Action Plan prepared by the SME Foundation has been prepared giving importance to 12
subjects of concern, which are required for the development of women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh.
Among these are the following issues:

1. Policy Advocacy for SME women entrepreneurs

2. Capacity Building of SME women entrepreneurs
3. Skill Training of SME women entrepreneurs
4. Access to Finance of SME women entrepreneurs
5. Marketing facilities for SME women entrepreneurs
6. Business Support Services for SME women entrepreneurs
7. Technology for SME women entrepreneurs
8. Awards and Incentives
9. Networking with Government and Private Institutions
10. Infrastructure and Institutional Facilities of SME women entrepreneurs
11. Ethnic Minority of SME women entrepreneurs
12. Coordination and Monitoring

In order to take some effective measures to increase involvement of women in economic development
activities of the country, the Gender Plan has been prepared focussing mainly of the mentioned 12
issues. Special emphasis has also been given for development of the ethnic minority women
entrepreneurs. All components of this gender action plan will be undertaken by the gender wing of the
SME Foundation. The Gender Action Plan has been divided into 8 parts for each issue namely, Focus
Areas, Objectives, Activities, Target Group, Quantitative Target, Indicators Implementation Action Body
and Time Schedule & Resource. Each of these will assist the process for the timely implementation of
the programmes for the SME women entrepreneurs.

7.4 Suggested programmes/schemes based on the SMEF approved Gender Action Plan

(Recommendations based on the suggested programmes/schemes and identified basic orientation and
skill development for women entrepreneurs have been provided in Chapter 29.2)

Sl. Focus Areas Activities

No.
1 Revision of existing policy
2 Review of ordinances of subordinate
Departments Corporations and
Industries
3 Revision of members of Board of
Directors and committees of various
Corporations and industries to
increase SME women entrepreneurs
participation
Form a committee with public private partnership and
assign the committee to identify different areas to
ensure SME women’s entrepreneurs rights
Examine ordinance, conduct meeting with stakeholders,
prepare reports, organize workshop, Make
correspondences to ensure women rights
- Collect list of board of directors and committees of
various commercial institutions
- Conduct awareness raising activities and motivate
women entrepreneurs to involve in the main bodies
of the Industries
- To address the issues with concerned
organization.

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Sl. Focus Areas Activities

No.
4 Create Favourable environment for - Conduct awareness raising workshops
SME Women Entrepreneurs - Eliminate barriers for greater participation of
women in business
- Reduce family obligations
5 Review of existing institutional - Prepare List of experts, revised present curriculum,
programs and facilities extending syllabus examine standard of materials of various
towards SME’s capacity skills training, conduct need assessment
Development in various sectors - Develop standard materials
- Organize meeting with all relevant institutions
- Establish linkages with training institutions
- Exchange of information among agencies
- Sector wise approaches with greater emphasis on
education and skills trainings
- Develop leadership skills communication skills, and
confidence building
- Organize Training of Trainers
6 Arrange entrepreneurshipIdentify Skill trainings institutions and organize trainings
development training in different for women entrepreneurs
districts on the basis of geographical
need
7 Promote women entrepreneurship Incorporate entrepreneurship as a subject in different
skills through institutional education education level and develop curriculum for school,
college and universities
8 Distribution of Capital resources - Revise policy to ensure access to finance of
towards women entrepreneurs women Entrepreneurs
- Facilitate collateral free loan for women SME’s
- Eliminate family conditions to ensure credit
facilities
- Increase payback time
- Reduce interest rate of credit
- Ensure monitoring to implement effective credit
policy
9 Strengthen modern marketing tools - Organize e-commerce training for women
and techniques for women entrepreneurs
entrepreneurs - Enhance capacity of the women entrepreneurs in
product marketing for short term and long term
- Increase standard and quality of goods to face
competition in local an international market
- Increase access to market facilities and essential
package services (local and International) for
women entrepreneurs
- Coordination to create new market for product of
women entrepreneurs
- Provide information on marketing facilities
- Establish display center for the women
entrepreneurs’
- Provide information on market, design and product
price
10 Eliminate Trade barriers to ensure - Organized workshop with policy level
smooth participation of women - Conduct research on export barriers
entrepreneurs in trade - Conduct meeting with policymaker

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Sl. Focus Areas Activities

No.
11 Extend support for Local and - Organize National and International trade fair for
International trade fair Women Entrepreneurs
- Advocate for insurance facilities for SME Women
entrepreneurs
- Advocate for reducing custom and excise duties for
SME Women entrepreneurs
12 Develop MIS system and database Conduct survey to collect information on women
on SME women Entrepreneurs entrepreneur
13 Enhance Technological support for - Identify available technology through existing
women entrepreneurs institutional supports like BITAC, NASIB,
Universities and research
- Establish regional networks for disseminating
women friendly technology for entrepreneurs
- Organized demand driven training programs
- Provide expert facilities from abroad
- Organize Training program to ensure access to
technology
14 Provide productivity and quality - Provide National award and regional award
awards to SME Women - Disseminate recognition to other entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs - Organized TV talk-show
- Published case stories
- Advocate for new innovation in business
15 Developed Network with Under take research and studies:
Government and Private institutions - Organized conference for women entrepreneurs
and with all women entrepreneurs - Identify potential women entrepreneurs,
- Linkage with bankers, producers, insurance
policymaker, training institution and Women
entrepreneurs
- Establish Marketing linkages for women
entrepreneurs
- Ensure access to web portal of SMEF for WE
16 Increase women entrepreneurs - Allocate industrial plots to all potential
access to industrial estates entrepreneurs
- Motivate women entrepreneurs of all districts to
collect
- Advocate to provide certain quota for women
entrepreneurs and for allocating Industrial plot for
women.

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Sl. Focus Areas Activities

No.
17 Developed programs for ethnic - Provide credit facilities
minority group - Provide market facilities
- Improve creativity in different sectors
- Identification and exchange of good practices in
different areas;
- Conduct study on support skill for promoting ethnic
minorities;
- Provide information facilities;
- Develop special project;
- Addressed needs of ethnic minorities;
- Evaluate policy to assist ethnic minorities;
- Develop network among policymakers and minority
group;
- To raised awareness on the importance of ethnic
minorities;
- Identify specific problems faced by ethnic minority
women entrepreneurs
18 To develop institutional mechanism - Constitute a central committee with logistics for
for coordination and monitoring monitoring different activities of the women
entrepreneurs;
- Assigned concern institution to coordinate with
Ministries, trade bodies and other stakeholders;
- Consultation with concerned agencies.

7.5 Gender Budgeting

A gender budget is not a separate budget for women. Rather, gender budgets are an attempt to assess
government priorities as they are reflected through the budget and examine how they impact women and
men and within that, certain groups of women and men. Gender budgets do not look at whether or not the
same is spent on men and women but rather at what the impact of the spending is on men and women
and whether or not budgets respond to the needs of both women and men adequately.

The most obvious outcome of gender budget initiatives is improving women’s economic equality.
However, gender budgets can also improve effectiveness, efficiency, accountability and transparency of
government budgets. Gender budgets can reveal discrepancies between what a government says it is
doing and the actual impact of government policies. Gender budgets also provide a means foe citizen
engagement in public decision-making.

Gender budgets offer a practical way for governments to implement their obligations under international
human rights agreements such as the “Beijing Platform for Action (PFA)” which calls on governments to,
“integrate the gender perspective in budgetary programming and policies, as well as the funding of
programmes for equal opportunities between men and women”. (UNPAC).

In Bangladesh, various women’s organizations and trade bodies analyse all public expenditures and
revenue from a gender perspective. They also identify the impact of both expenditures and revenues on
women and girls as compared with men and boys. This is specially done after the annual budget is given
by the government, which instigates the women’s organizations to monitor and evaluate the preferences
and opportunities given to women in comparison to men and organize rallies and projection programmes
to condemn the programmes and policies in order to achieve the rights of women.

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CHAPTER – 8

8.0 THE GOVERNMENT POLICIES FOR ECONOMIC & INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN

BANGLADESH

Bangladesh inherited a mixed economic system at the time of Liberation in 1971. The immediate
decision of the newly established government was to rehabilitate and reconstruct the war-ravaged infra-
structure, resettle and restart the industrial sector. All the industrial enterprises, banks and other
ventures were natioanilzed. The public sector played a commanding role. But within a short span of time
it was recognized that the performance of the public sector was not satisfactory as there was lack of
capable management. The government announced its first Industrial Policy (IP) in 1973, the industrial
investment policy (IIP). The process of privatization thus started. Women’s involvement in economic and
industrial development and participation was given importance

8.1 SME Policy

The Government has recognised SMEs as vehicles for improving the quality of life, economic growth
and poverty alleviation of the common people. The primary role of the Government will be, firstly to
remove policy obstacles and neutralize market failures as facilitator and secondly, to provide necessary
promotional support, as propeller. (SME Cell, Ministry of Industries, GOB. 2005).

Government of Bangladesh formulated a comprehensive Industrial Policy – 2005 by putting special

emphasis for developing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a thrust sector for balanced and
sustainable industrial development in the country to help deal with the challenges of free market
economy and globalization.

Implementation of poverty alleviation action programs and strategies is a systematic and continuous
effort in Bangladesh. For that purpose, the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) of 2004 has
clearly identified some core principles and parameters both at macro and micro levels for reducing the
existing poverty level at least half within 2015 as targeted in the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs).

Rapid and sustainable growth of SMEs is undoubtedly one vehicle for accelerating national economic
growth to the point of having a measurable impact in the way of reduction of poverty and
unemployment, generation of more employment.

The SME Policy strategies have been formulated to assist in the achievement of the goals and target
the MGDs set by the Government.

The SME Policy of the Ministry of Industry, further included the following for development of enterprises
in the country:
1. Setting Preferential Criteria for Deserving Enterprises
2. Revenue and Financial Incentives (stated in paragraph 4.7 of the Industrial Policy 2005)
3. Credit-distribution Package and venture capital-market
4. Quality assurance (QA) Certification
5. Multi-stage Sample Survey of SMEs
6. Tactical Plan of Action
7. Formulation of a capacity-building and training
8. Evolving of an SME Eco-system
9. Mitigating Impediments in clusters
10. Education and Generational Ethos

8.1.1 Objectives of the SME Policy (Government of Bangladesh, 2005)

The broad objectives of the SME policy of the Government are:

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1. Accept SMEs as an indispensable player in growth acceleration and poverty reduction, worthy of its
great potential and commitment in the requisite overall policy formulation and execution.

2. Embed the SME policy strategies, in a broad-based and integrated manner, in the Government’s
PRSP.

3. Encourage and induce private sector development and promote the growth of FDI, develop a code
of ethics and establish good governance, ICT based knowledge management and customer
supremacy in the markets;

4. Identify and establish an appropriate physical and ICT network of infrastructure and institutional
delivery mechanism to facilitate the promotion of SMEs;

5. Re-orient the existing fiscal and regulatory framework and government support institutions towards
facilitating the achievement of the SME policy goals;

6. Nurture and partner civil-society institution(s) having credible management teams in terms of the
delivery of needed services, leadership, initiation, counselling, mentoring and tutoring; etc.

7. Create innovative but meritocratic arrangements so that deserving small enterprises with desired
entrepreneurial track record and/or promise may be offered financial incentives within industries
prescribed on some well-agreed bases;

8. Help implement dispute settlement procedures that proactively shield small enterprises, especially
from high legal costs and insidious harassment, if any;

9. Take measures to create avenues of mobilizing debt without matching collaterals (either using
debt-guarantee schemes or mapping intellectual-property capital into pseudo-venture capital) in
order to assist small enterprises in dealing with their pervasive lack of access to finance;

10. Systematically accord precedence to small versus medium enterprises within the limitations of
Government’s resources; and

11. Harness information and communications technologies, Internet Protocol (IP)-based infrastructure
and electronic-governance in an effort to parlay regulatory services, all kinds of useful information
and mentoring inputs, with an accent on increasing the viability of SMEs in all sectors of the
economy.

8.1.2 Gender and SME Policy

These policies would enhance the working capacity of women entrepreneurs in the SME sector and
would promote their activities further for increased success in their endeavours in business. The SME
Policy of the Government would also encourage other women into business and motivate them to turn
into successful entrepreneurs contributing towards the family and also the society at large.

8.2 Industrial Policy

Industrial Policies (IPs) announced so far in Bangladesh has gradually transformed the country’s
industrialization process in to a private sector-driven one. Its ultimate objective is to integrate it with the
global requirements. In this direction a number of changes have been brought in the country’s policies
including the industrial ones for embracing economic as well as financial integration to achieve targeted
growth. From 1971 till now, the country has been presented with 9 PIs with different implementation
targets. IP 2009 is going to be announced soon, targets escalation of GDP contribution to industries in
this policy is from 28% to 40% by 2021 with a target to absorb 45% workforce into industries.

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At present the contribution of industries (manufacturing) to GDP is 17.78% (2008-2009 provisional) and
the workforce engaged in this sector is 24.3% of the total. IP 2005 announced by the government to
facilitate more private and foreign investment in Bangladesh. Industrial Policy 2005 has included 19
chapters incorporating some new issues such as establishments of SMEs and Cottage Industries,
feasibility study & planned industrialization and investment criterion, perspective of women
entrepreneurs etc. (Begum, Ferdous Ara, 2009)

The Industrial Policy of 2005 was the most comprehensive document concerning the industry sector.
However, the issue of women entrepreneurship has been focused in this document very negligibly,
although this is an avowed issue in the Fifth Five Year Plan and NAP. There are statements about
women only at three places of this document. These are as follows:

• Generate female employment in higher skill categories through special emphasis on skill
development.
• Encourage female industrial employment, statutory provisions relating to working conditions of
female workers will be enforced at enterprise level.
• Organize entrepreneurship development programs with emphasis on women, unemployed youth,
skilled artisans, returnee migrant workers and landless people.

An analysis of these statements clearly shows that the Industrial Policy of Bangladesh does not put
stress on women entrepreneurship, nor does it refer to specific strategies to develop entrepreneurship
among women. The policy appears to have makers failed to perceive women’s potential as
entrepreneurs. Thus the Industrial Policy expresses some concern about women’s employment only
and it does not establish a linkage between women and women entrepreneurship in the industrial
sector. Moreover, in this policy, private initiative has been emphasized in respect of undertaking
production ventures, but no cognizance has been taken of the fact that women are unable to undertake
any venture for lacking of their access to productive resources. The Industrial Policy of Bangladesh is
deficient in as much as it does not specifically identify women and their financial or other needs, unlike
that of India where special arrangements for women enterprises have been incorporated.

Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), an autonomous organisation of the
Government is responsible for overseeing and extending support to the small and cottage industry
sector (SCI). The third statement in the Industrial Policy mentioned above is supposed to be
implemented by this agency. A study done under MWCA (MWCA 2002) reveals that BSCIC could not
do much to develop women entrepreneurship.

In the Industrial Policy 2005, the government has emphasized the participation of women in the
industrialization through incorporating a special chapter which addressed the development of women in
different industrial sectors. This policy declared to extend necessary assistance to ensure wide scale
participation of women in industrialization. This initiative of the government would help to accelerate
visible, effective and increasing equal participation of women in business. Recent time has witnessed a
growing concern over the issue of SME women entrepreneurship development. Prioritizing the issue the
government simplified credit facilities for women entrepreneurs and consistently striving for effective
implementation. (Akbory, Yeameen, 2008)

8.3 Agricultural Policy

All the ministries in the agricultural sector have their national policies. But these policies recognize
women as farmers. Although some actions have been suggested their in to help agricultural
development, in reality, women do not get any advantages from these policies. A study report has
documented that women’s share in the total agricultural inputs supplied by the government institutions is
only 14.7 percent (Choudhuri Zohir 2005). The same study suggested that men receive training mainly
in farming and women get training on poultry farming, as women are not considered to be farmers
although the agricultural policies recognize women as farmers.

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8.4 Monetary Policy

The Monetary Policy plays a vital role in facilitating access to credit. Availability of credit is a necessary
condition for developing entrepreneurship. There is no credit policy targeting exclusively women for
development of women entrepreneurship. There are, however a set of credit directives issued by
Bangladesh Bank (BB). In these credit directives, a lot of flexibility has been provided to help women get
credit on easy terms. There is also no policy prescription in the Industrial Policy of Bangladesh,
providing that bank and other financial institutions should have special arrangements for financing
women enterprises.

A gender specific policy has been adopted only in case of opening of branches for women by some
commercial banks. All the nationalized banks have women branches. But women branches aim at
mobilizing savings from women rather than providing loans to women for investment. For this reason,
these branches have not been of much help to women entrepreneurs.

8.5 A Matirx on gender equality and identified gaps

A matrix on gender equality and identified gaps related to women entrepreneurs is

provided below:

MATRIX ON GENDER EQUALITY AND IDENTIFIED GAPS RELATED TO WOMEN

ENTREPRENEURS
Sl. POLICY GENDER GAPS SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS
No. AGENCY
01 INDUSTRIAL 1. Shortage of Provision of MOI/ BB / SMEF/ SME Foundation
POLICY capital for collateral free Banks/ NBFI should check with
business. credit at low rate relevant Banks / NBFIs
of interest for to ensure that the bank
women should provide credit to
entrepreneurs can the eligible women
be provided by the entrepreneurs as per
Banks / Non Bank circular of the SME
Financial Loan under refinancing
Institutions (NBFI). scheme of Bangladesh
Bank and SMEF should
monitor progress of the
credit delivery and
recovery position on
regular basis.

2. Authorities City Corporation City City Corporations

demand bribe for may open a Corporations, should arrange for one
Trade License and separate window SMEF, Chamber stop service for
harass them for women of Commerce, providing trade license
unnecessarily. entrepreneurs and women’s trade to women entrepreneurs
stop harassment. bodies. and stop harassment.

3. Provision for Allow women MOI, MOF, NBR, MOI, MOF, NBR,
compulsory TIN entrepreneurs to SMEF, Women’s SMEF, Women’s Trade
Certificate before have registration Trade Organizations and
registration without TIN Organizations Chambers and City
increases Certificate. and Chambers, Corporations may
Registration Cost City deliberate on the matter
and discourages Corporations. to allow women

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Sl. POLICY GENDER GAPS SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS

No. AGENCY
business initiative entrepreneurs to have
of women registration without TIN
entrepreneurs. Certificate.

4. Non-availability MOI, SMEF, MOI, MOC, To facilitate supply of

of raw materials Women Trade SMEF, Women quality raw materials at
Bodies., MOC Trade bodies, whole sale price, MOI,
may facilitate Ministry of MOC, SMEF, Women
supply of quality Commerce and Trade bodies, and
raw materials at various various associations
whole sale price. associations. should play an active
role to provide
necessary information
and raw materials at a
reasonable price to help
women entrepreneurs
for business promotion.

02 SME POLICY 1. Lack of storage Creation of MOI, SME SMEF in collaboration

facility to store warehouses for Foundation, with other Chambers,
finished products. stocking products BSCIC, FBCCI, NASCIB and City
of the women Chamber Corporations should
entrepreneurs in of Commerce take initiatives to build
the city area. warehouses for stocking
products of women
entrepreneurs.

2. Information gap An ICT Desk may MOICT, SMEF, MOICT, SMEF, EPB,
between suppliers be created for EPB, GOB, Mass and various mass media
and customers on increased co- Media communication, ICT
demand supply ordination with Communication, related trade bodies
and prices. retailers to provide ICT related trade should provide relevant
women bodies information to support
entrepreneurs with women entrepreneurs in
market information marketing their products
through media through media partners.
partners.

3 Lack of SMEF in co- SME Foundation, The relevant

Marketing facilities. operation with Banks, GO, organizations should
various women’s NGO, FBCCI, arrange collaborative /
business various foreign and local training
organizations and Chambers of and skill development
various national commerce, courses on marketing as
and regional Women’s trade well as on other
Chambers may bodies and business development /
organize training various product development for
courses for raising international and women entrepreneurs
marketing skill of local training and employees on
women institutions. regular basis.
entrepreneurs,
organize various
trade fairs

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Sl. POLICY GENDER GAPS SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS

No. AGENCY
nationally and
internationally and
establish more
stalls, display
centers and show
rooms at the
important market
places and SMEF
premises for
building a strong
marketing network
on sustainable
basis.

4. Lack of enabling Pro-women laws, SMEF, FBCCI, SMEF in association

investment rules and Chamber of with FBCCI, Chamber of
environment for regulations should Commerce, Commerce, Women
women be formulated for Women Trade Trade Bodies and
entrepreneurs. creating a Organizations Chambers, MOI IMOC,
business friendly and Chambers, MOH, EPB, MOWCA,
environment for MOI MOC, MOH, should take necessary
women EPB, MO WCA. steps for creating a
entrepreneurs. business friendly
environment for women
entrepreneurs by
reviewing existing laws,
rules, regulations and
issuing directions as
and where necessary
for promoting business.

5. Absence of SMEF, Women SMEF, NASCIB, SMEF, NASCIB, District

region-based or forum of every District-based Chambers of Commerce
district-based district can take Chamber of and Industry should take
women’s forum like steps towards Commerce and steps encouraging the
Women Chamber establishing Industry, establishment of district-
of Commerce and District-based based Women’s
Industry to Women’s Chambers of Commerce
enhance Chambers of & Industry and organize
communication for Commerce & programs for women to
Entrepreneurship Industry and also promote
Development. organize programs entrepreneurship and
for women to business development.
increase women
interest and
communication
towards
Entrepreneurship
Development.

6. Absence of a Take initiative for MOWCA, SMEF, MOWCA, SMEF, WEA,

common platform strengthening WEA, WISE, WISE, WEA,B, BABPW,
to organize women’s WEA,B, BABPW, BWCCI, NASCIB,

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Sl. POLICY GENDER GAPS SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS

No. AGENCY
prospective women organizational BWCCI, FBCCI, District
entrepreneurs. strength into NASCIB, FBCCI, Chamber, SMEF in
power District consultation with the
Chambers, GOB should prepare a
SMEF comprehensive plan in
order to strengthen the
Organizational capability
of women into power
and thereby activate
women’s
entrepreneurial skill.

7. No mechanism Identify list of MOWCA, SMEF, MOWCA, SMEF, WEA,

to identify innovative, trend- WEA, WISE, WISE, WEA,B, BABPW,
innovative and setting and WEA,B, BABPW, BWCCI, NASCIB,
trend-setting uncommon BWCCI, FBCCI, SMEF, in
business and trade products and NASCIB, FBCCI, consultation with GOB
line and make use prepare a location SMEF should prepare an
of interested map for their innovative, trend-setting
business women to marketing. and uncommon
activate those products list and
businesses. prepare a location map
for marketing such
products.

03 EXPORT 1. Lack of facilities EPB, SMEF, EPB, SMEF, EPB, SME Foundation,
POLICY for easy access to FBCCI, NASIB, FBCCI, NASIB, FBCCI, NASIB,
national and Women’s Trade Women’s Trade Women’s Trade
international trade Associations & Associations and Associations and
fairs. MIDAS can Chambers and Chambers and MIDAS
coordinate with other relevant should coordinate with
each other and export support each other to ensure
ensure increased organization. regular participation of
participation of business women in
business women various national and
in various national international trade fairs.
and international
trade fairs.

2. No provision for EPB, SMEF, EPB, SMEF, EPB, SMEF, MOC, MOI
staging trade fairs MOC, MOI may MOC, MOI and should hold regular
for women create regular NGO. trade fairs throughout
entrepreneurs on a trade fair activity the country and EPB
regular basis throughout the should create facilities
country and EPB for exporting the
may create products of the women
facilities for entrepreneurs to foreign
exporting the markets and organize
products of the training on export
women related activities.
entrepreneurs and
also provide
training and

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Sl. POLICY GENDER GAPS SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS

No. AGENCY
information on
export-related
matters.

04 ECONOMIC No national Undertake special MOI and MOP. SMEF should propose
POLICY development plans development special project pro-
to help women projects to create forma for helping
entrepreneurs cluster facilities for women entrepreneurs
women
entrepreneurs.

05 GENDER 1. Lack of social MOWCA, MOWCA,, SMEF, MOWCA,, SMEF, GO

POLICY recognition: SMEF/GOVT GO, NGO, NGO, Women’s Trade
Women should introduce Women’s Trade Bodies and Chambers
entrepreneurs and more awards of Bodies and should introduce awards
their individual recognition/prizes Chambers, of recognition/ prizes to
products are not for the business Banks increase dignity,
properly valued, Women and fix prestige and honour by
honoured or proper price of the concerned people in
recognized by their products as SME business for the
different business well as increase business Women, and
communities, dignity, prestige fix proper price of their
organizations and and honour by the products as well.
the people in concerned people
general and they in SME business.
do not get real
price of their
products.

2. Lack of effective Establish contact MOWCA,, WEA, MOWCA, WEA, WISE,

public action to with all relevant WISE, WEA,B, WEA,B, BABPW,
empower women. organizations for BABPW, BWCCI, BWCCI, NASCIB,
drawing programs NASCIB, SMEF, SMEF, GOB should
for women’s GOB make contact with all
empowerment. relevant organizations
for organizing necessary
programs to enhance
women’s empowerment
.
06 PLANNING Inadequate power Provision of power MOPEMR, MOC, MOPEMR, MOC, REB
POLICY and infrastructure and various other REB, and SMEF. should be persuaded by
facilities for infrastructure SMEF for uninterrupted
Women facilities required electricity supply to
entrepreneurs. by women women’s business
entrepreneurs. enterprises.

07 EDUCATION 1. Illiteracy, old Education of SMEF / SMEF / Educational

POLICY values of the family women and Educational Institutions / GO / NGO /
as well as society change of attitude institutions / GO/ Institutions / Chambers
is a big problem for of the family and NGO / and FBCCI should
women society can break Institutions/ increase facilities for
entrepreneurs the barriers and Chambers and expanding business

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Sl. POLICY GENDER GAPS SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS

No. AGENCY
help the growth of FBCCI & mass education and training
women media of women in business
entrepreneurs. administration, market
promotion and product
development.

2 Lack of skill Organize training SMEF, GOB, SMEF, GOB, SCITI,

training as per the courses to SCITI, Training Training Institutions
needs of the upgrade the skill Institutions should organize
business women of women workers appropriate training
and their and courses on new skills
involvement. entrepreneurs. and technology.

08 LAW & Terrorist activists GO/Law enforcing SMEF/ GO / GO/Law enforcing

ORDER demand toll from Agencies to take NGO / agencies should take
POLICY women stern action Chambers/ local deterrent action against
entrepreneurs. against the Administration/ all enlisted and new
enlisted and new Police/ Law terrorist activists and
terrorist activists to enforcing women-bashers.
create a safe and agencies
secured
environment for
smooth business
operation of the
women
entrepreneurs.

09 HEALTH Lack of health The laws meant MO Health, GO/Law and Labour
POLICY Insurance and for protecting the MOLPA, Welfare Ministry should
healthy working health of women Women’s urge women
conditions. should be Associations, entrepreneurs to
enforced strictly. Legal bodies. maintain good working
conditions for protecting
their own and workers’
health.

10 AGRICULTU Women in agri- MOA should MOA, MOA, and other related
RE business do not provide training Horticulture and bodies should assist
POLICY receive the support facilities and other agricultural women entrepreneurs in
of the ministry for information for the organizations developing new
the development of development of should have products and processes.
their products the agribusiness special programs
of the women for the
entrepreneurs development of
the women in
agriculture

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CHAPTER – 9

9.0 POLICIES AND PROGRAMS AFFECTING DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN

BANGLADESH

The development of women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh is perceived as a low priority agendum.

Therefore, it is evident that policies and programs for encouraging and supporting women
entrepreneurship are few. This section attempts at identifying women entrepreneurship related policies
and objectives adopted in various national documents of Bangladesh. Women entrepreneurship related
policies and objectives adopted in various international documents, which the GoB ratifies, have also
been identified in this section

9.1 Women entrepreneurship related policies and objectives in various Five Year Plans of
Bangladesh

The importance of women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh was first at acknowledged in the Second
Five year Plan (1980-85). The Second Five Year Plan emphasized creating a congenial atmosphere for
women’s increased participation in development by expanding opportunities for skill development, credit
and entrepreneurship development. The same policies and programs were adopted in the Third Five
Year Plan (1985-1990). The Fourth Five Year Plan (1990-95) placed women within the context of macro
framework with multi-sectoral thrust. During this plan period, women were brought under various credit
programs mainly for developing micro entrepreneurship among the poor and disadvantaged women.
The gender policies and objectives adopted in the Fifth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) were also
supportive of developing entrepreneurships among women of Bangladesh. Women entrepreneurship
development related policies and objectives adopted in the Fifth Five Year Plan are as follows:

• Ensure women’s legal rights in property inheritance,

• Ensure women’s equal right to skill, information resources and opportunities,
• Promote women’s economic self reliance,
• Ensure women’s access to managerial training,
• Ensure women’s access to credit facilities,
• Create appropriate institutional arrangement with necessary financial and human resources and
authorities at all levels to mainstream women’s concern in all aspects and sectors of development

9.2 Women entrepreneurship related objectives in NAP

The GoB developed a National Action Plan for Women’s Advancement (NAP) in 1997. The NAP
emphasizes the strategy of mainstreaming women’s development into the policies and programs
undertaken by various ministries, departments and agencies of the GoB. This plan puts emphasis on
responsibilities of all stakeholders to bring women in all spheres of life. It also emphasizes the need for
inter sectoral linkages, networking, co-ordination and collaboration for women’s development. In this
context, NAP assigned a definitive set of responsibilities to the Ministry of Industry to finance, train and
provide other support to develop women’s capability to undertake production enterprise. The main
objectives of NAP in relation to women entrepreneurship development are as follows:

• Adopt a comprehensive and sustainable industrial policy that will promote equity for men and
women.
• Increase the number of women entrepreneurs
• Develop women’s entrepreneurial skill
• Ensure women’s easy access to market
• Provide infrastructural facilities for women entrepreneurs and
• Upgrade the technical know-how of women and develop technology suitable for women;

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In addition to these objectives, NAP declares an objective to develop women entrepreneurship and
micro enterprise and to undertake action to identify potential women entrepreneurs. It has also
envisaged undertaking studies to identify business opportunities for women; making provision for
linkage with bankers and establishing contact with the Ministry of Finance to allocate credit quota for
women in the financing operation of commercial banks.

9.3 Women entrepreneurship related policies and objectives in the PRSP

Bangladesh has prepared a poverty reduction strategy paper (PRSP) to achieve efficiency in reducing
poverty and to attain sustainable socio-economic development. This report extensively discusses the
gender dimension of poverty and has adopted a right-based approach to eliminate gender gap from all
spheres of life. The same approach has been adopted for the advancement of women. In this context,
PRSP has emphasized the development of women entrepreneurship as one of the means to women’s
advancement. It is very encouraging to notice that one suggested intervention is regarding the
amendment of the family and inheritance laws to ensure women’s equal access to the right to own and
inherit property. In fact, it is a long felt demand of the women groups of Bangladesh because of the fact
that lack of ownership of property is the root cause of all forms gender inequality. It is also one of the
root causes of low level entrepreneurship development among the women of Bangladesh.

9.4 Women entrepreneurship related objectives in International Treaties

Bangladesh is also a signatory of several international treaties regarding women’s development. Among
these, Convention for the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against women (CEDAW) and
Platform for Action (PFA), Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing 1995, are important.

9.4.1 Platform for Action (PFA)

The Fourth World Conference of United Nations on Women Development in Beijing adopted a plan
called Platform for Action (PFA). Article 12 of this plan emphasize equal economic right and
opportunities for development of women and mentions the right of the women to credit, which is a basic
pre-condition for the development of women entrepreneurship. The Government of the Peoples
Republic of Bangladesh has adopted the Platform for Action and thus commits to implement the
resolution of the PFA. The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs has set up an inter-ministerial Task
Force to follow-up the implementation of the resolution of the PFA.

9.4.2 Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is another international document,
which the GoB has ratified, although with four reservations.

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CHAPTER – 10

10.0 SUPPORT SERVICE PROVIDING ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR ACTIVITIES

Survey was also conducted on 165 services provided of the 34 districts, interviewing the relevant people
of 5 such organizations in each of the 34 districts of Bangladesh.

Among the service providers interviewed were personnel from the following organizations and
institutions:

(i). Training Institutions

(ii). Municipality/Pourashova
(iii). Chambers
(iv). Associations
(v). Banks
(vi). Non-Bank Financial Institutions
(vii). Law Enforcing Agencies

The enumerators interviewed the service providing personnel in various organizations and institution to
ascertain the type of service provided, the number of women entrepreneurs benefited, the cost of
training, the type of training provided and the facilities provided for the entrepreneurship development.

10.1 Training institutions

The Training and Business Development Services provided by the Training Institutions were found to
offer special training courses for women along with the general business development courses. Women
were found conscious of receiving the trainings not only for business promotion but also for skill
development. Women entrepreneurs provided the training also to their employees in order to increase
the efficiency and the production skill of the workers and at the same time manufacture quality products.

Skill development training usually had courses on home-based garments, handicrafts of various types
and also of different raw materials, design development for quality products and fashion design for
dresses. Recent trends focused on agro-based business, electric and electronics, leather technology
and leather goods, information technology issues including computer courses. Training was also offered
for food items of various kinds including confectionery, fast food items, pickles and dry food. Beauty
parlours and fitness clubs were one of the popular types of enterprises developed by the women. Thus,
courses on beautification, body fitness and exercises were also offered by specialized training
institution.

Among the organization offering training were Jatiya Mohila Sangstha, Jubo Unnayan Odhidapter,
MIDAS, BIM, Singer Sewing Academy. Trainings were also offered by NGOs women’s training centres
and job oriented training institutions.

From the survey it was found that among the Training Institutions 36.8% were operated by the
government, 5.2% by NGOs, and 57.9% were privately owned (Table-4). Of these 52.6% were
established within 5 years, 15.7% were established between 6-10 years and 31.6% above 10 years
(Table-5).
Table 4: Type of organization

Type of Organization No %
Government 28 36.8
NGO 4 5.2
Private 44 57.9
Total 76 100

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Table 5: Year of Establishment

Year of Establishment No %
0-5 Years 40 52.6
6-10 years 12 15.7
10 Years 24 31.6
Total 76 100

The training duration of these institutions varied from 0-1 month by 34% institutions, 1-3 month
by 15 % and above 3 months by 51% (Table-6). The highest number of above 26 participants
in a batch were enrolled by 59.2% institutions and the lowest by 11.8% which enrolled 10-15
participants per batch (Table-7).

Table 6: Duration and time

Duration of training / BDS No %

0-1 month 26 34
1-3 months 11 15
3+ 39 51
Total 76 100

Table 7: No. of participants enrolled in a batch

No of Participants per batch No %

10-15 9 11.8
16-20 12 15.7
21-25 10 13.2
26+ 45 59.2
Total 76 100

Regarding frequency of course in a years, the maximum number of institutions (40.8%) had 2 courses a
year and the minimum of institutions (10.6%) had 1 course a year. The maximum of above 4 courses a
year were offered by 17.1% (Table-8).

Table 8: Frequency of course in a year

Frequency of course per year No %

1 course/year 8 10.6
2 31 40.8
3 12 15.7
4 12 15.7
4+ 13 17.1
Total 76 100

Regarding the fees per participant in the courses it was found that 35.5% institutions offered courses
free of charge, while above Tk. 1000 fees per participant were taken by 6.6% institutions. The maximum
number of institutions (36.8%) took fees between Tk. 50 to Tk. 500 per participant (Table-9).

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Table 9: Fees per participant in BDT

Fee per participants No %

Free 27 35.5
50-500 28 36.8
501-1000 16 21.1
1000+ 5 6.6
Total 76 100

These participants of the courses were provided accommodation by 17.1% institutions while the
majority 82.9% had no system of providing accommodation (Table-10).

Table 10: Accommodation for participants

Accommodation for participants No %

Yes 13 17.1
No 63 82.9
Total 76 100

23.7% of the training institutions had follow-up programmes for participants receiving training (Table-
11).
Table 11: Follow-up programs for participants receiving training

Fellow-up for receiving training No %

Yes 18 23.7
No 58 76.3
Total 76 100

79% had fixed programmes while 21% organized programmes according to the needs of the
participants (Table-12).

Table 12: Fixed training programs or organized training according to need?

Training Program No %
Fixed 60 79.0
According to Need 16 21.0
Total 76 100

36.6% of these institutions had training calendar through which entrepreneurs arranged their training
schedule according to their requirements (Table-13).

Table 13: Training calendar

Training Calendar No %
Yes 24 31.6
No 52 68.4
Total 76 100

Regarding trainers it was seen that the highest number of trainers (over 3) were provided by 39.5%
institutions while 11.8% had only 1 trainer, 17.1% had 2 trainers and 31.6% had 3 trainers only (Table-
14).

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Table 14: Number of trainers of your organization

Number of trainers No %
1 trainer 9 11.8
2 13 17.1
3 24 31.6
3+ 30 39.5
Total 76 100

Though qualification of trainers were sometimes of great importance but for general technical and skill
development training it was the training aptitude rather than academic degree which was taken into
account. 25% of the trainers had passed their SSC. 25% institutions had graduates, 17.1% had post
graduates degree and 2.6% had trade certificate (Table-15).

Table 15: Qualifications of trainers

Qualification of trainers No %
SSC 19 25.0
HSC 17 22.4
Graduate 19 25.0
Post Graduate 13 17.1
Diploma 6 7.9
Trade Certificate 2 2.6
Total 76 100

Regarding participants selection process the majority of the training institutions (46% ) took personal
interviews, while 15.7% gave importance to experience, 10.5% to technical skills and 7.9% were
through referee (Table-16).

Table 16: The participants’ selection processes

Selection processes No %
Personal interview 35 46.0
Referee 8 10.5
Previous training 6 7.9
Technical skills 8 10.5
Experience 12 15.7
Other (please specify) 7 9.2
Total 76 100

Most of the institutions (76.3%) had training room with all required equipments while 44.7% had only the
training room (Table-17).

Table 17: Facilities provided

Training Facilities No %
Training room with all required equipment 58 76.3
Only training room 18 44.7
Total 76 100

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Regarding the type of training/BDS demanded by women entrepreneurs it was seen that 38.1%
provided skill training courses 26.3% gave Business Planning courses, 10.5% had Management and
7.9% provided Audit and Accounts courses as demanded by the women entrepreneurs (Table-18).

Table 18: Type of training/BDS mostly demanded by women entrepreneur

Type of training/BDS demanded by women entrepreneurs No %

Skill Training 29 38.1
Business Planning 20 26.3
Management 8 10.5
Audit and Accounts 6 7.9
Others 13 17.1
Total 76 100

Majority of these institutions (35.5%) were providing training for the last 3 years while 36.8% were
providing courses 4-6 years and 21.1% 7-10 years. There were only 6.6% which were providing training
for more than 11 years (Table-19).

Table 19: Training Providing in Years

Training Providing in Years No %

0-3 Years 27 35.5
4-6 Years 28 36.8
7-10 Years 16 21.1
11 year and above 5 6.6
Total 76 100

The most popular business among women entrepreneurs which required training from institutions were
Tailoring/embroidery (23.7%) followed by Block/Batik (18.4%), Beauty Parlour (14.4%), Poultry (13.2%),
Garments (11.8%), Fisheries (5.3%) and Nakshi Kantha (2.6%). 10.5% involved other professional
training required for business development (Table-20).

Table 20: Popular business among women entrepreneurs

Popular business among women entrepreneurs No %

Block/batik 14 18.4
Beauty Parlour 11 14.4
Tailoring/ embroidery 18 23.7
Garments 9 11.8
Poultry 10 13.2
Fishery 4 5.3
Nakshi Kantha 2 2.6
Others 8 10.5
Total 76 100

It was extremely important to note that 89.4% of the training institutions felt that training enhances the
marketing capacity of women entrepreneurs (Table-21).

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Table 21: Enhancement of the marketing capacity of women entrepreneurs through training

Enhancement of the marketing capacity of women entrepreneurs through training No %

Yes 68 89.4
No 8 10.6
Total 76 100

10.2 Municipality/Pourashova

The municipality/Pouroshova personnel informed that the greatest number of facilities provided by them
were trade license (94.2%). The other nominal facilities included loan arbitration and process for getting
loan (2.9%) Table-22.

Table 22: Facilities provided to women entrepreneurs

Facilities provided to women entrepreneurs No %

Trade License 32 94.2
Loan arbitration 1 2.9
Help to get loan 1 2.9
Total 34 100

Regarding assisting women entrepreneurs to get trade license 88.2% said that they depute special officer
(Table-23).
Table 23: Nature of assistance provided for Trade License

Nature of assistance provided for Trade License No %

Depute special officer 30 88.2
Other 4 11.7
Total 34 100

The municipality/pouroshova personnel informed that women entrepreneurs faced various problems
while managing trade license. Among these 50% was related to women’s incapability in filling up forms,
26.4% was related to women’s problems in not providing required documents while 11.8% women
entrepreneurs had homes without addresses (Table-24).

Table 24: Problems faced in managing trade license

Problem faced in managing trade license No %

Can’t fill up forms 17 50.0
Can’t provide required document 9 26.4
Home without address 4 11.8
Other 4 118
Total 34 100

Among the requirements from municipality/Pouroshova the highest 58.8% was related to holding
number, 8.8% regarding deed agreement and 2.9% about business address. 29.4% involved other
requirements of the women entrepreneurs (Table-25).

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Table 25: List of requirement from municipality/Pouroshova

Requirement of Trade License needed from Municipality/Pouro Shova No %

Business address 1 2.9
Holding number 20 58.8
Deed agreement 3 8.8
Other 10 29.4
Total 34 100

10.3 Chambers

Regarding number of members of women entrepreneurs in the chambers it was informed that 55.5%
had over 10 members and 44.4% had 5-10 members (Table-26).

Table 26: Number of members of women entrepreneurs in the chamber

Number of members of women entrepreneurs in the chamber No %

5-10 8 44.5
10+ 10 55.5
Total 18 100

In the Executive Committee of the Chambers it was found that there were 5-10 women entrepreneurs
(Table-27).
Table 27: Number of members of Executive Committee

Number of members of Executive Committee in the chamber No %

5-10 18 100
11-16 0 0
17 and above 0 0
Total 18 100

The Chamber personnel informed that among the facilities provided to women entrepreneurs 28%
involved providing information about Training/Workshop/Seminar, 22% informed about trade fairs, 11%
informed about SME loan facilities, and 11% provided information about business opportunities. It was
seen that 28% chamber did not provide any services to the women entrepreneurs (Table-28).

Table 28: Facilities provided to women entrepreneurs

Facilities provided to women entrepreneurs No %

Provide information about business opportunities 2 11
Provide information about Trade Fairs 4 22
Provide information about SME loan facilities 2 11
Provide information about Training/workshop/seminar 5 28
No services provided 5 28
Total 18 100

Among the special activities and programmes organized only for women entrepreneurs the chamber
personnel informed that 17% were regarding training and 28% were related to workshops/seminar on
the women’s needs. 55% of the chambers informed that they had no special facilities for women
entrepreneurs (Table-29).

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Table 29: List of special activities organized for women entrepreneurs

Special activities organized for women entrepreneurs No %

Organize training 3 17
Workshop/seminar 5 28
No special. Facility 10 55
Total 18 100

10.4 Associations

From the survey it was revealed that the highest numbers of Associations (52%) were established
before 10 years, while 29% informed that they were established between 6-10 years and 19% were
functioning for the last 5 years (Table 30).

Table 30: Year of Establishment

Year of establishment No %
0-5 4 19
6-10 6 29
10+ 11 52
Total 21 100

Regarding the number of members of women entrepreneurs in the Association it was found that 33.3%
had above 35 members, while 33.3% also mentioned that they had between 26-35 members. 28.5%
informed that they had 16-25 members and only 4.7% informed that they 5-15 members (Table 31).

Table 31: Number of members of women entrepreneurs in the Association

Number of members of women entrepreneurs in the Association No %

5-15 1 4.7
16-25 6 28.5
26-35 7 33.3
Above 35 7 33.3
Total 21 100

Regarding the number of women entrepreneurs in the Executive Committee of the Associations it was
found that the highest was 57% which included membership between 5-10 women. 24% had
membership between 11-16 members, 5% had between 17-20 members and 14% had above 21
women members (Table 32).

Table 32: Number of women entrepreneurs as members of Executive Committee

Number of members in the Executive Committee No %

5-10 12 57
11-15 5 24
16-20 1 5
21 and above 3 14
Total 21 100

57.1% of the Associations functioned between 1-2 districts, 33.3% functioned in more that 5 districts
and 9.5% functioned between 3-4 districts (Table 33).

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Table 33: Number of districts under the association

Number of districts under the association No %

1-2 12 57.1
3-4 2 9.5
5 and above 7 33.3
Total 21 100

The highest number of facilities provided for women entrepreneurs were training (66.6%), followed by
trade fairs (14.2%), SME loan and others (9.5%) (Table-34).

Table 34: Facilities provided to women entrepreneurs

Facilities provided to women entrepreneurs No %

Trade fair 3 14.2
SME loan 2 9.5
Training 14 66.6
Organize workshops/seminars 2 9.5
Total 21 100

For the development of women entrepreneurship majority of the Associations organized training
(57.1%) while 23.8% arranged meeting and 19% organized workshops and seminars for the
development of women entrepreneurship (Table-35). It must be noted that while some of the chambers
and associations involved belonged completely to women while others were for the general business
people involving both men and women.

Table 35: List of special activities organized for women entrepreneurs

List of special activities organized for women entrepreneurs No %

Organize training 12 57.1
Arrange meeting 5 23.8
Arrange workshop/seminars 4 19.0
Total 21 100

10.5 Banks

From the survey it was found that 11 different banks were visited in the 34 districts. Among the banks
visited were Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Agrani Bank, BRAC Bank, National Bank, Janata Bank, NCC
Bank , AB Bank, BASIC Bank, Rupali Bank, Pubali Bank and Mutual Trust Bank. Of these Bangladesh
Krishi Bank was visited in 2 districts, Agrani Bank in 3 districts, BRAC Bank in 6 districts, National Bank
in 5 districts, Janata Bank in 2 districts, NCC Bank in 2 districts, AB Bank in 5 districts, BASIC Bank in 2
districts, Rupali Bank in 2 districts, Pubali Bank in 3 districts and Mutual Trust Bank in 2 districts (Table-
36). Of these 76.4% were Private Banks and 23.5% belonged to the Government (Table 37).

Table 36: Names of Banks visited

Sl No. Bank Name No. of districts visited

1 Bangladesh Krishi Bank 2
2 Agrani Bank 3
3 BRAC Bank 6
4 National Bank 5
5 Janata Bank 2

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Sl No. Bank Name No. of districts visited

6 N.C.C Bank 2
7 AB Bank 5
8 BASIC Bank 2
9 Rupali Bank 2
10 Pubali Bank 3
11 Mutual Trust Bank 2
Total 34

Table 37: Type of Bank

Type of Banks No %
Government 8 23.5
Private 26 76.4
Total 34 100

Regarding the year of establishment it was informed that 35.2% were established between 11 to 20
years and also over 20 years, while 29.4% were established for the last 10 years (Table 38).

Table 38: Year of establishment

Year of establishment No %
0-10 10 29.4
11-20 12 35.2
20+ 12 35.2
Total 34 100

Among the opportunities provided by the banks were loans (58.8%) which were the highest among the
women entrepreneurs, followed by SME loan 23.5%, other banking and financial information 11.7%.
Among the other facilities provided were 5.9% (Table 39).

Table 39: Opportunities provided to women entrepreneurs

Opportunities provided to women entrepreneurs No %

Information 4 11.7
Loan 20 58.8
SME loan 8 23.5
Other 2 5.9
Total 34 100

Regarding utilizing Small Enterprise Fund (SEF) of Bangladesh Bank 64.7% bank informed that they did
not while only 35.2% utilized the fund (Table-40).

Table 40: Utilizing Small Enterprise Fund (SEF) by the Bank

Utilizing Small Enterprise Fund (SEF) by the Bank No %

Yes 12 35.2
No 22 64.7
Total 34 100

61.7% banks informed that they had specialized desk for the women entrepreneurs (Table-41).

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Table 41: Specialized desk for the women entrepreneurs

Specialized desk for the women entrepreneurs No %

Yes 21 61.7
No 13 38.2
Total 34 100

It was seen that 61.7% of the banks offered support to more than 11 women entrepreneurs from that
desk, 38.2% to 6-10 women entrepreneurs (Table-42).

Table 42: Number of women entrepreneurs who got support from that desk

Number of women entrepreneurs who got support from that desk No %

o-5 0 0
6-10 13 38.2
11 and above 21 61.7
Total 34 100

Among the special facilities provided to women entrepreneurs to develop their business 50% banks
gave credit support, 32.3% provided information on banking and 17.6% arranged training (Table-43).

Table 43: Special facilities for the women entrepreneurs to develop business

Special facilities for the women entrepreneurs to develop business No %

Training 6 17.6
Credit support 17 50.0
Information on Banking 11 32.3
Total 34 100

79.4% of the banks informed that they faced the problems of improper documentation by the women
entrepreneurs while 20.5% mentioned that they faced no problems by the women (Table-44).

Table 44: Problems faced in sanctioning loans

Problems faced in sanctioning loans No %

Improper documentation 27 79.4
No problems 7 20.5
Total 34 100

10.6 Non-Bank Financial Institution

Among the Non-Bank Financial Institutions visited were Phoenix Finance & Investment Limited, IFIL
(Islamic Finance & Investment Limited), IDLC Finance Ltd, MIDAS Financing Ltd, BIFC ( Bangladesh
Industrial Finance Company Ltd.

From the survey it was revealed that 42% of the Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFI) were
established over 10 years while 28.5% operated below 10 years (Table-45). Among the facilities
provided 71.4% gave Collateral free Loan and 28.5% provided group loan (Table-46).

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Table 45: Year of establishment

Year of establishment No %
0-5 2 28.5
6-10 2 28.5
10+ 3 42.0
Total 7 100

Table 46: Facilities for the women entrepreneurs provided by the NBFI

Facilities for the women entrepreneurs provided by the NBFI No %

Collateral free loan 5 71.4
Group loan 2 28.5
Total 7 100

Regarding the utilization of Small Enterprise Fund (SEF) of Bangladesh Bank 57.1% mentioned that
they did not and only 42.8% mentioned that they had provided the fund or were in the process towards
women entrepreneurs (Table-47).

Table 47: Organization utilizing Small Enterprise Fund (SEF)

Organization utilizing Small Enterprise Fund (SEF) No %

Yes 3 42.8
No 4 57.1
Total 7 100

Only 28.5% mentioned that they had specialized desk for the women entrepreneurs while 71.4% did not
(Table-48).
Table 48: Specialized desk for the women entrepreneurs

Specialized desk for the women entrepreneurs No %

Yes 2 28.5
No 5 71.4
Total 7 100

Of these 28.5% gave support to over 11 women entrepreneurs from the desk, while 42.9% gave support
to 6-10 women and 28.5% gave to below 6 women (Table-49).

Table 49: Number of women entrepreneurs got support from the desk

Number of women entrepreneurs got support from the desk No %

o-5 2 28.5
6-10 3 42.9
11 and above 2 28.5
Total 7 100

Among the special offers provided by the Non-Bank Financial Institutions to the women entrepreneurs
the highest (42.9%) was Collateral Free Loan, while 28.5% gave Group Loan and 28.5% did not
respond (Table-50).

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Table 50: Special offers for the women entrepreneurs to develop business

Special offer for the women entrepreneurs to develop business No %

Collateral free loan 3 42.9
Group loan 2 28.5
No response 2 28.5
Total 7 100

10.7 Law Enforcing Agencies

Very important information was provided by Law Enforcing Agencies regarding the problems faced by
women in business and the support provided by these law enforcing agencies. Of the type of problems
faced by the women entrepreneurs the highest was 38.2% which involved Illegal Toll, followed by 14.7%
women who faced Bribery, 11.7% who faced physical assault and 8.8% who faced Sexual harassment.
26.4% faced various other types of problems during business transactions. 97% of the support was
through Legal Action and 3% through Arbitration (Table-51).

Table 51: Type of problems faced by women in business and support needed

Type of problems faced by women in business and support needed No %

Problems
Physical assault 4 11.7
Bribe 5 14.7
Sexual harassment 3 8.8
Illegal toll 13 38.2
Other 9 26.4
Total 34 100
Support needed
Legal action 33 97.0
Arbitration 1 3.0
Total 34 100

Regarding tackling of problems faced by women entrepreneurs 50% was through FIR, 47.1% through
Investigation and Report and 2.9% through initiating suit (Table-52).

Table 52: Methods to tackle the problems of women entrepreneurs

Methods to Tackle the problems of women entrepreneurs No %

FIR 17 50.0
Investigate and report 16 47.1
Initiate suit 1 2.9
Total 34 100

Special facilities were provided for women entrepreneurs in order to carry out their business activities,
among which 70.5% resolved dispute while 14.7% carried out warrant arrest and followed court orders
(Table-53).

Table 53: Facilities provided for the women entrepreneurs to carry out business

Facilities provided for the women entrepreneurs to carry out business No %

Resolve dispute 24 70.5
Carry out warrant arrest 5 14.7
Following court order 5 14.7
Total 34 100

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CHAPTER – 11

11.0 WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs):

11.1 Characteristics of Women Entrepreneurs

11.1.1 Age

From the survey it was revealed that the age of the women entrepreneurs varied from less than 20
years to 61 years and above. From the figures provided we find that the age of the majority (41.64%) of
the women entrepreneurs were between 31 to 40 years. This shows that having maturity through age
helped them operate their business enterprises with confidence and steadiness. It was an age group
where the women had the capacity to run enterprises with stability and reliability, overcome obstacles
with courage and make decisions with confidence. It is a known fact in Bangladesh that women face
criticism working outside homes and especially for women entrepreneurs who have to transact with
male counterparts for marketing of products and also for production requirements. However, women of
this age group have the courage to face the social criticism and at the same time control both their
business and also their family activities with self-esteem and self-control. These women can work hard
and also convince the male members of their families and also the society for their income earning
sources, because of their maturity in age and the power to overcome obstacles with confidence.

The next highest number of women entrepreneurs (28.02%) belonged to the age group of 21-30 years
where the women revealed the enthusiasm of younger females who endeavoured into business
professions with zeal and courage, initiating an income earning capacity and overcoming problems with
the strength and courage of the younger generation.

It was found that the greater the age, the lesser was their participation in the business profession and
activities. The aged women were lesser in the trade as seen with the figures of 18.36% in age group of
41 to 50 years and also the figures of 4.93% in age group 51 to 60 years. Moreover, the strength to
work, the courage to meet the struggles of the profession and the diligence and meticulousness of the
management of business was insecured for women in the age group of over 61 years and above. That
is why only 0.68% women entrepreneurs were found in this age group in the survey. Similar was the
findings with young girls less than 20 years (3.2%), who were not allowed or encouraged by their
families and the society to enter the profession due to risks involved and also for the lack of confidence
in dealing with serious business complications. Of the total 1035 respondents 34 did not respond to the
question regarding their age.

Table 54: Age Distribution of the Respondents

Age of the Divisions Total

Respondents Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
20 years No 3 10 6 3 5 5 32
and less
% 0.95% 4.17% 3.33% 2.00% 5.56% 8.33% 3.09%
21-30 No 80 56 36 58 36 24 290
yrs
% 25.40% 23.33% 20.00% 38.67% 0.40 40.00% 28.02%
31-40 No 147 94 77 62 34 17 431
yrs
% 46.67% 39.17% 42.78% 41.33% 0.38 28.33% 41.64%
41-50 No 60 53 45 15 12 5 190
yrs
% 19.05% 22.08% 25.00% 10.00% 0.13 8.33% 18.36%

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Age of the Divisions Total

Respondents Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
51-60 No 14 17 12 2 2 4 51
yrs
% 4.44% 7.08% 6.67% 1.33% 0.02 6.67% 4.93%
61 and No 2 1 2 2 0 0 7
above
% 0.63% 0.42% 1.11% 1.33% 0.00 0.00% 0.68%
No No 9 9 2 8 1 5 34
response
% 2.86% 3.75% 1.11% 5.33% 0.01 8.33% 3.29%
Total No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

Figure 1: Overall Age Distribution of the Respondents

51-60 yrs
4.93%

41-50 yrs 61 and above

18.36% 0.68%

31-40 yrs No response

41.64% 3.29%

20 years and
less
3.09%
21-30 yrs
28.02%

11.1.2 Educational Qualifications

Regarding the educational status of the respondents, it was found that 97.29% of the women
entrepreneurs had education from below SSC to Masters Degree including some professional degree.
Majority of the women entrepreneurs (30.63%) had education below SSC, of whom the highest 40.42%
were from Rajshahi division. 25.51% had passed their SSC and 21.55% had completed HSC. 14.98%
were graduates, having B.A./B.Sc./B.Com degrees. It was found that only 4.44% had completed their
Masters Degree having M.A./ M.Com. /M.Sc./ M.Ag./ MBA degrees. The highest educated women
(6.35%) with Masters Degree were from Dhaka division. Among the respondents, only 2% had a
professional MBBS degree.

Since the adult literacy rate (15 years and above) of females in Bangladesh is 48.8% (BBS, 2008), it is
natural that women entrepreneurs would not be highly qualified or educated. Yet it was true that in spite
of their less education, women had succeeded in their entrepreneurial pursuits through the proper use
of their talents in business. Though education is necessary today for business development especially
for international market and trade, their lackings are met through the various trainings offered for
business development for women by NGOs and training institutions in various business issues
especially in the urban areas, assisting these women entrepreneurs to succeed in life.

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Table 55: Educational Status of the Respondents

Educational Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Status
Below SSC No 73 97 69 33 23 22 317
% 24.2% 40.8% 40.1% 22.3% 26.1% 37.3% 31.5%
SSC No 72 49 43 54 32 14 264
% 23.8% 20.6% 25.0% 36.5% 36.4% 23.7% 26.2%
HSC/Diploma No 79 47 28 37 21 11 223
% 26.2% 19.7% 16.3% 25.0% 23.9% 18.6% 22.1%
Graduation No 58 34 23 21 10 9 155
% 19.2% 14.3% 13.4% 14.2% 11.4% 15.3% 15.4%
Master No 20 11 8 3 2 2 46
Degree %
6.6% 4.6% 4.7% 2.0% 2.3% 3.4% 4.6%
Doctor No 1 1 2
% .6% 1.7% .2%
No 302 238 172 148 88 59 1007
Total
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Figure 2: Overall Educational Status of the Respondents

HSC/Diploma Graduation
21.55% 14.98%

Master Degree
4.44%

Doctor
SSC 0.19%
25.51%
Below SSC No response
30.63% 2.71%

11.1.3 Marital status

The majority of the women entrepreneurs of Bangladesh (82.90%) are married. The fact that the
married women had greater freedom to work outside homes or become women entrepreneurs is
because families ties helped women to contribute economically for the family. Moreover, the married
women had better opportunities to start business as a career and earn income as women
entrepreneurs, since people talked less about married women regarding their off-home activities,
especially on income related issues. They had lesser fear of any victimization or problematic situation
since their husbands and family members were there to help them out in case of troubles. Their mobility
was lesser restricted and husbands most often protected them in case of any serious problems. The
highest number of married women entrepreneurs were from the division of Chittagong (85.56%).

Among the lone women who were single, it was found that 10.63% of the total respondents were
unmarried, while 4.15% were widows, 1.35% were divorced and .0.48% were separated. These single
women entrepreneurs were the heads of the families of female-headed households and
constituted16.8% of the total respondents. Of these the highest numbers of unmarried singles (20%)
were from Barisal Division, widows (5.71%) were from Dhaka Division, divorced (3.3%) were from
Sylhet Division and the separated (1.67%) also from Sylhet Division. It was an immense struggle for
these women entrepreneurs to achieve success and carry on their endeavours in business single-

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handed since they hardly had any backing, assistance or guidance as the married women. Social
victimization and problematic situations had to be faced with courage and confidence. They had to put
in their greatest efforts and fight back to achieve their rights and just shares in all their ventures in order
to keep their business activities on the right road towards success.

Table 56: Marital status of the Respondents

Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Marital status
Single No 27 27 16 14 18 8 110
% 8.57% 11.25% 8.89% 9.33% 20.00% 13.33% 10.63%
Married No 264 200 154 126 67 47 858
% 83.81% 83.33% 85.56% 84.00% 74.44% 78.33% 82.90%
Divorced No 5 1 2 2 2 2 14
% 1.59% 0.42% 1.11% 1.33% 2.22% 3.33% 1.35%
Separated No 0 1 1 2 0 1 5
% 0 0.42% 0.56% 1.33% 0.00% 1.67% 0.48%
Widow No 18 11 7 2 3 2 43
% 5.71% 4.58% 3.89% 1.33% 3.33% 3.33% 4.15%
No No 1 0 0 4 0 0 5
response
% 0.32% 0.00% 0.00% 2.67% 0.00% 0.00% 0.48%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

Figure 3: Overall Marital Status of Respondents

Divorced
1.35%
Separated
Married
0.48%
82.90%
Widow
4.15%
No response
0.48%
Single
10.63%

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11.1.4 Religion

The majority of the respondents are found to be Muslims by religion (89.76%). Since Bangladesh was a
Muslim majority country, it was natural that most of the women entrepreneurs would be Muslims. But it
is known that age-old traditions and mis-interpreted Muslim beliefs in a male-dominated society
prevented these women from taking up entrepreneurship as a profession. This was mostly because
their mobility was restricted and the conservative society did not provide the Muslim women everywhere
in this country the freedom to transact freely with men or take up careers on their own, especially in the
rural and less developed districts.

On the other hand the Hindu, Christian and Buddhist women did not have to undergo such rigid
restrictions and prohibitions as the Muslim women. Thus, in spite of the lesser representation, women
entrepreneurs among the Hindus was 6.96%, Buddhists 2.42% and Christians 0.68% as found from the
survey conducted throughout Bangladesh.

Table 57: Religions of Respondents

Religions of Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

the
Respondents
Muslim No 291 225 148 145 83 37 929
% 92.38% 93.75% 82.22% 96.67% 92.22% 61.67% 89.76%
Hindu No 22 14 4 5 5 22 72
% 6.98% 5.83% 2.22% 3.33% 5.56% 36.67% 6.96%
Christian No 2 0 2 0 2 1 7
% 0.63% 0 1.11% 0 2.22% 1.67% 0.68%
Buddhist No 0 0 25 0 0 0 25
% 0 0 13.89% 0 0 0 2.42%
No No 0 1 1 0 0 0 2
response
% 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

11.1.5 Types of family and number of children

Table 58 of the study portrays that the largest segment of women entrepreneurs (77.87%) belonged to
nuclear families, while only 15.36% belonged to joint or extended families. Of the women of nuclear
families, the highest number (84.67%) was from Khulna division followed by Rajshahi (82.92%),
Chittagong ( 76.67%), Dhaka (75.56.6%), Sylhet (75.00%), and Barisal (65.56%).

Since the survey revealed that the women entrepreneurs of nuclear families were the highest in
business, it may be assumed that the reason for these women had greater opportunities to work as
entrepreneurs as they were not restricted by other family members especially males who usually
opposed to women’s freedom and free movement outside their homes. Moreover these women are not
prevented by the society as they do not have to reply to other family members for the activities. They
manage their own households according to their desire, control family expenditure, play a major
decision-making role in various affairs and decide on problems or future plans with their husbands and
children. This is not the case in Joint and extended families, where the decision of many a family

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member, especially the elders, is taken into account. Moreover, for the women of nuclear families it is
observed that the husband protects her and provides support for her endeavours in income earning.

Table 58: Family types of the Respondents

Family types Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Joint/ No 40 22 40 19 27 11 159
extended % 12.70% 9.17% 22.22% 12.67% 30.00% 18.33% 15.36%
Nuclear No 238 199 138 127 59 45 806
% 75.56% 82.92% 76.67% 84.67% 65.56% 75.00% 77.87%
No No 37 19 2 4 4 4 70
response
% 11.75% 7.92% 1.11% 2.67% 4.44% 6.67% 6.76%
Total No No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00 100.00%
%

The average number of children per family was found to be 5 in Barisal division, followed by 4 in each of
Dhaka, Rajshahi and Khulna, 3 in Chittagong and 2 in Sylhet division.

Children were found to assist their mothers in business in many areas especially in marketing of
products, production process and packaging of products. In some areas children assisted after school
or college hours, while in more rural or among the less affluent the children helped as workers for the
production of the products. These were usually un-paid labours and worked for the solvency of the
family.
Table 59: Average number of children

Divisions Table Total

Numbers of children
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean
Total male children 2 2 2 2 2 1 2
Total female children 2 2 2 2 2 1 2
Total children 4 4 3 4 5 2 4

11.1.6 Educational Background of family members

So far as the education of the fathers of the respondents was concerned, the largest number (29.95%)
was found to have studied below SSC only attending schools for education while 21.16% had
completed SSC. It was observed that about 4.44% of the fathers were illiterate and 133 of the women
entrepreneurs did respond regarding their father’s education.

It was found that the majority of the women entrepreneurs came from less educated families. They did
not have much chance of education which could create opportunities for themselves for important
professions or services in various fields. Thus these women from less affluent families opted for income
earning through entrepreneurship, which was the easiest way for them as the less privileged.

Among the more educated, 11.98% had completed HSC/Diploma while some of the fathers were
graduates (14.78%) having B.A./B.Sc./B.com degree while 4.44% had M.A/M.Com./M.Sc./M.Ag./MBA
degrees. Only 0.39% of them had professional degree and were Doctors. The women of these families
were usually urban-based where opportunities for the family and individual solvency and career
formation along with education were easily available.

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Table 60: Distribution of the Fathers’ Education

Fathers’ Divisions Total

Education
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Illiterate No 11 4 18 7 0 6 46
% 3.49% 1.67% 10.00% 4.67% 0.00% 10.00% 4.44%
Below SSC No 61 111 74 33 14 17 310
% 19.37% 46.25% 41.11% 22.00% 15.56% 28.33% 29.95%
SSC No 80 48 28 34 14 15 219
% 25.40% 20.00% 15.56% 22.67% 15.56% 25.00% 21.16%
HSC/Diploma No 46 24 15 27 5 7 124
% 14.60% 10.00% 8.33% 18.00% 5.56% 11.67% 11.98%
Graduation No 56 23 28 28 7 11 153
% 17.78% 9.58% 15.56% 18.67% 7.78% 18.33% 14.78%
Master No 21 8 8 5 1 3 46
degrees
% 6.67% 3.33% 4.44% 3.33% 1.11% 5.00% 4.44%
Doctor No 4 0 0 0 0 0 4
% 1.27% 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 0 0.39%
No response No 36 22 9 16 49 1 133
% 11.43% 9.17% 5.00% 10.67% 54.44% 1.67% 12.85%
Total No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

Regarding the education of the mothers of the respondents, the largest number (60.10%) was found to
have studied below SSC while 12.75% had completed SSC. It was observed that about 5.89% of the
mothers were illiterate and 153 of the women entrepreneurs (14.78%) did not inform or respond
regarding their mother’s education.

It was found that the mothers of majority of the women entrepreneurs attended schools while young but
did not continue schooling as household chores were given to girl children rather than boys at home.
They did not have much chance of education which could create opportunities for themselves for
important professions or services in various fields. This shows the level of education of mothers in
comparison to their daughters, who were more educated.

In comparison to the fathers of the entrepreneurs, more mothers had studied in schools below SSC, but
only 3.96% of the mothers had completed HSC/Diploma, 1.93% of the mothers were graduates having
B.A./B.Sc./B.com degree while only 4 mothers (0.39%) had M.A/M.Com./M.Sc./M.Ag./MBA degrees. It
was found that 2 mothers (0.19%) had professional degree in Engineering. It is natural to understand
that the women of these families were usually urban-based where opportunities for the family and
individual solvency and career formation along with education were easily available.

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Table 61: Distribution of the Mothers’ Education

Mothers’ Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Education
Illiterate No 15 4 25 7 0 10 61
% 4.76% 1.67% 13.89% 4.67% 0 16.67% 5.89%
Below SSC No 190 177 114 79 33 29 622
% 60.32% 73.75% 63.33% 52.67% 36.67% 48.33% 60.10%
SSC No 52 17 12 30 10 11 132
% 16.51% 7.08% 6.67% 20.00% 11.11% 18.33% 12.75%
HSC/Diploma No 19 5 7 6 0 4 41
% 6.03% 2.08% 3.89% 4.00% 0 6.67% 3.96%
Graduation No 5 5 5 3 0 2 20
% 1.59% 2.08% 2.78% 2.00% 0 3.33% 1.93%
Master No 0 4 0 0 0 0 4
degrees
% 0 1.67% 0.00% 0 0 0.00% 0.39%
Engineering No 1 0 0 0 0 1 2
% 0.32% 0.00% 0.00% 0 0 1.67% 0.19%
No response No 33 28 17 25 47 3 153
% 10.48% 11.67% 9.44% 16.67% 52.22% 5.00% 14.78%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

It was revealed from the survey that there were no women entrepreneurs who were illiterate but it was
found that 1.35% of the husbands were illiterate.

On the other hand there were lesser husbands in comparison to the women entrepreneurs, who were
below SSC (16.43%), lesser number had passed HSC (16.71%). However, the largest segment of the
husbands of women entrepreneurs (25.51%) were graduates and had obtained B.A/BSc//BCom degree,
and 10.72% had obtained degree in M.A./M.Com./M.Sc./M.Ag. /MBA.

In comparison to the women entrepreneurs their husbands were more in the professional field obtaining
professionals degrees as Engineers (0.29%) and (0.39%) as Doctors. For 91 women entrepreneurs
(8.79%) this question was not applicable and 54 (5.22%) did not respond.

Table 62: Distribution of the husbands’ Education

Husbands’ Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Education
Illiterate No 5 0 8 1 0 0 14
% 1.59% 0 4.44% 0.67% 0 0 1.35%
Below SSC No 32 68 31 19 13 7 170
% 10.16% 28.33% 17.22% 12.67% 14.44% 11.67% 16.43%
SSC No 34 31 30 21 20 15 151

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Husbands’ Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Education
% 10.79% 12.92% 16.67% 14.00% 22.22% 25.00% 14.59%
HSC/Diploma No 52 37 20 42 14 8 173
% 16.51% 15.42% 11.11% 28.00% 15.56% 13.33% 16.71%
Graduation No 96 53 41 44 18 12 264
% 30.48% 22.08% 22.78% 29.33% 20.00% 20.00% 25.51%
Master No 52 20 23 7 1 8 111
Degrees
% 16.51% 8.33% 12.78% 4.67% 1.11% 13.33% 10.72%
Engineering No 0 1 2 0 0 0 3
% 0 0.42% 1.11% 0 0 0 0.29%
Doctor No 2 0 2 0 0 0 4
% 0.63% 0 1.11% 0 0 0 0.39%
Not No 17 20 16 12 18 8 91
applicable % 5.40% 8.33% 8.89% 8.00% 20.00% 13.33% 8.79%
No response No 25 10 7 4 6 2 54
% 7.94% 4.17% 3.89% 2.67% 6.67% 3.33% 5.22%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

11.1.7 Occupational background of family members

As regards the occupations of the fathers of the respondents, the majority 35.27% were in business,
21.93% in service, 4.54%, were retired personnel. It may be assumed that these were the fathers of
women entrepreneurs residing in urban areas and many of whom were solvent in the society. However,
there were others who lived in semi urban and rural areas where their families poorer in comparison to
livelihood earning and had rural-based occupations as farmers (12.75%) while 0.68% were unemployed
and 1.64% belonged to various other professions. The question was not applicable for 2.32% and
20.87% did not respond.

Table 63: Occupational Distribution of Fathers

Occupational Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

background
Service No 83 51 39 33 4 17 227
% 26.35% 21.25% 21.67% 22.00% 4.44% 28.33% 21.93%
Business No 115 129 55 30 15 21 365
% 36.51% 53.75% 30.56% 20.00% 16.67% 35.00% 35.27%
Farmer No 25 18 35 29 6 19 132
% 7.94% 7.50% 19.44% 19.33% 6.67% 31.67% 12.75%
Retired No 19 10 7 4 5 2 47
% 6.03% 4.17% 3.89% 2.67% 5.56% 3.33% 4.54%
Unemployed No 5 1 0 0 1 0 7

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Occupational Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

background
% 1.59% 0.42% 0.00% 0.00% 1.11% 0.00% 0.68%
Others No 1 7 5 4 0 0 17
% 0.32% 2.92% 2.78% 2.67% 0.00% 0.00% 1.64%
Not No 0 1 23 0 0 0 24
applicable
% 0.00% 0.42% 12.78% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2.32%
No No 67 23 16 50 59 1 216
response
% 21.27% 9.58% 8.89% 33.33% 65.56% 1.67% 20.87%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

The largest segment (77.87%) of the mothers of the women entrepreneurs were home
makers/housewives. It was natural for them not to be in any profession as career formation was new to
women in most parts of Bangladesh. However some were involved in various professions especially in
the urban-based and educated families where women had the freedom to choose their professions and
make their own decisions. Thus we find that 2.80% were in service, 1.35% were in business, 0.29%
were retired personnel and 0.19% were in other professions while 0.19% mothers were unemployed.
For 2.03% the question was not applicable and 15.27% did not respond.

Table 64: Occupational Distribution of Mothers

Occupational Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Distribution
Service No 12 6 3 5 0 3 29
% 3.81% 2.50% 1.67% 3.33% 0.00% 5.00% 2.80%
Business No 4 4 3 2 0 1 14
% 1.27% 1.67% 1.67% 1.33% 0.00% 1.67% 1.35%
Retired No 2 0 1 0 0 0 3
% 0.63% 0.00% 0.56% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.29%
Unemployed No 2 0 0 0 0 0 2
% 0.63% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.19%
HW/ No 253 207 151 101 38 56 806
Homemaker
% 80.32% 86.25% 83.89% 67.33% 42.22% 93.33% 77.87%
Others No 1 1 0 0 0 0 2
% 0.32% 0.42% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.19%
N/A No 1 1 19 0 0 0 21
% 0.32% 0.42% 10.56% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 2.03%
No response No 40 21 3 42 52 0 158
% 12.70% 8.75% 1.67% 28.00% 57.78% 0.00% 15.27%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

The occupational distribution of the husbands of women entrepreneurs showed that 54.01% were in
business. This could be a reason for women to become entrepreneurs through the motivation of their
husbands. Moreover, these women could get support and also guidance in business through the
blessings of their husbands.

Among the other occupations it was found that 22.71% were in service, 1.26% were retired personnel
and 2.80% belonged to various other occupations. Only 0.77% was unemployed. It was interesting to
note that 0.19% were home makers and looked after the families, as their wives were busy with
business activities. For 8.99% the question was not applicable while 6.38% did not respond.

Table 65: Occupational Distribution of Husbands

Occupational Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Distribution
Service No 86 49 40 32 16 12 235
% 27.30% 20.42% 22.22% 21.33% 17.78% 20.00% 22.71%
Business No 164 146 98 79 39 33 559
% 52.06% 60.83% 54.44% 52.67% 43.33% 55.00% 54.01%
Farmer No 7 2 7 11 2 1 30
% 2.22% 0.83% 3.89% 7.33% 2.22% 1.67% 2.90%
Retired No 3 3 1 0 3 3 13
% 0.95% 1.25% 0.56% 0.00% 3.33% 5.00% 1.26%
Unemployed No 4 0 0 0 3 1 8
% 1.27% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3.33% 1.67% 0.77%
HW/Homemaker No 1 0 0 1 0 0 2
% 0.32% 0.00% 0.00% 0.67% 0.00% 0.00% 0.19%
Others No 9 7 4 6 3 0 29
% 2.86% 2.92% 2.22% 4.00% 3.33% 0.00% 2.80%
N/A No 19 21 16 12 18 7 93
% 6.03% 8.75% 8.89% 8.00% 20.00% 11.67% 8.99%
No response No 22 12 14 9 6 3 66
% 6.98% 5.00% 7.78% 6.00% 6.67% 5.00% 6.38%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

11.1.8 Previous occupation

Table 66 informs about the previous occupations of women entrepreneurs. It is found that the largest
number (64.64%) of these women were housewives before they entered into their careers as women
entrepreneurs, 17.49% were previously students, 7.83% were in service, 1.84% belonged to various
other occupations and 3.86% were unemployed.

The participation of women as entrepreneurs from their previous occupation as housewives shows that
these women had taken up entrepreneurship in order to contribute financially towards the family
expenses, assist in the education of their children, increase the standard of their living and enjoy their
lives in the family and in society. Some women had taken up entrepreneurship as a profession in order
to form a career and emerge triumphant in life as a successful personality in business. Many had taken
up the profession in order to do something worthwhile in life and devote their lives for the development
of Bangladesh.

Those who were students took up entrepreneurship as a profession, while the unemployed, the service
holders and others took up entrepreneurship in order to earn a living. Coming from any of these

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occupations it is necessary to know first the rules of business, the management procedures, the service
or production process, the marketing system and the employment system.

Among those who had other previous occupations were 1.84% women entrepreneurs. They held the
following occupations from various districts as mentioned below.

Entrepreneurs from Kishoreganj previously worked in small business activities within their homes while
some were Women Commissioners of the District. Women from Moulvibazar used to work in their
husbands’ business while some practiced medicine as doctors prior to their taking up entrepreneurship
as a profession. In Dhaka, women worked in the media, some were teachers while others worked for
others in various capacities. In Rangamati, women were involved in weaving, tailoring and worked as
cloth merchants (tribal handloom) before taking up entrepreneurship as a profession. In Sylhet, women
used to manufacture handicrafts, some did tailoring, while some spent their time as social workers,
assisting the destitute and the under-privileged. Women entrepreneurs of Laxmipur mentioned that they
were involved with public relations work, helping those who needed their assistance for any socio-
economic requirement. In Madaripur, the women entrepreneurs were previously owners of small
boutiques, involved in construction business and owners of pathology diagnostic centres. The Bagerhat
women belonged to sewing groups, while some had small shops. Similar were the previous occupations
of the women entrepreneurs of Sirajganj.

Table 66: Previous occupations of Women Entrepreneurs

Previous Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

occupation
Housewife No 179 181 102 109 61 37 669
% 56.83% 75.42% 56.67% 72.67% 67.78% 61.67% 64.64%
Student No 61 17 40 32 18 13 181
% 19.37% 7.08% 22.22% 21.33% 20.00% 21.67% 17.49%
Unemployed No 16 9 4 7 2 2 40
% 5.08% 3.75% 2.22% 4.67% 2.22% 3.33% 3.86%
Service No 32 21 22 0 2 4 81
% 10.16% 8.75% 12.22% 0.00% 2.22% 6.67% 7.83%
Others No 7 2 4 2 0 4 19
% 2.22% 0.83% 2.22% 1.33% 0.00% 6.67% 1.84%
No No 20 10 8 0 7 0 45
response
% 6.35% 4.17% 4.44% 0.00% 7.78% 0.00% 4.35%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

11.2 Issues Related to Entrepreneurship Development

11.2.1 Motivating factors for entrance into business for entrepreneurship development

There were many motivating factors for women entering into business for entrepreneurship
development. The most common factor was to add to family income (47.25%) while 9.37% were
motivated by self financial benefits. It is found that 41.74% had various other non-specified motivating
factors.

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Contribution to family income by the women entrepreneurs has brought in great impacts for the increase
in the standard of living of many families. Life has changed for many families through the contribution of
the women entrepreneurs. The highest attainment (70%) has been in the division of Chittagong,
followed by Rajshahi (58.75%), Khulna (47.33), Sylhet (46.67), Barisal (42.22%) and the least in Dhaka
division (26.98%).

Table 67: Motivating factors of woman to enter into business

Motivating Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

factors
For self No 29 34 11 10 7 6 97
financial
Benefit % 9.21% 14.17% 6.11% 6.67% 7.78% 10.00% 9.37%
For family No 85 141 126 71 38 28 489
% 26.98% 58.75% 70.00% 47.33% 42.22% 46.67% 47.25
%
Others No 200 52 40 69 45 26 432
% 63.49% 21.67% 22.22% 46.00% 50.00% 43.33% 41.74
%
No No 1 13 3 0 0 0 17
response % 0.32% 5.42% 1.67% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.64%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total % 100.00 100.00% 100.00% 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.0
% % % % 0%

11.2.2 Impediments from family in becoming an entrepreneur

Table 68 identifies the impediments faced by women from their families in becoming entrepreneurs.
Majority of the women entrepreneurs (32.1%) informed that the impediments came from parents who
did not like them to enter into business. 5.5% had problems with children who did not like their mother to
become entrepreneurs. 11.3% mentioned of the other impediments which were from in-laws and 9.6%
complained of impediments from husbands who did not want them to become entrepreneurs. About one
fifth (19.7%) of the women entrepreneurs were not interested in the beginning in becoming women
entrepreneurs themselves. They had no idea about entrepreneurship and business dealings, which
failed to create interest among the women. Moreover, the impacts of the conservative society and the
attitude of the male members of the society created confusion among the women and hindered their
freedom to take up entrepreneurship as their profession and their intentions for income earning. There
was no response from 22.2% of the women entrepreneurs surveyed.

The impediments from the family were very difficult to overcome since the women lived with them and
had difficulty convincing them for their business activities. The impediments were in the form of dislike
for the women’s participation in business, since this meant their freedom of movement outside the
family and their free transaction with men for production, marketing and other activities related with
business. The conservative attitudes within families created problems for women’s career formation in
the form of entrepreneurship development.

Table 68: Type of impediments from family in becoming an entrepreneur

Impediments from Family No %

Not interested at first in becoming an entrepreneur 203 19.7
Father and Mother did not like 333 32.1
Husband did not like 18 9.6

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Impediments from Family No %

Children did not like 57 5.5
In-Laws did not like 117 11.3
Valid Respondents 803 77.5
No Response 232 22.4
Total 1035 100.0

11.2.3 Impediments from society in becoming an entrepreneur

Regarding the impediments from the society to become women entrepreneurs, majority (28%) of the
respondents said that the people generally did not like women to be in business, and that is the main
reason for the women to enter into business activities and also to become successful in business.
Freedom of women, liberty in making decisions and having no restrictions in mobility were necessary for
business development and these were absent in favour of women in society. 20% faced difficulty in
getting cash payment from wholesalers, 11% of the women respondents mentioned about the problems
of ill-literacy and lack of knowledge, which created difficulties in the preparation of business plans,
understanding business management and production process. 9.7% complained of the troubles created
through the teasing of women entrepreneurs by young people, while 5.5% mentioned about the
pressure and demand of unusual tolls which created crisis in business transactions. 5.2% complained of
the conservativeness of the society and the general public regarding women’s business involvement.
About 19.8% of the women did not respond to the question.

The conservative social order and the misinterpreted religious beliefs as promoted by the society,
prompted the people to create impediments for women to enter into entrepreneurship. Women’s
empowerment was hindered and women’s income earning activities were hindered. Lack of education,
old-fashioned and conventional ideas, traditional systems created these impediments for women’s entry
into entrepreneurship.

Table 69: Impediments for Entrepreneurship Development from Society

Impediments from Society No %

People did not like women in business 290 28.0
Young people teased women in business 101 9.7
The wholesalers were reluctant to pay ready cash for products sold 217 20.0
Unusual Toll demand 57 5.5
Illiteracy and lack of knowledge among women 113 11.0
Conservativeness 54 5.2
Valid Respondents 831 80.2
No Response 204 19.8
Total 1035 100.0

11.2.4 Secondary occupation of women entrepreneurs

Of the women involved in business, 15.56% had secondary occupations, the highest being in Dhaka
(18.73%) and the lowest in Barisal (4.44%). Of the 84.44% of the women who do not have any
secondary occupation, the highest was from Barisal (95.6%) and the lowest was from Dhaka (81.27%).

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Table70: Secondary Occupation of Women Entrepreneurs

Secondary Divisions Total

occupation
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Yes No 59 42 25 21 4 10 161
% 18.73% 17.50% 13.89% 14.00% 4.44% 16.67% 15.56%
No No 256 198 155 129 86 50 874
% 81.27% 82.50% 86.11% 86.00% 95.56% 83.33% 84.44%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total % 100.00 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00 100.00% 100.00
% % %

Many of the women entrepreneurs had secondary occupations, over and above their business
enterprises. Of these 37.8% were in service, 22.2% were in business other than their own and 30.3%
were in various other occupations.

Among the other secondary occupations held by 25.47% women entrepreneurs were tailoring, teaching
in educational institutions, sewing (dress making and embroidery), providing musical instructions and
giving lessons on singing, working as a practicing lawyer. Some were students, some handicraft
manufacturers, social workers and also voluntary workers for socio-cultural activities, while others were
involved in working on designs for dresses, basket making, poultry rearing, working as advisor for
women and children’s healthcare, working as a trainer, working in associations, working in NGOs,
working as supervisor of NGO.

It was observed that these 15.56% women entrepreneurs had secondary occupations since for many of
them business was new and they earned also from other occupations. Besides, they may have also
been in those occupations prior to taking up entrepreneurship as a profession and continued those in
addition to their present entrepreneurship ventures. Many of them might have an added income from
other sources in order to compensate their entrepreneurial pursuits.

Table 71: Types of Secondary Occupation of Women Entrepreneurs

Secondary Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Occupation

Service No 20 12 10 4 1 4 51
% 33.90% 28.57% 40.00% 19.05% 25.00% 40.00% 31.68%
Other No 12 4 4 5 0 5 30
Business % 20.34% 9.52% 16.00% 23.81% 0.00% 50.00% 18.63%
than own
Others No 19 7 4 10 0 1 41
% 32.20% 16.67% 16.00% 47.62% 0.00% 10.00% 25.47%
No No 8 19 7 2 3 0 39
response
% 13.56% 45.24% 28.00% 9.52% 75.00% 0.00% 24.22%
Total No 59 42 25 21 4 10 161
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

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11.3 Enterprise Profile

11.3.1 Year of establishment of enterprise

Of the 1035 women entrepreneurs surveyed, one started business in 1954. One enterprise was
established in between 1971- 1975. However, the establishment of women entrepreneurs’ enterprises
started growing during the seventies and 14 enterprises were established between 1976-1980, 24 during
1981-1985, 43 during 1986-1990, 85 enterprises were established during 1991-95, 195 during 1996-2000
and 78 between 2006 and 2009. The highest record of enterprise establishment was 397 (38.3%) during
2001-2005.

It is seen that nearly 50% enterprises were established in this century from 2000 to 2010. Moreover it is
also observed that enterprises of women were developed after the Liberation of Bangladesh, as women
established their business enterprises from 1971 onwards.

Table 72: Year of Establishment of Enterprises

Years No %
1951-55 1 .09
1955-60 0 0
1961-65 0 0
1966-70 0 0
1971-75 1 .09
1976-80 14 1.3
1981-85 24 2.3
1986-90 43 4.1
1991-95 85 8.2
1996-2000 197 19.0
2001-2005 397 38.3
2006-2010 78 7.5
No Response 195 18.8
Total 1035 100

11.3.2 Experience in business

As regards experience of the women in business, the survey revealed that the highest number of
women entrepreneurs (44.44%) had experience of 5 years or less. 33.43% of women entrepreneurs
had 5-10 years of experience, 13.14% had 10-15 years, 6.76% had 16-20 years of experience. It was
noticed that only 2.22% of the women entrepreneurs had more than 21 years of experience.

Of the women entrepreneurs with the shortest experience of 5 years or less, Dhaka division had the
highest number of women entrepreneurs (54.29%), followed by Sylhet (48.33%), Barisal and
Chittagong (42.22%) each, Rajshahi (37.50%) and Khulna (37.33%). Regarding the longest experience
in business it was found that among all the divisions, the women entrepreneurs (5.00%) of the Sylhet
Division had the longest experience of over 20 years, followed by Chittagong women entrepreneurs
(4.44%).

It is important to have experience in business in order to transact in the best possible way, overcome
problems with cautiousness and prepare for future development. The greater the experience of the
entrepreneurs, the greater is the opportunity for success in business. Moreover, experience from
business assists in managing acute situations, triumph over crisis and control untoward incidents. For
new entrepreneurs lack of experience puts them in problems and sometimes they fail to take proper
decisions in running their enterprises. New entrepreneurs learn from their failures, which assist them in
gaining experience for future activities. Those who have earned experience for 20 years and above are

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very negligible in number, only 2.22%. This is because very few women had taken up entrepreneurship
as their profession in those days 20 years ago. So it is natural that the highest number of entrepreneurs
(44.44%) would be among those who have 5 years or less years of experience. Since more and more
women are taking up entrepreneurship as their profession and income earning sources at present, we
find the largest number of them among the less experienced. We find that the women’s experience had
grown gradually from the present day to those over 20 years ago.

Table 73: Women’s experience in business (in years)

Experience in Divisions Total

business
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
5 yrs or No 171 90 76 56 38 29 460
less
% 54.29% 37.50% 42.22% 37.33% 42.22% 48.33% 44.44%
6-10 yrs No 80 88 62 72 28 16 346
% 25.40% 36.67% 34.44% 48.00% 31.11% 26.67% 33.43%
11-15 No 42 35 23 14 18 4 136
yrs
% 13.33% 14.58% 12.78% 9.33% 20.00% 6.67% 13.14%
16-20 No 19 21 11 7 4 8 70
yrs
% 6.03% 8.75% 6.11% 4.67% 4.44% 13.33% 6.76%
21 or No 3 6 8 1 2 3 23
above
% 0.95% 2.50% 4.44% 0.67% 2.22% 5.00% 2.22%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

Figure 4: Years of Experience of Women Entrepreneurs

460
No. of women entrepreneurs

500
450
400 346
350
300
250
200 136
150
100 70
50 23
0
5 yrs or 5-10 yrs 10-15 yrs 15-20 yrs 20 above
less
Years of experience

11.3.3 Nature of ownership

There were various types of ownership of business among the women entrepreneurs. The survey
indicated that the highest number of ownership was among the women entrepreneurs (85.41%) who
had sole ownership of their business. This was Proprietorship and the highest numbers of proprietorship
enterprises were from Dhaka (93.65%) followed by Rajshahi (89.40%), Chittagong (87.22%), Khulna

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(81.33%), Barisal (72.22%) and Sylhet (50%). It is also found that only 9.47% had family ownership,
4.54% were in partnership with others 0.39% were associated with some companies and 0.19% had
various other ownership arrangements.

The women entrepreneurs had started their own business activities and thus had set up their own
business enterprises, being the Proprietor or sole owner of their companies. Since the women
entrepreneurs had developed their individual set-ups, they preferred maintaining their individual status
and conducted their business activities in their own individual capacities. Moreover since the survey of
women was in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector, it has been found that majority were
identified in Small Enterprise Sector. Proprietorship or sole ownership is verified from Table 83, which
reveals that majority of women entrepreneurs managed their own business and also through Table 114,
which shows the total initial investment of these women, criteria required for small enterprises.

Family business was not a regular and common venture where women entrepreneurs were involved in,
since most of the family business were conducted with the male members of the families. Yet with the
passing of time women had got themselves involved in the family business (9.47%) as wives, children
and relatives. Moreover, women were now being educated in the commerce line which initiated their
involvement in family business for the promotion of their entrepreneurial pursuits. Family business was
highest in Sylhet division (43.33%) and the lowest in Dhaka (2.22%).

Few the women were involved in partnership business, since financial complications and business
problems often prevented the smooth progress of partnership business. However, many of the women
did start partnership business (4.54%) due to primary financial crisis, where the capital requirement and
investment for business development posed a problem for many a woman entrepreneur in the initial
stage. Partnership Business was found to be the highest in Barisal division (18.89%) and the lowest in
Khulna (0.67%).

Very few women had started companies as the procedures involved and the transaction complications
caused problems due to lack of knowledge. However, there were some who had developed and
increased their business activities and had formed companies (0.39%) employing creative and expert
personnel for the development of their companies. A few Business Companies were found only in
Rajshahi division (0.90%) and Dhaka division (0.63%)

Among the other types of ownership (0.19%) were share holders in business, ownership in the private
limited companies and the public limited companies, found only in Rajshahi division.

Table 74: Nature of ownership of business

Ownership Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

pattern
Proprietorship No 295 215 157 122 65 30 884
(Sole % 93.65% 89.40% 87.22% 81.33% 72.22% 50.00% 85.41%
ownership)
Family No 7 12 18 27 8 26 98
ownership
% 2.22% 5.10% 10.00% 18.00% 8.89% 43.33% 9.47%
Partner No 11 9 5 1 17 4 47
ship
% 3.49% 3.80% 2.78% 0.67% 18.89% 6.67% 4.54%
Company No 2 2 0 0 0 0 4
% 0.63% 0.90% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.39%
Others No 0 2 0 0 0 0 2
% 0.00% 0.90% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.19%

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Ownership Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

pattern
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total
% 100.00% 100.10% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

Figure 5: Nature of ownership of business

Sole ow nership
85.41%

Others
0.19% Family ow nership
9.47%
Company
0.39% Partnership
4.54%

Table 75 shows the position of women entrepreneurs regarding their ownership in business. It was
revealed that the majority of the women (85.41%) had proprietorship or sole ownership of their business
enterprises, and as proprietors they managed their own enterprises by themselves. This was because
most of the enterprises were in the Small Enterprise sector, where ownership decided the position in
business according to individual capacity. As majority of the women were the first ones in the line of
business in the family, they started their business as Proprietors.

Some of the women belonged to the Medium Enterprise Sector, where the initial investment, current
investment and employment were higher than the Small Enterprises. Most of these enterprises were in
Family Ownership, Partnership or Share Holders in Companies. Thus we find from the survey that
4.54% of the women were Directors in their business which was the main position in conducting
business dealings in the bigger Medium Enterprise sector, which involved greater investment and more
employment than Small Enterprises. 2.90% were the Managing Directors in their firms which had many
more Directors. 2.80% were Chairman of the companies, which were either owned or involved Share in
Business. 3.96% worked as managers of the enterprises while 0.39% had various other positions in the
business enterprises.

Table 75: Position of the Women owners in the Business

Position in Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

business
Chairman No 1 19 1 2 5 1 29
% 0.32% 7.92% 0.56% 1.33% 5.56% 1.67% 2.80%
Managing No 7 1 17 2 0 3 30
Director % 2.22% 0.42% 9.44% 1.33% 0.00% 5.00% 2.90%
Director No 11 9 5 1 17 4 47
% 3.49% 3.80% 2.78% 0.67% 18.89% 6.67% 4.54%
Manager No 2 0 0 0 0 3 41

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Position in Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

business
% 0.63% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 5.00% 3.96%
Proprietors No 295 215 157 122 65 30 884
% 93.65% 89.40% 87.22% 81.33% 72.22% 50.00% 85.41%
Others No 2 2 0 0 0 0 4
% 0.63% 0.90% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.39%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

The Booster sector wise ownership of the women entrepreneurs has been obtained from the survey in
line with the information and issues provided by the Ministry of Industries through the SME Foundation
(previously SME Cell). It must be noted that there were multiple responses to this question and the
percentages were calculated on the basis of total respondents’ answers. From the Booster-Sectorwise
ownership of the business of the women entrepreneurs, it was found that the greatest number of women
entrepreneurs (27.8%) were involved in Designing, Aesthetically-Challenging, Personal wear and
Effects. Of these the highest involvement was in Khulna division (40.9%) and the lowest in Chittagong
(15.6%).

Second in the line in the Booster-sector wise ownership, 12.9% were found to be in the ownership of
Knit-Wear and Ready-Made Garments in which the highest was in Khulna division (34.2%) and he
lowest in Rajshahi (5.9%). It was interesting to note that 10.8% women entrepreneurs had ownership in
Agro-Processing/Agri-business/ Plantation/ Agri Specialist Farming/ Tissue Culture, where the highest
participation was in the division of Barisal (24.7%) and the lowest in Dhaka division (1.6%).
Pharmaceuticals/Cosmetics/Toiletries were owned by 5.9% women but these were concentrated only in
the divisions of Chittagong (10.1%), Rajshahi (9.3%), Dhaka (6.2%), and Sylhet(1.7%) stated according
to highest ownership. 3.4% women were involved in Health-Care and Diagnostic Centres while 2.6%
belonged to Education Services.

Among the lesser involvement and ownership of women were in the sectors of Electronics and Electrical
Enterprises by 1%, Soft-Ware Development Firms by 0.8%, Light Engineering and Metal-Working by
0.6%, Plastic and other Synthetics by .6%, leather-Making and Leather Goods by 0.3%. Since these
sector activities were mainly dominated by men, few women went into these trades as they did not have
sufficient knowledge, information and skill on these trades and production process. Moreover, marketing
of these goods was quite a tough work and hard task for the women entrepreneurs. Mainly for these
reasons and also for the initial capital requirement which was at times quite higher than the other
sectors, it was found that fewer women were actively involved in these Booster-sectors.

It must be mentioned that 46.8% of the ownership of the women entrepreneurs belonged to other
sectors which have not been identified in the table. These included Handicraft Manufacturing, Boutique
shop ownership, Tailoring, Block and Batik works, Embroidery, Catering Services, Food and
Confectionery, Beauty Parlours, Fitness Clubs, Poultry Farms, Salt Business, Rickshaw ownership,
Hotel Business, Grocery shop owner, Drinks Shops, Computer Selling Business, Computer Training
and Repair Firms, Departmental Store owners, Cosmetic Selling Shops, Cane and Bamboo Works,
Embroidery and Tailoring Training Centres, Adult Education Centres, Small Loan Providing Centres,
Construction Works, Printing and Publishing etc.

It was observed that the greatest ownership and participation of these Booster-sectors was
concentrated mainly in Dhaka division (61%), followed by Barisal (47.2%) and Chittagong (45.8%).
These Booster-sectors were the areas where majority of the women were involved in and accounts for
the main ownership and income providers of the women who work in the SME sector. Of these women
it has been observed that many have taken up those businesses which were never done by women

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before. Among those were computer training and repair firms, construction works, salt business and
departmental store ownership. Beauty Parlours and fitness clubs have become a favourite business
activity for women of the metropolitan areas.

Table 76: Booster - Sector wise ownership of the Women Entrepreneurs

Divisions
Sectors
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
Electronics and No 5 5 10
Electrical % 1.6% 2.1% 1.0%
Software Development No 1 1 6 8
% .3% .6% 4.0% .8%
Light Engineering and No 2 1 2 1 6
Metal-working % .6% .4% 1.1% .7% .6%
Agro proc No 5 23 27 30 22 3 110
./Agribus./Plantation %
ag/Specialist farm/ 1.6% 9.7% 15.1% 20.1% 24.7% 5.1% 10.8%
Tissue Culture
Leather Making and No 1 1 1 3
Leather Goods % .3% .4% 1.7% .3%
Knitwear and Ready No 23 14 19 51 7 18 132
Made Garments % 7.5% 5.9% 10.6% 34.2% 7.9% 30.5% 12.9%
Plastic and other No 4 1 1 6
synthetics % 1.7% .6% 1.1% .6%
Healthcare & No 9 9 12 1 3 1 35
diagnostics % 2.9% 3.8% 6.7% .7% 3.4% 1.7% 3.4%
Educational services No 8 8 3 7 1 27
% 2.6% 3.4% 1.7% 4.7% 1.1% 2.6%
Pharmaceuticals/cosm No 19 22 18 1 60
etics/toiletries % 6.2% 9.3% 10.1% 1.7% 5.9%
Designing, No 72 71 28 61 29 23 284
Aesthetically- %
challenging, Personal 23.4% 30.1% 15.6% 40.9% 32.6% 39.0% 27.8%
Wear and effect
Others No 188 106 82 41 42 18 477
% 61.0% 44.9% 45.8% 27.5% 47.2% 30.5% 46.8%
Total 308 236 179 149 89 59 1020
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents answered

11.3.4 SME-led sectors of enterprises

Regarding the year of starting business the survey revealed that there were 38.6 % valid respondents.
Of these, the highest 24.3% had started their business/company between the years 2000-2009. 11.7%
women entrepreneurs had started their business/company in between 1990-1999. 2% had started their
business/company in between 1980-1989.

From the information received from the survey, it is observed that there were only five women who
started their business/company from 1950-1979, within a span of 30 years. This shows that
entrepreneurship among women of Bangladesh grew after the Liberation of Bangladesh, from the 70s
and started developing during the 80s and 90s, reaching to the highest during the beginning of this
twentieth century (2000-2009).

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Table 77: Starting year of Business

Starting year of Business No %

1950-1959 1 .09
1960-1969 1 .09
1970-1979 3 0.2
1980-1989 21 2.0
1990-1999 122 11.7
2000-2009 252 24.3
Valid Respondents 400 38.6
No response 635 61.4
Total 1035 100

This table has been provided for interval verification between the starting of business and the actual
enterprise registration. Regarding the year of enterprise registration/license the survey revealed that
there were 51.49 % valid respondents. Of these, the highest registration of the enterprises of the
women entrepreneurs (38.93%) was between the years 2000-2009. 10.72% women entrepreneurs had
their enterprise registrations in between 1990-1999 while only a negligible 1.64% had their enterprise
registrations in between 1980-1989. There were only two women who had their enterprise registration
from 1960-1979.

Though the companies were set up there were no registration done. It was found that only 1 enterprise
was set up between1950-1959 there was no registration done. Only one enterprise was set up and
registered between 1960-1969. This shows that consciousness of enterprise registration along with
greater entrepreneurship development started among the women of Bangladesh during the 80s
developing to the highest during the beginning of this twenty-first century (2000-2009).

From Focus Group Discussions, Planning Workshop and Key Informants Meeting in the six divisions of
Bangladesh, it was known both from the women entrepreneur participants and also the
Municipality/Pouroshova officers that various measures had been taken to inform and motivate women
entrepreneurs to register their enterprises. City Corporation had initiated house to house visits of the
entrepreneurs, miking programmes for the promotion of information regarding registration of enterprises
and the special initiative were taken for compulsory registration practices for the women which activated
the women entrepreneurs to register their enterprises for business development and entrepreneurial
activities.
Table 78: Enterprise Registration year
(Table necessary for Interval Verification between start of business & registration)

Years of Enterprise Registration No %

1960-1969 1 .09
1970-1979 1 .09
1980-1989 17 1.64
1990-1999 111 10.72
2000-2009 403 38.93
Valid Respondents 533 51.49
No response 502 48.50
Total 1035 100

Regarding interval between starting point of business and company registration it has been found that
the highest number of entrepreneurs (9.5%) had one year interval followed by 7.6% who had two years
interval. Those who did not have any interval period were 8.3% women entrepreneurs, who had
registered their enterprises and started their business activities.

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The greatest interval period was 28 years and this belonged to 0.09% women entrepreneurs. It is seen
that they had started their enterprises 28 years ago when women usually did not take up
entrepreneurship as their profession. These women were courageous enough to enter the business
field. But since women did not know the rules of business during those days nor were those necessary
as today, the intervals of starting their business and their registration was so big.

Table 79: Interval Period of Business and Registration

Interval in Years Number of respondent %

0 84 8.3
1 97 9.5
2 78 7.6
3 62 6.2
4 46 4.6
5 36 3.6
6 26 2.6
7 26 2.6
8 11 1.1
9 09 0.9
10 08 0.8
11 08 0.8
12 06 0.6
13 09 0.9
15 08 0.8
16 06 0.6
17 05 0.5
21 05 0.5
23 01 0.09
26 01 0.09
28 01 0.09
Valid Total 533 51.49
No Response 502 48.50
Total 1035 100.0

According to the survey the recorded monthly income of women entrepreneurs varied from BDT 1 lac to
6 lacs through out Bangladesh. The highest income of BDT 6 lacs per month were earned by 13.14%
women entrepreneurs, of which the greatest number of women (30%) were from Sylhet division. There
was none who earned this income from Barisal division. The lowest income of BDT 1 lac per month was
earned by 25.89% women entrepreneurs of whom the most was from Rajshahi division and the lowest
from Sylhet. The majority of women entrepreneurs (31.59%) earned BDT 2 lacs per month followed by
12.08% who earned BDT 3 lacs, 8.50% who earned BDT 4 lacs and 4.06% who earned BDT 5 lacs
per month (Table-80).

This monthly income of the women entrepreneurs in the SME sector shows the solvency of the women
entrepreneurs after taking up entrepreneurship as a profession. Majority were housewives but now they
were the income earners of the families. These women had struggled in this conservative society which
restricted their movement outside their homes, to earn for their families and provide a comfortable living
standard for all the family members. They have also earned a good name as entrepreneurs and learnt

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to move in society with dignity and prestige. The income earned has assisted in the education of their
children and provide the basic amenities of life. Their business income has grown their respect both in
the family and the society and they have developed themselves as major decision makers of the family.

11.3.5 Income from business

The monthly sales figures of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh varied from BDT 1.00-7.00 lacs. The
highest sale of BDT 7 lacs per month was by 22.51% women entrepreneurs all over Bangladesh. This
sale was also achieved by the largest number of women. Of them most of the women (43.89%) were
from Chittagong, followed by 33.33% from Sylhet, 20.63% from Dhaka, 20.42% from Rajshahi, 10.67%
from Khulna and 4.44% from Barisal. The lowest monthly sales of BDT 1 lac was acquired by 11.01%
women. Of them the least was earned by 3.33% in Barisal. The monthly sales up to BDT 2 lacs were
earned by 21.64% women entrepreneurs, followed by BDT 3 lacs by 11.40%, BDT 4 lacs by 5.99%,
BDT 5 lacs by 3.67% and BDT 6 lacs by 4.25%.

The monthly sales position showed the prosperity of the women entrepreneurs, who had achieved
success through perseverance, courage, hard work and good planning. The marketing of products was
not easy matter for the women entrepreneurs, but due to their sincerity and creativity, they could hold an
attractive market for their products. Training on marketing, business management and product
development would help these women to attain a good market for their products.

Table 80: Information on Monthly Income

Tk. in Lac Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

1 No 50 84 41 49 41 3 268
% 15.87% 35.00% 22.78% 32.67% 45.56% 5.00% 25.89%
2 No 91 65 44 68 41 18 327
% 28.89% 27.08% 24.44% 45.33% 45.56% 30.00% 31.59%
3 No 44 16 23 20 7 15 125
% 13.97% 6.67% 12.78% 13.33% 7.78% 25.00% 12.08%
4 No 47 13 17 5 1 5 88
% 14.92% 5.42% 9.44% 3.33% 1.11% 8.33% 8.50%
5 No 19 14 8 1 0 0 42
% 6.03% 5.83% 4.44% 0.67% 0.00% 0.00% 4.06%
6 No 50 16 47 5 0 18 136
% 15.87% 6.67% 26.11% 3.33% 0.00% 30.00% 13.14%
No No 14 32 0 2 0 1 49
response
% 4.44% 13.33% 0.00% 1.33% 0.00% 1.67% 4.73%
Total No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

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Table 81: Information on Monthly Sales Position in the Previous Year

Taka ( in lacs) Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

1 No 51 31 8 18 3 3 114
% 16.19% 12.92% 4.44% 12.00% 3.33% 5.00% 11.01%
2 No 49 42 22 68 37 6 224
% 15.56% 17.50% 12.22% 45.33% 41.11% 10.00% 21.64%
3 No 21 25 25 24 21 2 118
% 6.67% 10.42% 13.89% 16.00% 23.33% 3.33% 11.40%
4 No 18 10 15 8 7 4 62
% 5.71% 4.17% 8.33% 5.33% 7.78% 6.67% 5.99%
5 No 11 5 13 4 1 4 38
% 3.49% 2.08% 7.22% 2.67% 1.11% 6.67% 3.67%
6 No 8 15 10 6 2 3 44
% 2.54% 6.25% 5.56% 4.00% 2.22% 5.00% 4.25%
7 No 65 49 79 16 4 20 233
% 20.63% 20.42% 43.89% 10.67% 4.44% 33.33% 22.51%
No No 92 63 8 6 15 18 202
response
% 29.21% 26.25% 4.44% 4.00% 16.67% 30.00% 19.52%
Total No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

The monthly profits last year of women entrepreneurs all over Bangladesh as shown in the survey
varied from BDT 1 lac to BDT 6 lacs. The highest monthly profit of BDT 6 lacs was achieved by 22.90%
women entrepreneurs. Of these the women of Sylhet (51.67%) achieved the most and the women of
Barisal (7.78%) earned the least. The lowest monthly profit of BDT 1 lac was earned by 19.32% women
throughout Bangladesh. Of these the women of Rajshahi (27.50%) earned the most and the women of
Barisal (1.11%).

BDT 2 lacs monthly profit was earned by 16.71% women entrepreneurs, followed by BDT 3 lacs
monthly profit by 13.04%, BDT 4 lacs by 7.44%, and BDT 5 lacs by 6.96%.

Income increases through proper production, right decisions and hard work. Sales depend upon
appropriate and planned marketing, creative designs, producing the best quality of products and also
proper publicity. Profit depends on correct pricing, timely delivery and maintenance of standard quality
of goods.

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Table 82: Information on Monthly profit in the previous year

Monthly profit TK Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

in Lac
1.0 No 82 66 14 29 1 8 200
% 26.03% 27.50% 7.78% 19.33% 1.11% 13.33% 19.32%
2.0 No 20 40 19 58 30 6 173
% 6.35% 16.67% 10.56% 38.67% 33.33% 10.00% 16.71%
3.0 No 31 28 30 18 26 2 135
% 9.84% 11.67% 16.67% 12.00% 28.89% 3.33% 13.04%
4.0 No 24 9 22 15 6 1 77
% 7.62% 3.75% 12.22% 10.00% 6.67% 1.67% 7.44%
5.0 No 25 13 15 7 5 7 72
% 7.94% 5.42% 8.33% 4.67% 5.56% 11.67% 6.96%
6.0 No 68 36 78 17 7 31 237
% 21.59% 15.00% 43.33% 11.33% 7.78% 51.67% 22.90%
No No 65 48 2 6 15 5 141
response
% 20.63% 20.00% 1.11% 4.00% 16.67% 8.33% 13.62%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

11.3.6 Business Management

Table 83 had multiple responses and therefore the percentages were calculated on the basis of total
respondents. The table focuses on the survey findings that the majority (84.83%) of the women
entrepreneurs managed their business by themselves. Of them 98.67% were from Khulna, 91.67%
were from Sylhet, 85.42% from Rajshahi, 81.11% from Chittagong, 80.32% from Dhaka and 78.89%
from Barisal. The entrepreneurs had proprietorship or sole ownership, the reason being their small
enterprises which they managed by themselves. Moreover, as most of the women belonged to the small
enterprise sector and were also more or less new in the business, their initial investment, lack of
appropriate business knowledge and marketing experience did not allow them to employ people to
conduct their business. This was the major reason for their managing the business by themselves.

It was further found that 22.7% of the women entrepreneurs employed trained personnel to manage
their business. The management of business by trained personnel focussed on the creativity of designs
and innovative production by trained and relevant people. Many of the enterprises had various forms of
production which required appropriate technology and modern techniques for the manufacture of
specialized items, which required trained people for the production.

3.1% of the women entrepreneurs utilized the services of administrative people. Bigger enterprises of
the medium enterprise sector required the employment of relevant personnel for administrative
purposes, in order to manage big enterprises. Women in this sector were few in comparison to those of
the small enterprise sector. Moreover, since medium sector involved the employment of a maximum of
150 workers for the manufacturing sector and a maximum of 50 workers for service and trading sector,
it was important to employ office personnel for administrative purposes.

Table 83 informs that 5% of the women entrepreneurs utilized other means to look after their business.
Of these some mentioned that they employed an assistant to help them in their business activities,

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

some employed people when required while some employed people when there was a rush of activities.
There were various other systems of management and women took advantage of part-time
employment, family-based participation, apprentice workers, who learnt the trade and also worked for
the enterprise, retired service people who worked on temporary basis and also engaged people who
managed their enterprises on contract-basis.

Table 83: Women Entrepreneurs Management of Business

Management of Business Divisions Total

by Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Managed by No. of 253 205 146 148 71 55 878
themselves response
% 80.32% 85.42% 81.11% 98.67% 78.89% 91.67% 84.83%

Managed by No. of 103 43 57 11 2 12 228

Trained response
personnel
% 32.70% 17.92% 31.67% 7.33% 2.22% 20.00% 22.03%
Managed by No. of 6 3 2 0 17 3 31
Administrative response
people
% 1.90% 1.25% 1.11% 0 18.89% 5.00% 3.00%
No. of 2 2 1 0 0 0 5
Others response
% 0.63% 0.83% 0.56% 0 0 0 0.48%
Total Respondents 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

There were multiple responses and percentages were calculated on the basis of total respondents. The
survey revealed that 59% of women entrepreneurs employed trained personnel in their business
organizations of which, the highest was found among 71.4% women of Dhaka and the lowest by 46.6%
women in Sylhet. It was also found that 31.1% of the women entrepreneurs utilized the services of
Experienced Personnel to run their business organizations, while there were employees who were not
trained in the business firms of 16.5% women. Among the experienced the highest employment was by
51.7% women in the Sylhet division and among the trained the highest employment was by 27.6%
women in the Chittagong division.

The necessity of employing trained, non-trained and experienced people depended on the type of
activity and requirement of the enterprise. The non-trained could be utilised for any general purpose or
for any work which needed less skill requirement. The trained were for specific manufacture, creative
designing, innovative production and systematic office management. The experienced employees for
the management of bigger enterprises, where various departments, services or production processes
had to be controlled and supervised. Many a woman could take the services of both trained and
experienced personnel in order to depend on the accuracy of the activities and the perfection of the
production process and office management.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Table: 84 Type of Employees in the organization

Type of employee Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Trained No. of responses 185 100 78 76 41 27 507
% 71.4% 51.8% 51.3% 57.1% 64.1% 46.6% 59.0%
Not trained No. of responses 30 28 42 26 1 15 142
% 11.6% 14.5% 27.6% 19.5% 1.6% 25.9% 16.5%
Experienced No. of responses 66 68 35 44 24 30 267
% 25.5% 35.2% 23.0% 33.1% 37.5% 51.7% 31.1%
Total Respondents 259 193 152 133 64 58 859
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

11.3.7 Problems faced in business

This information from the study as derived from the women entrepreneurs as respondents was one of the
most important issues required for judging the present conditions of these women in business in
Bangladesh. There were multiple responses and percentages were calculated on the basis of total
respondents. It was natural to learn from the survey that 87.9% of the women entrepreneurs were faced
with lack of capital as the greatest problem in running their business. This was because the women were
not given loan opportunities by all the banks and financial institutions both in the public and private
sectors. One of the reasons could be that very few women had access to monetary opportunities or had
limited inheritance of properties. Of these women who faced financial crisis, the highest 97.8% were in
Barisal followed by Rajshahi with 94.3%, Khulna 91.9%, Dhaka 87.7%, Sylhet 80.4% and the lowest was
by the women of Chittagong.

Among other problems recorded in business, were lack of marketing opportunities by 21.3% followed by
lack of raw materials by 20.4%, lack of skilled workers by 14.2%, lack of experience by 9%, absence of
training by 8.7% and problems of accounts keeping by 2.5%. There were various other problems which
2.5% of the women entrepreneurs experienced in running their business.

Table 85 informs that there were various other problems which 2.5% of the women entrepreneurs
experienced in running their business. Among the difficulties faced were the anxiety regarding the income
tax problems, crisis due to lack of education, troubles due to family affairs especially regarding the
children and their education, the setbacks faced due to frequent leave of workers from their jobs. The
other setbacks are due high rise of the cost of cotton for the weaving industries, the sudden rise of the
cost of raw materials for other productions, the lack of modern machinery in industrial production and the
short stay of skilled workers due to low wages. The greatest difficulty arises when the entrepreneur cannot
give the required time for business activities and production works.

Table 85: Problems faced in the business

Problems Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Lack of capital No. of 271 214 133 137 87 45 887
responses
% 87.7% 94.3% 74.3% 91.9% 97.8% 80.4% 87.9%
Lack of No. of 41 4 7 28 9 2 91
experience responses
% 13.3% 1.8% 3.9% 18.8% 10.1% 3.6% 9.0%
Lack of raw No. of 86 13 21 48 22 16 206
materials responses
% 27.8% 5.7% 11.7% 32.2% 24.7% 28.6% 20.4%
Lack of marketing No. of 64 10 27 93 21 215
opportunities responses

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Problems Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

% 20.7% 4.4% 15.1% 62.4% 37.5% 21.3%
Absence of No. of 22 12 7 28 15 4 88
training responses
% 7.1% 5.3% 3.9% 18.8% 16.9% 7.1% 8.7%
Problems of No. of 11 6 4 2 2 25
accounts keeping responses
% 3.6% 2.6% 2.2% 2.2% 3.6% 2.5%
Lack of skilled No. of 47 19 41 16 8 12 143
worker responses
% 15.2% 8.4% 22.9% 10.7% 9.0% 21.4% 14.2%
Others No. of 8 2 8 7 25
responses
% 2.6% .9% 4.5% 12.5% 2.5%
Total Respondents 309 227 179 149 89 56 1009
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

Figure 6: Problems faced by the women entrepreneurs in business

1000 887
No. of responses

800
600
400 215 206
143
200 91 88
25 25
0
Lack of capital Lack of Lack of raw Lack of skilled Lack of Absence of Problems of Others
marketing materials w orker experience training accounts
opportunities keeping

Problems

11.3.8 Use of savings

There were multiple responses and percentages were calculated on the basis of total respondents. The
women entrepreneurs responded that their savings were mostly used for business development 70.1%.
The next use of the savings was for family requirements by 64.8% women entrepreneurs. It was also
observed that 24% of the women kept their money in the banks, while 1.7% bought land or assets and
1.5% invested their savings in other activities. Only 0.4% of the women used their savings for other
purposes according to their needs.

The use of the savings varied according to the needs of the women entrepreneurs who had entered into
this profession mainly for the reason of earning and increase their status in life. Majority of the women
used their savings for the business development since they faced financial crisis and it was very difficult
for women to get loans from banks or other sources. The increase of business ventures, production and
better quality of products required money. Moreover, the manufacture of new items or the introduction of
new services required financial involvement which was difficult for the women to acquire. Sometimes
more employment was necessary with the expansion and improvement of business and every activity
required monetary involvement. Thus the savings of the women and the earnings from business was
the best source of funds for women entrepreneurs.

It is a known fact that women entrepreneurs contributed for family financial requirements and one of the
main reasons for their business involvement was to assist their own families through financial
contributions. They have not only developed their status in life but also increased the living standards of
their families. This is maintained by 64.8% women entrepreneurs whose main intention was for family
financial contribution.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Many of the women felt that savings was necessary for use in financial requirements in future and
necessities during economic crisis. Thus we find that 24% women entrepreneurs preferred saving
money in banks for rainy days. Growth of assets through buying of land and other requirements was
another use of the savings of the entrepreneurs. They have also invested in other activities which would
bring them economic benefits and financial solvency. 0.4% used their money for other purposes which
included socio-economic reasons, assistance to the underprivileged, cultural activities and development
programmes.

Table 86: Utilization of savings by the women

Use of Savings Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Keep in No. of 95 46 35 40 3 19 238
bank responses
% 31.6% 19.8% 21.1% 27.4% 3.4% 32.2% 24.0%
Use for No. of 207 108 111 106 60 51 643
family responses
requirement % 68.8% 46.6% 66.9% 72.6% 67.4% 86.4% 64.8%
Use for No. of 236 147 115 107 61 30 696
business responses
development % 78.4% 63.4% 69.3% 73.3% 68.5% 50.8% 70.1%
Buy No. of 3 5 1 6 2 17
land/assets responses
% 1.0% 2.2% .6% 4.1% 3.4% 1.7%
Invest in No. of 6 2 2 2 1 2 15
other responses
activities % 2.0% .9% 1.2% 1.4% 1.1% 3.4% 1.5%
Others No. of 2 1 1 4
responses
% .7% .4% .6% .4%
Total Respondents 301 232 166 146 89 59 993
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

11.3.9 Status of Enterprise Registration/license

Table 87 mentions the status of enterprise registration/license. 51.8% of the responding women
entrepreneurs mentioned that they did have enterprise registration/license, of whom the highest was by
the women (88.33%) of Sylhet division, followed by those (60.95%) of Dhaka, 60.0% of Barisal, 48.33%
of Chittagong, 47.08% of Rajshahi and 22.67% of Khulna. Of those women who did not have enterprise
registration/license the highest number 77.33% was from Khulna and the lowest 11.67% from Sylhet.

Table 87: Status of enterprise registration/license

Registration Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

/License
done
Yes 192 113 87 34 54 53 533
% 60.95% 47.08% 48.33% 22.67% 60.00% 88.33% 51.80%
No 123 127 93 116 36 7 502
% 39.05% 52.92% 51.67% 77.33% 40.00% 11.67% 48.50%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

11.4 Trade License issues & related problems

The survey revealed that women were not conscious about the registration of their enterprises.
Regarding the trade license issue and year of enterprise registration, the survey revealed that only
51.49 had mentioned about the registration of their enterprises or business, which accounts for the
realization that nearly fifty percent of the women entrepreneurs (48.50%) were conducting their
business without valid trade license.

Of the valid respondents, the highest 38.93% women entrepreneurs had their enterprise registration
between the years 2000-2009, showing that the consciousness of enterprise registration and the
ownership of valid trade license for proper business transaction grew from the 80s onwards reaching
the highest to 2000 - 2009. We find that 1.64% women entrepreneurs had their enterprise registrations
in between 1980-1989 and 10.72% had their enterprise registrations in between 1990-1999. There were
only two women who had completed their enterprise registration from 1960-1979. Since enterprise
registration along with entrepreneurship development started among the women of Bangladesh during
the 80s developing to the highest during the beginning of this twenty-first century (2000-2009), it may be
suggested that the compulsion of the government through the City Corporations for valid trade license
required for business transactions has to be conducted with greater effort by the relevant officials and
people involved.
Table 88: Trade License Issue and Years of Enterprise Registration

Years of Enterprise Registration No %

1960-1969 1 .09
1970-1979 1 .09
1980-1989 17 1.64
1990-1999 111 10.72
2000-2009 403 38.93
Valid Respondents 533 51.49
No response 502 48.50
Total 1035 100

Regarding name of trade license-providing agencies 23.5% mentioned the name of City Corporations
69.5% mentioned the name of Pouroshova, 7% mentioned the name of Union Council.

Women of Metropolitan areas approached the City Corporation and the District women went to the
Pouroshovas. The officials of the various City Corporations and Pouroshovas were not always helpful in
providing registration or Trade License to women entrepreneurs. But situations have been created in
many places for assisting the women.

Table: 89 Trade license-providing agencies

Organization Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

City Corporation No. of
28 19 29 3 14 25 118
response
% 15.1% 17.6% 39.7% 10.3% 27.5% 45.5% 23.5%
Pouroshova No. of
155 79 43 26 31 15 349
response
% 83.3% 73.1% 58.9% 89.7% 60.8% 27.3% 69.5%
Union Council No. of
3 10 1 6 15 35
response
% 1.6% 9.3% 1.4% 11.8% 27.3% 7.0%
Total Responses 186 108 73 29 51 55 502
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

The survey revealed that a total of 51.80% of women entrepreneurs mentioned about their expenditure
involved for getting trade license/registration of their business. The highest amount paid by 5.2% WE
was BDT 2000 and above followed by 2.9% who paid between BDT 1501-2000. The greatest number of
30.2% WE paid up to BDT 500, while 48.20% did not respond.

It may be mentioned that expenses involved for getting Trade License varied according to the type of
enterprise, type of production, location and also type of business activity.

Table 90: Expenditure for Trade License Registration

Expenditure No. of %
in BDT responses
Up to 500 313 30.2
501 to 1000 95 9.2
1001 to 1500 40 3.9
1501 to 2000 30 2.9
2001 & Above 54 5.2
Total 533 51.80
No Response 502 48.20
Total 1035 100.0
The survey revealed that only 25.9% of the women responded to the question related to the reasons for
not having trade license/registration. Of these the highest no of respondents 4.8% mentioned that they
did not have enough knowledge about registration. 3.8% mentioned about their financial problems,
while 3.6% did not feel the need of having trade license. 3% of the women said that their business was
new and small and would apply for trade license when their business extended. 2.1% said that they
didn't have enough knowledge about registration and also that there was shortage of time.

It important to note that 1.3% applied for trade license but did not get them. 1% mentioned that they had
already applied for trade license. Of them some were harassed by the officials, some were afraid of the
long procedures, some lacked interest. A few of the women entrepreneurs (0.4%) complained of the
excess charges of trade license in many places, while 0.1% could not apply due to illness.

Consciousness of having trade license was observed during the planning workshop and Focus Group
Discussions held at the six divisions of Bangladesh. Pouroshova officials also informed of their attempts
to make the women entrepreneurs apply for trade license.

Table 91: Reasons for not having TL/Registration

Reasons for not having Registration No %

Afraid of the long procedure. 11 1.0
Already applied for license. 11 1.0
Financial problem 40 3.8
Business volume is not so large. 22 2.1
Didn't have enough knowledge about registration. 50 4.8
Didn't get License 14 1.3
Did not feel need 38 3.6
Excess charge of trade license. 5 0.4
For illness 2 0.1
Harassment from Officials 11 1.0
Business new and small. 32 3.0

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 98

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Reasons for not having Registration No %

Shortage of time. 22 2.1
Lack of interest. 11 1.0
Nobody came from Pouroshova 1 0.09
Valid Respondents 269 25.9
No Response 766 74.0
Total 1035 100.0

Many of the women entrepreneurs discussed about their problems which they faced with Trade License
and registration authorities. Of these 41.30% mentioned that they had faced no such great problems
with Trade License/Registration Authority.

The greatest number of 12.77% mentioned that they did not have time for license, while 10.87%
mentioned about the demand for bribe by the Trade License Authorities and 1.90% complained that the
authorities had taken bribes from them but had not given them their Trade License.

5.43% mentioned that they did not have time to sit with officials for license, 5.98% had no idea of
licensing procedures, 4.35% faced harassment by officials, 3.26% had applied but did not get their
license,. 2.99% faced pressure from licensing organization, 1.90% mentioned that authorities wanted
too many papers for getting trade licence, 2.45 % informed that registration authorities disturbed WE for
not having trade license.

1.63% mentioned that there were too many formalities for registration and 1.63% also said that they did
not want any license, not understanding that to do business trade license was compulsory. 0.82%
mentioned that providing TIN Certificate before registration was a problem for many women who were
not familiar with such procedures. The most disturbing attitude as mentioned by 2.72% women was that
they were not given importance by the Trade Licence/Registration Authority because they were women
and to these people women did not carry any respect or importance.

The problems identified by the women entrepreneurs with Trade License/Registration Authorities show
the impediments which prevent their smooth functioning of business activities and hinder their success
in their endeavours. However, most of the Pouroshovas of the country have undertaken special
activities through opening One Stop Services and door to door survey for making the WE apply for
Trade License in the six divisions of Bangladesh.

Table 92: Problem faced by Women Entrepreneurs with Trade License/ Registration Authority

Sl Problem Faced No. of responses %

1 We did not have time for license 47 12.77%
2 Demand of bribe 40 10.87%
3 No idea of licensing procedures 22 5.98%
4 Entrepreneurs did not have to sit with officials for license 20 5.43%
5 Harassment by officials 16 4.35%
6 WE did not get license 12 3.26%
7 Pressure from licensing organization 11 2.99%
8 The entrepreneurs were not given importance being women 10 2.72%
9 Registration authorities disturbed WE for not having TL 9 2.45%
10 Authorities took bribe but did not give license 7 1.90%
11 Authorities wanted too many papers 7 1.90%
12 There were too many formalities for registration 6 1.63%
13 WE did not want license 6 1.63%
14 Before registration compulsory TIN certificate was a problem. 3 0.82%
15 No problem faced 152 41.30%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl Problem Faced No. of responses %

Total responses 368 100.00%

The survey revealed that 38% of women entrepreneurs had spoken of their problems which they faced
due to not having trade License/Registration. Of the problems identified, most of the women (14.97%)
mentioned that they faced problems related to loans from Banks since bank do not provide loans
without trade license, while 3.55% mentioned of their inability to avail loans also from financial
institutions. 5.84% faced administrative problems of the government and various ministries and
organizations. 4.06% did not get Govt. Support and facilities. Different Govt. Agencies harassed women
entrepreneurs and disturbed them.

3.55% faced custom hazards and 4.57% had to manage VAT problems. Moreover, 4.57% also faced
various others problems including bribery because of illegality and also lack of proper evaluation,
institutional status and inability to derive various facilities.

7.8% were unable to progress in business and underwent risk, while 4.31% experienced coercive action
for payment of fines and penalties due to not having signboards and trade licenses. 1.52% complained
of city cooperation authorities who forcefully insisted on Trade License application and on and often
disturbed women on issues related to trade license. 4.82% mentioned that due to absence of trade
license they did not get legal support and related requirements for business from any where.

2.03% complained of disturbances and lack of support of law enforcing agencies. 2.79% received
threads by unknown people and terrorists. 1.27% faced marketing problems including harassment by
middleman. 2.03% complained that they could not participate in any Trade Fair including International
Trade Fair. 2.03% also complained of Tax Officers pressure for registration. 1.27% said that there was a
lack of united efforts amongst business women.

In spite of all the problems faced by women for not having Trade License/Registration, there were
24.37% women entrepreneurs who managed their individual situations and did not complain or did not
face any problems while 61.1% did not respond to this question.

The problems faced could not all be overcome with having Trade license since the various types of
troubles encountered by the women entrepreneurs would be faced with or without trade license since
the women in business had to meet the challenges and drawbacks of a conservative society and run
into various difficulties confronted by them in a male-dominated society.

Table 93: Problems faced by Women Entrepreneur for not having Trade License/Registration

Problems faced for not having TL/Registration Frequency Valid

Percent
1 Administrative problem 23 2.2
2 Custom Hazards 14 1.3
3 Vat Problems 18 1.7
4 Various problems including bribery because of illegality 18 1.7
5 Lack of proper evaluation, institutional status and inability to derive
18 1.7
various facilities
6 Coercive action for paying fine for no TL and Signboards 17 1.6
7 Inability to progress in business 31 2.9
8 Banks were not willing to provide loans to Women 59 5.7
9 Inability to avail loans from Financial Institutions 14 1.3
10 City Corporation Authorities insists WE for TL 6 0.5
11 Did not get legal supports 19 1.8
12 Could participate in any trade fairs including International trade fairs 8 0.7

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Problems faced for not having TL/Registration Frequency Valid

Percent
13 Did not get Govt. Supports and Facilities 16 1.5
14 Lack of supports of the Law enforcing agencies 8 0.7
15 Marketing problems including harassment by middleman 5 0.4
16 Threat by peoples and terrorist 11 1.0
17 Lack of united efforts by Business Women 5 0.4
18 Tax Officials pressure for registration 8 0.7
19 WE did not face any problems 96 9.2
Valid respondents 394 38.0
20 No Response 641 61.9
Total 1035 100.0

Regarding company registration various opinions were mentioned by the respondents. Of them 34.20%
mentioned that trade license was necessary for business identification. Of them the highest 42.86% was
from Dhaka followed by 40% from Chittagong, 38.75% Rajshahi, 33.33% from Sylhet, 26.67% from
Barisal, and the lowest 6.67% from Khulna. Among the other opinions mentioned by1.74% women was
getting cordial cooperation from the authority for license. 8.60% talked of other onions regarding
company registration. A negligible 1.45% mentioned that they had not faced any problem for receiving
license.

0.10% mentioned that they had no time for getting license. This was probably because many of the
women managed their business by themselves. They belonged to the small enterprise sector and had
to conduct their business activities of production and marketing by their own initiatives. This was the
main reason for their inability to find time to visit and register their business. However, it must be
remembered that without registration the business validity does not exist for proper business
transactions, credit formalities and bigger marketing ventures.

Table 94: Opinion regarding Company Registration

Opinion Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Trade No. of 135 93 72 10 24 20 354
license is response
necessary
for business % 42.86% 38.75% 40.00% 6.67% 26.67% 33.33% 34.20%
identification

Getting No. of 0 0 17 1 0 0 18
cordial response
cooperation
from the % 0 0 9.44% 0.67% 0.00% 0.00% 1.74%
authority for
license

No problem No. of 2 1 10 1 0 1 15
faced for response
license % 0.63% 0.42% 5.56% 0.67% 0.00% 1.67% 1.45%

No time for No. of 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

getting response
license % 0.32% 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.10%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Opinion Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Others No. of 26 2 4 18 25 14 89
response
% 8.25% 0.83% 2.22% 12.00% 27.78% 23.33% 8.60%
No opinion No. of 151 144 77 120 41 25 558
response
% 47.94% 60.00% 42.78% 80.00% 45.56% 41.67% 53.91%
Total responses 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100.00 100.00% 100.00% 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
% % % % %

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 102

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 12

12.0 ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT SERVICES

12.1 Approach to government organizations supporting SME development

Various government organizations provided support for SME development to women entrepreneurs.
29.4% of the respondents informed that they had approached Govt. organizations supporting SME
development, of which the highest 65.6% women entrepreneurs were from Barisal and the lowest from
Sylhet 10%. Of those who had never approached any Government Organizations the highest was from
Sylhet 90% followed by Rajshahi 83.8%, Chittagong 75.6%, Khulna 72%, Dhaka 63.8% and Barisal
34.4%.

Table 95: Approaches to Government organizations supporting SME development

Response Divisions Total

Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Yes 114 39 44 42 59 6 304
% 36.2% 16.3% 24.4% 28.0% 65.6% 10.0% 29.4%
No 201 201 136 108 31 54 731
% 63.8% 83.8% 75.6% 72.0% 34.4% 90.0% 70.6%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

12.2 Names of government organizations approached for enterprise development

Regarding access to Government services there were multiple respondents, and percentages were
calculated on the basis of total respondents as seen in Table-96.The respondents mentioned the names
of various Government Organizations and Ministries which they had approached for their business
purposes. The highest number of women entrepreneurs (62.0%) utilized the services of Jatiya Mahila
Sangstha (JMS) for their business purposes. This included both financial assistance and also training.
Of these the highest was from Dhaka 81.7% followed by Rajshahi 65.9%, Khulna 62.8%, Barisal 46.7%,
Chittagong 34.8% and Sylhet 33.3%.

From the survey it was found that the second important government organization approached for
business was by 17.2% of the respondents who approached the Directorate of Women Affairs for their
business purposes. Among the others 9.1% approached BSCIC, 4.9% approached the Ministry of
Women Affairs, 3.9% approached SME Foundation, 2.6% approached Export Promotion Bureau (EPB),
1.3% approached the Ministry of Industry, while 0.6% utilized the services of Bangladesh Parjatan
Corporation (BPC), National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Business Promotion Council (BPC).

It was noted that 15.9% of women entrepreneurs approached various other organizations for their
business development and various other necessities concerning their business. Among them were
Karmasangsthan Bank, Brac Bank, Janata Bank, Grameen Bank and United Commercial Bank. The
women entrepreneurs also approached the NGO ASA, Milk Vita, Health Directorate, Social Welfare
Directorate and Paige Sangstha.

It must be mentioned that the government organizations mentioned in the table provided various
assistance for business development required by the women entrepreneurs. Among the requirements
were training in various issues, information requirements, trade, technology and marketing
requirements.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Table 96: Names of Government Organizations approached for business

Organizations Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Export promotion No. of
3 3 1 1 8
bureau (EPB) respondents
% 2.8% 6.8% 2.2% 16.7% 2.6%
Bangladesh Parjaton No. of
2 2
Corporation (BPC) respondents
% 4.7% .6%
SME Foundation No. of
2 1 1 5 3 12
respondents
% 1.8% 2.2% 2.3% 8.3% 50.0% 3.9%
National Board of No. of
1 1 2
Revenue (NBR) respondents
% 2.2% 1.7% .6%
Jatio Mahila Sangstha No. of
89 29 16 27 28 2 191
(JMS) respondents
% 81.7% 65.9% 34.8% 62.8% 46.7% 33.3% 62.0%
BSCIC No. of
9 3 7 6 1 2 28
respondents
% 8.3% 6.8% 15.2% 14.0% 1.7% 33.3% 9.1%
Directorate of Women No. of
10 3 11 29 53
Affairs respondents
% 9.2% 6.8% 25.6% 48.3% 17.2%
Ministry of Women No. of
5 2 2 5 1 15
Affairs respondents
% 4.6% 4.5% 4.3% 11.6% 1.7% 4.9%
Ministry of Industry No. of
1 2 1 4
respondents
% .9% 4.5% 16.7% 1.3%
Business Promotion No. of
1 1 2
Council (BPC) respondents
% .9% 2.3% .6%
Others No. of
20 4 21 1 1 2 49
respondents
% 18.3% 9.1% 45.7% 2.3% 1.7% 33.3% 15.9%
Total Respondents 109 44 46 43 60 6 308
Note: Multiple respondents, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

12.3 Types of support received for business development

Among the type of support or assistance received from Govt. Organizations, the highest was financial
support received by 14% women entrepreneurs, followed by training by 13.3% women. Consultancy
was provided to 2.8% women entrepreneurs while 0.1% received business training, credit facilities,
donation, service certificates from the ministry and suggestions for their business development. 1.1%
informed that they did not get any support while 67.4% did not respond.

The organizations provide various supports which assist in business development, financial support,
training on business issues, trade fair participation and suggestions for business promotion. Women
entrepreneurs can take advantage of these supports from the different organizations, which belong to
both the government and also the non government sectors.

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Table 97: Types of Supports from Different Organizations

Sl. Type of Supports received No %

1. Attending trade fair, 1 .09
2 Providing Export Facilities 1 .09
3 Business Training 2 .1
4 Consultancy 30 2.8
5 Financial Support 145 14.0
6 Training 138 13.3
7 Credit Facilities 2 .1
8 Donation 2 .1
9 (Service) Obtaining Certificate from Ministry 2 .1
10 Suggestions 2 .1
11 Did not get any supports 12 1.1
12 No Response/ Not applicable 698 67.4
Total 1035 100.0

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 13

13.0 TRAINING & HUMAN RESOURCES

13.1 Training related issues

Training in business is one of the foremost requirements for advancement of enterprises and development
of business activities. Regarding training before business 53.7% of the respondents informed that they
had received training before business, 19.5% received training during business and 26.7% had not
received any training.

Various institutions, organizations and trade bodies provide training to women already in business and
also to those who plan to become entrepreneurs. Business plans, development activities, production
procedures, design development, marketing ventures, export requirements are some of the types of
training provided by the institutions
Table 98: Training Status

Particular Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Received No. of
141 93 87 103 52 46 522
training before responses
business %
53.4% 39.6% 48.6% 68.7% 58.4% 83.6% 53.7%
Received No. of
44 67 23 16 37 3 190
training during responses
business %
16.7% 28.5% 12.8% 10.7% 41.6% 5.5% 19.5%
Did not receive No. of
79 75 69 31 6 260
training responses
% 29.9% 31.9% 38.5% 20.7% 10.9% 26.7%
Total Responses 264 235 179 150 89 55 972
Total % 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Figure 7: Status of training received by the women entrepreneurs

Did not received

Received training
training during 26.7%
business
19.5%

Received
training before
business
53.7%

In respect of bearing the training cost, majority of the respondents (34.8%) mentioned that of the cost
was borne by donor agencies, of the highest (51.7%) were from Rajshahi division and the lowest (1.9%)
from Chittagong division. 32% of the respondents mentioned that the cost was borne by themselves. It
may be mentioned that the highest number of respondents (60.2%) who had borne the cost of the
training by themselves were from Chittagong and the lowest (1.2%) from Barisal.

NGOs of Bangladesh have been playing a recommendable responsibility of creating entrepreneurs

through training in business activities. 12.9% women informed that the cost was borne by NGOs, of
which the highest (24.%) was in Rajshahi and the lowest (4.1%) in Sylhet.

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It was interesting to note that 10.9% women mentioned that their husbands bore the costs of their
training of whom the highest number (26.9%) was from Chittagong and the lowest (2%) was from
Dhaka. Finally it was also found that 9.4% of the women had their training cost borne by their families,
of them the highest (22.4%) was from Sylhet and the lowest (2.4%) from Barisal. This shows that the
husbands and the family members had approved and accepted the profession of entrepreneurship of
the women, since in the long run it was found that they contributed towards family expenses and helped
in the economic development of the family.

Table 99: Training cost involvement

Training cost borne Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
by
Donor No. of
75 75 2 30 59 2 243
responses
% 36.6% 51.7% 1.9% 27.8% 70.2% 4.1% 34.8%
NGO No. of
9 36 9 14 20 2 90
responses
% 4.4% 24.8% 8.3% 13.0% 23.8% 4.1% 12.9%
Self No. of
96 14 65 26 1 22 224
responses
% 46.8% 9.7% 60.2% 24.1% 1.2% 44.9% 32.0%
Husband No. of
4 5 29 24 2 12 76
responses
% 2.0% 3.4% 26.9% 22.2% 2.4% 24.5% 10.9%
Family No. of
21 15 3 14 2 11 66
responses
% 10.2% 10.3% 2.8% 13.0% 2.4% 22.4% 9.4%
Total responses 205 145 108 108 84 49 699
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

It was found from the survey that the highest number of training undergone by the women
entrepreneurs (38.5%) were in Sewing followed by training in Beauty parlour (14.6%), Block and Batik
printing (12.1%), Poultry rearing (11.8%), Dress making (10.9%), handicrafts (6.7%). and Embroidery
(2.1%).

Training on Business Development was taken by (7%) women, followed by training on Agro-based
activities such as Fishery by 3.9%, Livestock by 3.0%, and Nursery by 1.2%. Food and Confectionery
training was taken by 1.2% women entrepreneurs. Non traditional types of training included Design
Development which was taken by 0.9% and Export Promotion by 0.2%. It must be mentioned that
13.2% of the entrepreneurs took training on various other trades which helped them to promote their
business and succeed in life as an entrepreneur.

It was observed that the trainings which were taken by the women of most of the districts were in
Sewing, Beauty Parlour, Poultry rearing followed by Dress making, Embroidery, Block and batik,
Livestock, Food and confectionary and also Handicrafts.

The trainings taken by the women helped them decide on the types of business which they preferred to
undertake and these activities were developed through practice in production and creativity in design
and product selection. Since practice makes it perfect, it is seen that women introduced their own ideas
and styles for the attractiveness of their production or services provided. Sometimes fashion designers
also assisted in their ventures through suggestions and prospective and potential plans. Trial and errors
in their business ventures helped them progress with maturity, which gradually moulded them into
staunch and unfaltering entrepreneurs.

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Table 100: Name of the training

Name of Training Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Sewing No. of
35 4 23 75 13 16 166
responses
% 29.2% 19.0% 34.8% 65.2% 15.7% 61.5% 38.5%
Dress making No. of
9 1 3 11 23 47
responses
% 7.5% 4.8% 4.5% 9.6% 27.7% 10.9%
Business No. of
4 8 6 6 6 30
responses
% 3.3% 38.1% 9.1% 5.2% 7.2% 7.0%
Beauty No. of
27 1 19 9 1 6 63
parlour responses
% 22.5% 4.8% 28.8% 7.8% 1.2% 23.1% 14.6%
Embroidery No. of
2 3 1 1 2 9
responses
% 1.7% 4.5% .9% 1.2% 7.7% 2.1%
Block-batik No. of
27 13 8 3 1 52
responses
% 22.5% 19.7% 7.0% 3.6% 3.8% 12.1%
Handicrafts No. of
7 3 6 13 29
responses
% 5.8% 4.5% 5.2% 15.7% 6.7%
Design No. of
3 1 4
responses
% 2.5% 1.2% .9%
Livestock No. of
1 2 3 6 1 13
responses
% 4.8% 3.0% 2.6% 7.2% 3.8% 3.0%
Fishery No. of
4 2 2 9 17
responses
% 3.3% 3.0% 1.7% 10.8% 3.9%
Poultry No. of
8 4 3 14 19 3 51
responses
% 6.7% 19.0% 4.5% 12.2% 22.9% 11.5% 11.8%
Food and No. of
1 1 1 1 1 5
Confectionary responses
% .8% 4.8% 1.5% .9% 1.2% 1.2%
Nursery No. of
1 4 5
responses
% 1.5% 4.8% 1.2%
Export No. of
1 1
Promotion responses
% 3.8% .2%
Others No. of
28 2 10 10 5 2 57
responses
% 23.3% 9.5% 15.2% 8.7% 6.0% 7.7% 13.2%
Total Respondents 120 21 66 115 83 26 431

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Training activities provided by Government and Non-Government organizations increased during mid
nineties. It is important to note that the highest number of training was undertaken by 21.5% women
entrepreneurs during 2000-2004 followed by 9.6% during 1995-1999 and 9.1% during 2005-2009. Only
1% women took training during the seventies. 54.6% did not respond or the issue was not applicable,
may be because they had not taken any type of training.

It is observed that the importance and needs of training among the women entrepreneurs as observed
from the survey grew from the 80s, developing further in the 90s and reaching the highest during 2000
to 2004.

Table 101: Year of Training Received

Year of Training Received No %

1970-1974 1 .1
1975-1979 1 .1
1980-1984 6 .6
1985-1989 13 1.2
1990-1994 31 2.9
1995-1999 100 9.6
2000-2004 223 21.5
2005-2009 95 9.1
Valid Respondents 470 45.5
No Response / Not applicable 565 54.6
Total 1035 100.0

13.2 Employment generation

Female Personnel:

In total 89.2% women entrepreneurs had responded to the question related to employment of female
personnel. The greatest numbers of enterprises of the women entrepreneurs (41.67%) had no female
personnel. 17.21% had only one female personnel followed by 16.02% with two female personnel, and
1.19% with 10 female personnel. However, from the survey it was also observed that 0.22% women
entrepreneurs had developed their business and had achieved great heights in their entrepreneurial
activities employing up to 60 female employees.

The employment of female personnel depended on the type of enterprise and the products
manufactured or service offered.. The size of the enterprise and the amount of production decided on
the number of employment required. There were products where only female workers were required,
and there were enterprises usually in the small enterprise sector, which preferred to appoint only
females in their enterprises. Many of the medium sector enterprises required the employment of male
members in order to control production and also for administrative and marketing purposes.

Table 102: Number of Female Personnel Currently Employed

Number of Female No. of %

Personnel Currently responses
Employed
0 385 41.67%
1 159 17.21%
2 148 16.02%
3 69 7.47%

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Number of Female No. of %

Personnel Currently responses
Employed
4 34 3.68%
5 36 3.90%
6 16 1.73%
7 18 1.95%
8 9 0.97%
9 12 1.30%
10 11 1.19%
11 1 0.11%
12 4 0.43%
13 3 0.32%
14 1 0.11%
15 4 0.43%
20 4 0.43%
21 1 0.11%
26 1 0.11%
30 3 0.32%
40 1 0.11%
50 2 0.22%
60 2 0.22%
Total 924 100

Male Personnel:

From the survey it was found that 90.6% of the women entrepreneurs (total number 938 respondents)
employed male personnel in their enterprises. Of them the greatest number was 82.30% women who
employed 1-10 male personnel in their enterprises as their workers. They were followed by only 5.22%
women who employed 11-21 male workers, 3.30% women who employed 22-32 male workers and
2.56% women who employed 33-43 and 44-54 male personnel in their enterprises. It was further
observed that the lowest number of 0.32% women entrepreneurs employed 130-142 males.

It may be mentioned that the greatest numbers of male workers 143-153 was employed by 0.75%
women entrepreneurs. The highest number of female workers was up to 60 only, while male workers
were employed up to 130 to 142 persons by these women entrepreneurs. The reason is that males
were used for various external activities, which were sometimes difficult for women to handle. Moreover
many of the production units required male labour.

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Table 103: Number of Male Personnel Currently Employed

Number of male No. of %

Personnel Currently responses
Employed
1-10 772 82.30%
11-21 49 5.22%
22-32 31 3.30%
33-43 24 2.56%
44-54 24 2.56%
55-65 4 0.43%
66-76 7 0.75%
77-87 4 0.43%
88-98 0 0.00%
90-109 9 0.96%
110-120 4 0.43%
121-131 0 0.00%
132-142 3 0.32%
143-153 7 0.75%
Total valid respondents 938 100.00%

From the survey we found the highest number of personnel currently working in the enterprises was
between 1 and 10 workers in the businesses of 68.1% women entrepreneurs. 11.3% women employed
workers between 11-20 personnel, while 3.6% employed workers between 21 and 30. It is important to
note that the highest number of workers between 141 and 150 were employed by a few 0.4% women. In
the SME sector the smaller enterprises employed fewer personnel while the bigger the enterprise the
greater were the number of personnel employed. It was found that there were no enterprises with
workers between 131 and 140.

Table104: Total No of Personnel Currently Employed

Total Number of No. of %

Personnel Currently responses
Employed
1-10 705 68.1
11-20 117 11.3
21-30 38 3.6
31-40 25 2.4
41-50 27 2.6
51-60 15 1.4
61-70 5 0.4
71-80 3 .2
81-90 1 .1
91-100 6 .6
101-110 3 .3
111-120 1 .1
121-130 1 .1

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Total Number of No. of %

Personnel Currently responses
Employed
131-140 0 0
141-150 4 .4
No Response 109 8.2
Total 1035 100.0

13.3 Skill and performance of enterprise personnel

Regarding skill and performance of personnel, 97.2% of the respondents informed that they were
satisfied with their skill and performance, of which 100% of the women entrepreneurs of Sylhet and
Barisal divisions reported their satisfaction over skill and performance of their personnel.

It is important to judge the skill of the workers employed in order to achieve perfect production and
increase the level of quality of the products. Similarly the performance of the employees have to be
recorded in order to develop in business.

Table 105: Satisfaction Level regarding skill and performance of personnel

Level of Divisions Total

satisfaction Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Satisfied No. of
253 202 135 126 71 58 845
responses
% 99.2% 96.7% 94.4% 94.7% 100.0% 100.0% 97.2%
Not No. of
2 7 8 7 24
satisfied responses
% 0.8% 3.3% 5.6% 5.3% 0% 0% 2.8%
Total 255 209 143 133 71 58 869
Total % 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

13.4 Salary range of workers

From the survey it was found that 72.8% women entrepreneurs responded to the question on the
highest salary paid to the workers. It was seen that the greatest number of women entrepreneurs
32.63% paid salary between BDT 2001-3000, followed by 27.32% who paid between BDT 1001-2000
and 13.93% who paid between BDT 3001-4000. It may be mentioned that 9.28% paid the highest salary
of up to BDT 1000 to the workers and 9.42% paid the highest salary of above BDT 5000 to the workers.

Table 106: Highest Salaries of Workers

Highest Salaries of Workers No. of

(BDT) responses %
UP to 1000 70 9.28%
1001 to 2000 206 27.32%
2001 to 3000 246 32.63%
3001 to 4000 105 13.93%
4001 to 5000 56 7.43%
Above 5000 71 9.42%
Total 754 100%

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From the survey it was found that 71.4% women entrepreneurs responded to the question on the lowest
salary paid to the workers. It was seen that the greatest number of women entrepreneurs 47.90% paid
the lowest salary between BDT 1001-2000, followed by 19.35% who paid between BDT 2001-3000,
while 22.19% paid up to BDT 1000. It may be mentioned that 3.92% paid between BDT 3001 to 4000
and 2.57% paid between BDT 4001 to 5000. Only 4.06% paid the lowest salary of above BDT 5000 to
the workers.

The salary range depended upon the type of enterprise, whether they were of the Small enterprise or of
the Medium enterprise sector. Moreover, production quantity, type of responsibility and activity of the
employees, their education and training, their job criteria were all the deciding factors their salary scale.
Highest salary of up to BDT 1000 and the lowest salary of up to BDT 1000 determined on the condition
and largeness of the enterprises and also the capability of the enterprise owner to pay the salary. It was
observed that very few women entrepreneurs (only 4.06%) had developed themselves and risen to the
position to be able to pay a salary of above BDT 5000 per month to her employees.

Table 107: lowest salaries of Workers

Lowest Salaries of Workers No. of

(BDT) responses %
UP to 1000 164 22.19%
1001 to 2000 354 47.90%
2001 to 3000 143 19.35%
3001 to 4000 29 3.92%
4001 to 5000 19 2.57%
Above 5000 30 4.06%
Total 739 100.00%

13.5 Types of workers employed

Regarding the types of workers employed, the highest number of respondents 75.9% mentioned that
they employed permanent workers. Of these, the highest number was employed by 98.2% women from
Sylhet followed by 92.5% from Barisal, 87.9% from Chittagong, 75.5% from Rajshahi, 74.6% from
Dhaka and 49.3% from Khulna. It was also observed that 33.7% women entrepreneurs employed part
time workers, of whom the highest was in Khulna by 63.6% and the lowest in Barisal by 6%. Some
(11.4%) employed seasonal workers and the highest was observed in Khulna with 23.6% and the
lowest in Barisal 1.5%.

There were other types of workers who were employed by 0.5% women. Of these, the respondents
informed that they usually employed workers depending upon the type of work required for their
enterprises. Sometimes the entrepreneurs themselves worked in their enterprises instead of recruiting
workers. But for special activities and requirements part-time workers were employed. Seasonal
workers were employed for seasonal production or for great order supplies.

Table: 108 Type of workers employed

Type of workers Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Permanent No. of responses 188 163 131 69 62 56 669

% 74.6% 75.5% 87.9% 49.3% 92.5% 98.2% 75.9%
Part-time No. of responses 86 51 37 89 4 30 297
% 34.1% 23.6% 24.8% 63.6% 6.0% 52.6% 33.7%

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Type of workers Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Seasonal No. of responses 42 11 10 33 1 3 100

% 16.7% 5.1% 6.7% 23.6% 1.5% 5.3% 11.4%
Others No. of responses 3 1 4
% 1.2% .5% .5%
Total respondents 252 216 149 140 67 57 881

13.6 Problems faced by employers

It was found that only 13.8% of the respondents faced problems with employees. Of which, the highest
was in Rajshahi, 17.2% and lowest in Barisal 3.3%. Among those who did not face any problems with
employees was highest in Barisal with 96.7% and the lowest was in Rajshahi 82.8%.

Table 109: Problems faced with employees

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Yes 50 40 26 15 3 8 142
% 15.9% 17.2% 14.4% 10.0% 3.3% 13.3% 13.8%
No 265 193 154 135 87 52 886
% 84.1% 82.8% 85.6% 90.0% 96.7% 86.7% 86.2%
Total 315 233 180 150 90 60 1028
Total % 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Regarding the types of problems encountered by employers the study revealed that out of 47.8% valid
respondents, 10.10% women entrepreneurs were faced with workers who were unreliable and
neglected their work, 8.28% faced problems with workers who complained of non-fulfilment of basic
needs due to low salary, 7.68% faced problems due to unskilled workmanship, while 3.5% suffered
problems from lack of punctuality of workers and 7.07% were inattentive in work. 5.45% faced
problems as workers did their job temporarily, 5.25% found that workers were irregular and stayed
absent from work.

4.85% faced problems of high labour costs and also the problems of workers who lacked the sense of
duties and responsibilities. 4. 85% had problems when workers took payment but left the jobs suddenly
without notice, while 4.65% were found inattentive, careless and had low interest in work. 4.44% women
found workers to have been socially harassed. 4.44% also detected workers stealing products of the
enterprises or involved with irregular delivery of goods from employees.

4.24% also faced problems since the employees were illiterate, while 4.04% found that the women
employees left home for household works during working hours and 1.6% identified workers who
violated organizational rules and regulations.

Problems created disturbances in the regular activities of the enterprises including production,
marketing, raw material collection and other administrative responsibilities. Workers’ problems were
very difficult to meet as they were usually united with respect to their demands. Workers problems
hampered the normal programmes of the business.

Table: 110 Problems encountered by the employers

Sl Types of problems encountered No. of %

responses
1 Workers were unreliable and neglected their work 50 10.10%
2 Non-fulfilment of basic needs due to low salary 41 8.28%

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Sl Types of problems encountered No. of %

responses
3 Unskilled Workers 38 7.68%
4 Lack of Punctuality 36 7.27%
6 Inattentive in work 35 7.07%
5 Worked temporarily 27 5.45%
7 Irregular and stayed absent from work 26 5.25%
8 High labour costs 24 4.85%
9 Workers lacked sense of duties and responsibilities 24 4.85%
10 Took payment but left jobs suddenly 24 4.85%
11 Careless in work 23 4.65%
12 Low interest for work 23 4.65%
13 Social Harassment 22 4.44%
14 Stealing of Enterprise Products 22 4.44%
15 Irregular Delivery of goods from employees 22 4.44%
16 Illiterate 21 4.24%
17 Women left for home for house-work during working hours 20 4.04%
18 Violated rules and regulation 17 3.43%
21 Total 495 100.00%

13.7 Bonus/incentives to workers

Bonus and incentives were given to employees by 47.9% of the women entrepreneurs. Of these the
highest were by the women entrepreneurs of Dhaka, 62.7% and lowest by those of Khulna 32.7%.
Among those who did not give any bonus or incentives, the highest was from Khulna 67.3% and the
lowest from Dhaka 37.3%.

Table 111: Bonus/incentive paid to employees

Bonus/incentive paid to Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
employees
Yes 193 105 77 49 41 26 491
% 62.7% 44.5% 42.8% 32.7% 45.6% 43.3% 47.9%
No 115 131 103 101 49 34 533
% 37.3% 55.5% 57.2% 67.3% 54.4% 56.7% 52.1%
Total response 308 236 180 150 90 60 1024
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

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CHAPTER – 14

14.0 SOURCES OF CAPITAL

14.1 Investment in business (Initial & Current)

From the survey it was found that among the 1011 women entrepreneurs who responded, the initial
investment (Equity) by the greatest number of women entrepreneurs (21.96%) was BDT 10001- 30000.
The least number of women (1.68%) invested BDT 110001-130000. The maximum investment was by
16.32% women who invested above BDT 150000, and the minimum investment was up to BDT 10,000
by 21.36% women.
Table 112: Initial Investments (Equity)

SL Size of equity (BDT) No. of %

No. responses
1 UP to 10000 216 21.36%
2 10001 to 30000 222 21.96%
3 30001 to 50000 167 16.52%
4 50001-70000 63 6.23%
5 70001-90000 64 6.33%
6 90001-110000 74 7.32%
7 110001-130000 17 1.68%
8 130001-150000 23 2.27%
9 Above 150000 165 16.32%
Total 1011 100.00%

From the survey it was found that the initial investment through loan by the greatest number of women
entrepreneurs (31%) was up to BDT10000, which was also the minimum investment. The least number
of women (14%) invested the maximum through loan which was above BDT 50000. There were only
221 women entrepreneurs who responded to this question.

Table113: Initial Investment in BDT (loan)

SL No. Size of Loan (BDT) Number of %

responses
1 UP to 10000 69 31%
2 10001 to 30000 67 30%
3 30001 to 50000 53 24%
4 Above 50000 32 14%
Total 221 100%

From the survey it was found that the Total Initial Investment was the greatest among 36% women
entrepreneurs who invested between BDT 10001-50000 and the least was of 16% women who invested
up to BDT 10000. The maximum investment was by 24% women who invested above BDT 100000 and
the total minimum initial investment was by 16% women entrepreneurs who invested up to BDT 10000
only. The valid respondents were 792 women entrepreneurs.

Initial investment for business is one of the main obstacles to the starting of enterprises by women in
Bangladesh. Though there are many methods provided by various financial institutions and other
sources, yet these opportunities have always been very difficult for women to attain. It is not possible to

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start business without capital, but women till to-day find it extremely difficult to manage this money,
inspite of the offers provided for them. Some of the women entrepreneurs have invested quite a big
amount which show that women are capable of achieving their pursuits with their determination and
courage.

Table114: Initial Investment in BDT (total)

SL No. Total Size of Investment Number of responses %

1 UP to 10000 123 16%
2 10001 to 50000 288 36%
3 50001 to 100000 188 24%
4 Above 100000 193 24%
Total 792 100%

From the survey it was found that among the 832 women entrepreneurs who responded, the current
investment (Equity) by the greatest number of women entrepreneurs (34%) was BDT 50001- 100000.
The least number of women (8%) invested BDT 150001-200000. The maximum investment was by 22%
women who invested above BDT 200000, and the minimum investment was up to BDT 50,000 by 23%
women.
Table 115: Current Investment in BDT (equity)

SL No. Current equity Number of responses %

1 Up to 50000 195 23%
2 50001 to 100000 282 34%
3 100001 to 150000 108 13%
4 150001 to 200000 65 8%
5 Above 200000 182 22%
Total 832 100%

From the survey it was found that the current investment through loan by the greatest number of women
entrepreneurs (30%) was above BDT 50000, which was also the maximum investment. The least
number of women (6%) invested between BDT 30000 – 40000 through loan. The minimum investment
through loan was up to BDT 10000. There were only 420 women entrepreneurs who responded to this
question.
Table-116: Current Investment in BDT (loan)

SL No. Current (Loan) Number of responses %

1 Up to 10000 55 13%
2 10001 to 20000 83 20%
3 20001 to 30000 67 16%
4 30001 to 40000 27 6%
5 40001 to 50000 60 14%
6 Above 50000 128 30%
Total 420 100%

From the survey it was found that the Total current Investment was the greatest among 31% women
entrepreneurs who invested between BDT 50,001 – 100000. and the least was by 9% women who
invested BDT 150001 - 200000. The total maximum investment was by 31% women who invested
above BDT 200000 and the total minimum investment was by 12% women entrepreneurs who invested
up to BDT 50000 only. The valid respondents were 816 women entrepreneurs.

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Table 117: Current Investment in BDT (total)

SL No. Current total investment Number of responses %

1 Up to 50000 101 12%
2 50001 to 100000 250 31%
3 100001 to 150000 141 17%
4 150001 to 200000 73 9%
Above 200000 251 31%
Total 816 100%

Figure 8: Distribution of women entrepreneurs

according to their current Investment in BDT (total)

200,000 + Up to 50,000
31% 12%

150,001- 200,000
9% 50,001-100,000
31%
100,001 - 150,000
17%

12.2 Sources of capital (initial & Current)

The survey revealed that the majority of the women entrepreneurs 87.5% managed their sources of
initial capital out of their own savings. This was a very interesting since women usually did not have
much savings nor did they always inherit property in this male-dominated society. It was the confidence
of these women which instigated their endeavours for the attainment of their initial capital. Another
important instance is the information of 32.2% women whose husbands provided them the initial capital.
Fathers provided 7% of the women.

NGOs provided 7% while the Government Agencies provided 6.7% of such capital to the women. 3.6%
were provided by their friends, 3.3% by their mothers, and 2.4% by Non-Bank Financial Companies.
Both Public and Private Commercial Banks provided 1.1% of the women, .9% managed their capital
from Money lenders and 0.6% managed their money through their inherited property. It was observed
that 2.3% received their initial capital from other unspecified sources. There were multiple responses
and percentages were calculated on the basis of total respondents.

It was observed that 2.3% received their initial capital from other unspecified sources. Of these were
NGO BRAC, Milk Vita and Jatiya Mahila Sangstha. Some received their initial capital from relatives,
brothers, sisters, uncles and father-in-laws.

Table-118: Sources of Initial Capital

Sources of initial capital Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
Own savings No. of
275 229 137 127 89 41 898
responses
% 88.1% 97.0% 76.5% 85.2% 98.9% 68.3% 87.5%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sources of initial capital Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
Father No. of
20 18 8 10 9 7 72
responses
% 6.4% 7.6% 4.5% 6.7% 10.0% 11.7% 7.0%
Mother No. of
3 5 2 9 15 34
responses
% 1.0% 2.1% 1.1% 6.0% 16.7% 3.3%
Husband No. of
80 67 73 61 22 27 330
responses
% 25.6% 28.4% 40.8% 40.9% 24.4% 45.0% 32.2%
Friends No. of
4 3 29 1 37
responses
% 1.3% 1.3% 16.2% .7% 3.6%
NGO No. of
24 6 8 27 3 4 72
responses
% 7.7% 2.5% 4.5% 18.1% 3.3% 6.7% 7.0%
Others No. of
11 4 4 3 2 24
responses
% 3.5% 1.7% 2.2% 2.0% 3.3% 2.3%
Government No. of
14 11 8 20 16 69
agencies responses
% 4.5% 4.7% 4.5% 13.4% 17.8% 6.7%
Money lender No. of
2 2 5 9
responses
% .8% 1.1% 5.6% .9%
Public C No. of
2 1 3 5 11
Bank responses
% .6% .4% 1.7% 5.6% 1.1%
Private C No. of
1 3 2 5 11
Bank responses
% .3% 1.3% 1.3% 8.3% 1.1%
Non-bank No. of
1 2 20 2 25
financing responses
company %
.3% .8% 11.2% 1.3% 2.4%
Inherited No. of
1 2 1 2 6
property responses
% .3% .8% .6% 1.3% .6%
Total Respondents 312 236 179 149 90 60 1026
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

The survey revealed that the majority of the women entrepreneurs 92.4% had their sources of current
capital from their own savings. The fact remains that women have very little opportunities to approach
both people and organizations for the development of their business. Since there were multiple
responses, percentages were calculated on the basis of total respondents

It was interesting to note that 27.6% of the women’s husbands provided them the sources of current
capital, fathers provided the current capital to 4.5% women, mother provided 1.5% of the women. This
shows that there were families where the women were assisted by their family members in investing
money to become entrepreneurs.

13.3% of the women obtained their capital also from Government Agencies, 13% from NGOs, 4.9%
from Non-Bank Financing Companies, 4.7% from Private Commercial banks and 2.6% from Public

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Commercial Banks. It was noted that friends provided 3.2%, while 0.8% borrowed the money from
Money Lenders.

Table 119 informs that 3.5% managed their current capital from various other sources. Of these some
received from NGOs BRAC, Green Hill, ASA and Grameen Bank. Some managed current capital from
Mahila Samity loans, government agencies, non-government organizations, while others managed from
sons, brothers and uncles.

It was noted that friends provided 3.2%, while 0.8% borrowed the money from Money Lenders. It as
informed that 3.5% manage their current capital from various other sources. Since there were multiple
responses, percentages were calculated on the basis of total respondents.

Table 119: Sources of current capital

Sources of current Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

capital
Own No. of
294 213 165 143 89 38 942
savings responses
% 94.5% 92.2% 92.2% 95.3% 98.9% 65.5% 92.4%
Father No. of
10 19 2 9 3 3 46
responses
% 3.2% 8.2% 1.1% 6.0% 3.3% 5.2% 4.5%
Mother No. of
1 4 8 1 1 15
responses
% .3% 1.7% 5.3% 1.1% 1.7% 1.5%
Husband No. of
78 63 57 54 5 24 281
responses
% 25.1% 27.3% 31.8% 36.0% 5.6% 41.4% 27.6%
Friends No. of
2 30 1 33
responses
% .6% 16.8% 1.7% 3.2%
NGO No. of
47 12 26 34 3 10 132
responses
% 15.1% 5.2% 14.5% 22.7% 3.3% 17.2% 13.0%
Government No. of
66 14 21 12 14 9 136
agencies responses
% 21.2% 6.1% 11.7% 8.0% 15.6% 15.5% 13.3%
Money No. of
2 3 3 8
lender responses
% .6% 1.7% 3.3% .8%
Public No. of
3 3 8 8 4 26
Commercial responses
Bank %
1.0% 1.3% 4.5% 5.3% 4.4% 2.6%
Private No. of
15 7 7 10 9 48
Commercial responses
Bank %
4.8% 3.0% 3.9% 6.7% 15.5% 4.7%
Non-bank No. of
14 4 25 5 2 50
financing responses
company %
4.5% 1.7% 14.0% 3.3% 3.4% 4.9%
Others No. of
11 5 14 4 2 36

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sources of current Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

capital
responses
% 3.5% 2.2% 7.8% 2.7% 3.4% 3.5%
Total Respondents 311 231 179 150 90 58 1019
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

14.3 Types of guarantee provided for loans

From the survey it was revealed that there various types of guarantee provided for taking loans. Among
them 66.4% of the women entrepreneurs provided the personal guarantee for taking loans. 10.6%
provided land mortgage 7% provided house mortgage and 3.4% gave ornaments as guarantee. These
were the main types of guarantee provided.

There were multiple responses and percentages were calculated on the basis of total respondents.
Without guarantee women could not get loans for their business development. Guarantees for loan
sanction is one of the major problems faced by the women in business, since it is hard for women to find
guarantors for their loans. It was learnt from the women attending the FGD and Planning workshop in
Khulna that one of the guarantors in receiving loans had to be their husbands, and it was very difficult
for majority of the women to take loans as their husbands refused to be their guarantors. Similar was
the information from the women of many a district where the survey was conducted. Sometimes banks
refused to sanction loans as they thought that the guarantors were fictitious.

It was found from Table 120 that 18.5% women entrepreneurs mentioned that they had provided
various other unspecified types of guarantees for taking loans. Among those were mortgage of their
shops, land, show-rooms, business and assets. Some took loans through guarantee of their friends,
cash in banks, trade license, savings accounts, DPS accounts, savings groups. Some took loans
without any guarantee while Jatiya Mohila Sangstha assisted some in taking loans.

Table120: Types of guarantee provided for taking loan

Type of guarantee Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Land No. of
15 4 8 17 44
Mortgage respondents
% 11.0% 6.1% 9.5% 22.1% 10.6%
House No. of
6 5 5 6 2 5 29
Mortgage respondents
% 4.4% 7.6% 6.0% 7.8% 7.1% 19.2% 7.0%
Ornaments No. of
2 2 1 9 14
respondents
% 1.5% 3.0% 1.2% 11.7% 3.4%
Guarantee No. of
98 31 71 37 26 14 277
by Persons respondents
% 72.1% 47.0% 84.5% 48.1% 92.9% 53.8% 66.4%
Others No. of
25 27 6 12 7 77
respondents
% 18.4% 40.9% 7.1% 15.6% 26.9% 18.5%
Total Respondents 136 66 84 77 28 26 417
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

14.4 Type of assets procured

Regarding holding of assets, 83.7% mentioned that they held various types of assets. Of these the
highest was by the women enterprisers of Barisal with 92.22% followed by Khulna with 91.33%,
Rajshahi 84.58%, Dhaka with 84.76%, Chittagong with 81.11% and Sylhet with 48.33%. Of those who
did not have any assets the lowest 7.78% were the women entrepreneurs of Barisal, and the most who
did not hold any assets were 51.67% from Sylhet.

It must be mentioned that since women usually did not inherit property from their families and also did
not all earn by themselves they found it hard to attain assets. It was because women had become
entrepreneurs and started earning for themselves, it was thus possible for them to attain assets with
their own income earnings.
Table 121: Information on assets

Responses Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Yes 267 203 146 137 83 29 865
% 84.76% 84.58% 81.11% 91.33% 92.22% 48.33% 83.57%
No 48 37 34 13 7 31 170
% 15.24% 15.42% 18.89% 8.67% 7.78% 51.67% 16.43%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
responses
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

Among the assets held by the women entrepreneurs were ornaments by 62.4%, the highest of them
(77.2%) being in Dhaka, followed by 69.5% in Rajshahi, 64.3% in Barisal, 62% in Khulna, 51.7% in
Sylhet and 27% in Chittagong. Houses were bought by 57.6%. Of which, the highest was by 72.9%
women of Rajshahi and the lowest 24.1% in Sylhet.

Furniture was owned by 56.5% women, Cash by 41.8% and Electronic Equipments by 24%, Car by
1.8% and Share / Bond by 0.6%. The survey informs that 12% of the women were owners of domestic
animal as seen especially in the rural areas.

Table 122 informs that 3.8% of the women entrepreneurs owned various other types of assets. Among
these were weaving items, land, sewing machine, and radio. One of the women entrepreneurs owned a
market.

The ownership of assets portrays the income earning of the women entrepreneurs, the issue of using
their income and savings for asset ownership and the far-sighted thinking of these women for future
development and prestige in society.

Table 122: Assets of Women Entrepreneurs

Type of Assets Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Cash No. of
117 146 41 41 4 17 366
responses
% 43.8% 69.5% 27.7% 29.9% 4.8% 58.6% 41.8%
Ornaments No. of
206 146 40 85 54 15 546
responses
% 77.2% 69.5% 27.0% 62.0% 64.3% 51.7% 62.4%
Furniture No. of
186 126 47 58 56 21 494
responses
% 69.7% 60.0% 31.8% 42.3% 66.7% 72.4% 56.5%
Domestic No. of
15 32 23 32 3 105

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Type of Assets Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

animal Responses
% 5.6% 15.2% 15.5% 23.4% 3.6% 12.0%
Share/ No. of
5 - - - - - 5
Bond responses
% 1.9% .6%
Car No. of
4 3 6 3 16
responses
% 1.5% 1.4% 4.1% 10.3% 1.8%
Electronic No. of
115 12 3 9 70 1 210
equipment responses
% 43.1% 5.7% 2.0% 6.6% 83.3% 3.4% 24.0%
House No. of
116 153 97 73 58 7 504
responses
% 43.4% 72.9% 65.5% 53.3% 69.0% 24.1% 57.6%
Others No. of
13 5 8 6 1 33
responses
% 4.9% 2.4% 5.4% 4.4% 3.4% 3.8%
Total respondents 267 210 148 137 84 29 875
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

14.5 Property inheritance

The survey revealed that only 21.84% of the women entrepreneurs of the total respondents of
Bangladesh did inherit property. Of these, the highest number (37.78%) was from Barisal, followed by
24.44% women from Chittagong, 20.42% from Rajshahi, 19.68% from Dhaka, 19.33% from Khulna and
13.33% from Sylhet. Among the women entrepreneurs who did not own any property the highest was in
Sylhet 86.67% and the lowest in Barisal 62.22%.

Table 123: Inheritance of property

Responses Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Yes 62 49 44 29 34 8 226
% 19.68% 20.42% 24.44% 19.33% 37.78% 13.33% 21.84%
No 253 191 136 121 56 52 809
% 80.32% 79.58% 75.56% 80.67% 62.22% 86.67% 78.16%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

Regarding type of property inheritance, 73% of the women informed that they received land, 21.4%
received houses, 1.9% received cash, 0.6% received furniture, household items and electronic
equipments, 2.5% received various other things. Of the land inherited 89.5% were by the women of
Chittagong 85.7% of Barisal, 80% 0f Sylhet, 68.3% of Dhaka, 67.4% of Rajshahi and 60% of Khulna.

It is seen in Bangladesh that women usually do not inherit property because of male dominated systems
within the society. However, with the empowerment of women through their education, economic
solvency and their attainment of their status in society, they have achieved their rights and successfully
inherited their property.

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Table 124: Type of property inherited

Type of property Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Land No. of
28 29 34 15 6 4 116
responses
% 68.3% 67.4% 89.5% 60.0% 85.7% 80.0% 73.0%
House No. of
11 11 4 8 34
responses
% 26.8% 25.6% 10.5% 32.0% 21.4%
Cash/ Share/ No. of
- - - 1 1 1 3
Bond responses
% 4.0% 14.3% 20.0% 1.9%
Furniture No. of
- - - 1 - - 1
responses
% 4.0% .6%
Household No. of
- 1 - - - - 1
items/ responses
Electronic %
equipment 2.3% .6%

Others No. of
2 2 - - - - 4
responses
% 4.9% 4.7% 2.5%
Total 41 43 38 25 7 5 159
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Inheritance of property by women entrepreneurs showed that 83.5% inherited from fathers 7% from
mothers .6% from grand fathers 8.9% from others.

Table 125: Sources of inheritance of property

Sources of inheritance Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Father No. of
21 26 34 17 30 4 132
responses
% 75.0% 76.5% 97.1% 68.0% 96.8% 80.0% 83.5%
Mother No. of
3 1 7 - - 11
responses
% 10.7% 2.9% 28.0% 7.0%
Grand father No. of
- 1 - - - - 1
responses
% 2.9% .6%
Others No. of
4 6 1 1 1 1 14
responses
% 14.3% 17.6% 2.9% 4.0% 3.2% 20.0% 8.9%
Total 28 34 35 25 31 5 158
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

14.6 Information on ownership of land

Among all the women entrepreneurs throughout Bangladesh, only 14.40% informed that they had
bought land through their business income though the amount was negligible but the incidence was of
great importance because women generally did not invest money in landed property in Bangladesh. Of

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

these, the highest number of women (18.33%) was in Rajshahi followed by 18% in Khulna 14.92% in
Dhaka 12.22% in Chittagong 6.67% in Sylhet and only 5.56% in Barisal.

Table126: Purchase of land

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Yes 47 44 22 27 5 4 149
% 14.92% 18.33% 12.22% 18.00% 5.56% 6.67% 14.40%
No 268 196 158 123 85 56 886
% 85.08% 81.67% 87.78% 82.00% 94.44% 93.33% 85.60%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

It was learnt from the survey that 14.40% of the women entrepreneurs had bought land after their
success in business. The greatest number of women 69.1% had bought land ranging from .01-.10
decimals, while 12% had bought land ranging from .11 - .20 decimals and 12% had bought .21 - .30
decimals of land. The highest amount of land .71- .80 decimals of land was bought by .8% only and
similarly .61- .70 decimal was also bought by .8% of women entrepreneurs. It was important to note
that, 85.60% of women entrepreneurs did not buy any land.

It must be remembered that women do not always have the opportunity to buy land as they are not
economically solvent. But due to the women’s entrance into the profession of entrepreneurship, their
earning capacity had increased and they had the opportunity of saving enough money in order to be
able to buy land. This was unheard of in this country before the 60s and the 70s. Today women
entrepreneurs mention with pride their ability to buy land as their male counterparts and be accepted in
society in equal capacity as men.

Table 127: Amount of land Purchased

Amount of No. of
%
land (in Acre) Responses
.01 -.10 103 69.1
.11-.20 18 12
.21-.30 18 12
.31-.40 4 2.7
.41-.50 1 .8
.51-.60 1 .8
.61-.70 1 .8
.71-.80 1 .8
Total 149 100

14.7 Impression of women entrepreneurs regarding receiving of Bank Loans

Regarding first impression in receiving loans from private banks, the majority 38.4% of women
entrepreneurs of all the divisions expressed good impression, 28.3% expressed moderate impression,
20.4% very good, 8.8% excellent and only 4.1% experienced bad impressions.

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Table-128: First impressions of women entrepreneurs

with regards to receiving loan from private bank

Impression Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

No. of responses 15 4 5 - - 4 28
Excellent
% 9.6% 10.5% 7.4% - - 23.5% 8.8%
No. of responses 38 10 8 2 - 7 65
Very good
% 24.2% 26.3% 11.8% 18.2% - 41.2% 20.4%
No. of responses 40 13 36 1 27 5 122
Good
% 25.5% 34.2% 52.9% 9.1% 100.0% 29.4% 38.4%
No. of responses 62 3 18 7 - - 90
Moderate
% 39.5% 7.9% 26.5% 63.6% - - 28.3%
No. of responses 2 8 1 1 - 1 13
Bad
% 1.3% 21.1% 1.5% 9.1% 5.9% 4.1%
Total 157 38 68 11 27 17 318
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Table 129 informed regarding first impression in receiving loans from public banks. It was found that the
majority (33.3%) of the women entrepreneurs of all the divisions had good impression 28.9% had
moderate impression, 24.4% had very good 11.7% had bad and only 1.7% had excellent impressions.

Table-129: First impressions of women entrepreneurs

with regards to receive loan from Public bank

Impressions Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

No. of
1 - 1 - 1 - 3
Excellent responses
% .8% 3.4% 20.0% 1.7%
No. of
Very 39 1 4 - - - 44
responses
good
% 32.8% 5.6% 13.8% 24.4%
No. of
37 9 5 5 4 - 60
Good responses
% 31.1% 50.0% 17.2% 83.3% 80.0% 33.3%
No. of
32 1 18 1 - - 52
Moderate responses
% 26.9% 5.6% 62.1% 16.7% 28.9%
No. of
10 7 1 - - 3 21
Bad responses
% 8.4% 38.9% 3.4% 100.0% 11.7%
Total 119 18 29 6 5 3 180
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

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The survey revealed that with regard to receiving loans from Non-banking financial companies the first
impression of women entrepreneurs showed that the majority 32.9% had very good impression, 29.5%
had good impression, 17.8% had moderate 11.6% had excellent and only 8.2% had bad impressions.

Table-130: First impressions of women entrepreneurs

with regards to receive loan from Non-Banking Financial Company

Impressions Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

No. of responses 7 2 7 - 1 - 17
Excellent
% 11.1% 7.4% 14.3% - 100.0% - 11.6%
No. of responses 23 1 20 4 - - 48
Very good
% 36.5% 3.7% 40.8% 80.0% - - 32.9%
No. of responses 11 13 17 1 - 1 43
Good
% 17.5% 48.1% 34.7% 20.0% - 100.0% 29.5%
No. of responses 19 3 4 - - - 26
Moderate
% 30.2% 11.1% 8.2% 17.8%
No. of responses 3 8 1 - - - 12
Bad
% 4.8% 29.6% 2.0% - - - 8.2%
Total 63 27 49 5 1 1 146
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

First impression of women entrepreneurs with regard to receiving loans from NGOs showed that the
majority of the women entrepreneurs (35%) had good impression, 22.8% had excellent impression,
21.3% had very good, 16% had moderate and only 4.2% had bad impressions.

Table-131: First impression of women entrepreneurs with regards to receiving loan from NGO

Impressions Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

No. of responses 11 18 10 12 5 4 60
Excellent
% 9.1% 48.6% 23.3% 27.9% 83.3% 30.8% 22.8%
No. of responses 31 1 10 9 - 5 56
Very good
% 25.6% 2.7% 23.3% 20.9% 38.5% 21.3%
No. of responses 69 9 8 3 1 4 94
Good
% 57.0% 24.3% 18.6% 7.0% 16.7% 30.8% 35.7%
No. of responses 9 3 14 16 - - 42
Moderate
% 7.4% 8.1% 32.6% 37.2% - - 16.0%
No. of responses 1 6 1 3 - - 11
Bad
% .8% 16.2% 2.3% 7.0% - - 4.2%
Total 121 37 43 43 6 13 263
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Regarding first impression of women entrepreneurs in receiving loans from government agencies the
majority 26.7% of the women expressed both excellent and good impression. Again 19.4% of the
women expressed both very good and moderate impression. Only 7.8% experienced bad impression.

Table-132: First impressions of women entrepreneurs

with regards to receiving loan from Government Agencies

Impressions Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

No. of responses 23 4 3 - 24 4 58
Excellent
% 22.5% 19.0% 9.7% - 100.0% 50.0% 26.7%
No. of responses 23 2 8 8 - 1 42
Very good
% 22.5% 9.5% 25.8% 25.8% - 12.5% 19.4%
No. of responses 29 5 2 19 - 3 58
Good
% 28.4% 23.8% 6.5% 61.3% - 37.5% 26.7%
No. of responses 23 3 12 4 - - 42
Moderate
% 22.5% 14.3% 38.7% 12.9% - - 19.4%
No. of responses 4 7 6 - - - 17
Bad
% 3.9% 33.3% 19.4% - - - 7.8%
Total 102 21 31 31 24 8 217
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

With regards to impression in receiving loan from money lenders, the highest number of women (45.8%)
mentioned that they had moderate impression, 22.4% had good and 18.7% had bad impression, while
8.4% and 4.7% expressed their excellent and very good impression. Amongst the divisions 73.1% of the
women entrepreneurs of Chittagong, 66.7% of Khulna, 41.5% of Dhaka and 10% of Rajshahi expressed
their moderate impression. 33.8% women of Dhaka expressed good impression. 12.3% of Dhaka
expressed bad impression about receiving loans from money lenders, while 90.0% of the women of
Rajshahi division expressed their bad impression about it.

Table133: First impression of women entrepreneurs

with regards to receiving loan from money lender

Impressions Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

No. of responses 4 - 2 - 3 - 9
Excellent
% 6.2% - 7.7% - 100.0% - 8.4%
No. of responses 4 - 1 - - - 5
Very good
% 6.2% - 3.8% - - - 4.7%
No. of responses 22 - 2 - - - 24
Good
% 33.8% - 7.7% - - - 22.4%
No. of responses 27 1 19 2 - - 49
Moderate
% 41.5% 10.0% 73.1% 66.7% - - 45.8%
No. of responses 8 9 2 1 - - 20
Bad
% 12.3% 90.0% 7.7% 33.3% - - 18.7%
Total 65 10 26 3 3 - 107
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

With regards to receiving loan from other sources majority of the women entrepreneurs (24.2%)
mentioned that they had moderate impression, 21.2% had both good and bad, while 18.2% of women
had excellent impression. 15.2% expressed very good impression. Amongst all the divisions, 66.7% and
33.3% of the women entrepreneurs of Chittagong expressed excellent and very good impression, 50%
of Khulna expressed very good and good impression. It was observed that women of Dhaka division
expressed 45.5% moderate impression and 27.3% expressed about their good and bad impressions.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Among all the divisions only the women entrepreneurs (41.2%) of Rajshahi division mentioned that they
had bad impression.

It is important to note that the first impressions of women entrepreneurs with regards to receiving loans
from various sources were expressed in different ways. Some expressed that their impressions were
excellent, some mentioned very good, some said it was good and some moderate. There were many
who expressed that their impressions were bad. Receiving loans from Private banks, Public banks and
Non Banking Financial Companies involved various formalities, requirements and guarantees. Women
faced problems in these cases as managing guarantees was very problematic for the women
entrepreneurs. Moreover, receiving loans from NGOs did not always fulfil the requirements for their
entrepreneurial activities. Government Agencies provided loans to women entrepreneurs but these were
not always easily available on instant demand for their requirements. Money lenders provided loans but
most of the time they demanded high interest rates which became a crisis for the women to pay back in
time. There were other sources for loans, including loans from friends, family and relatives.

Table-134: First impression of women entrepreneurs

with regards to receiving loan from other sources

Impressions Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

No. of responses 3 1 2 - - - 6
Excellent
% 27.3% 5.9% 66.7% - - - 18.2%
No. of responses - 3 1 1 - - 5
Very good
% - 17.6% 33.3% 50.0% - - 15.2%
No. of responses 3 3 - 1 - - 7
Good
% 27.3% 17.6% - 50.0% - - 21.2%
No. of responses 5 3 - - - - 8
Moderate
% 45.5% 17.6% - - - - 24.2%
No. of responses - 7 - - - - 7
Bad
% - 41.2% - - - - 21.2%
Total 11 17 3 2 - - 33
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

14.8 Special credit programme of Bangladesh Bank/SME Foundation

Government has initiated various supports for the development of women entrepreneurship in
Bangladesh. Among them was the Bangladesh Bank Programme for SME development. However,
knowledge about the Bangladesh Bank (SEF) Program was known to only 11% of the respondents, of
whom the highest (17.2%) were from Chittagong followed by 11% from Khulna, 10.0% from Rajshahi,
9.8% from Dhaka, 3.3% from Barisal, and only 11.6% from Sylhet. The Bangladesh Bank Programme
known as Small Enterprise Fund (SEF) has not been properly introduced, nor is the programme known
to all women entrepreneurs. In many divisions it was ascertained through Key Informants Meetings that
the Bangladesh Bank Programme was not known to the majority of the women entrepreneurs and there
is no such publicity of this programme by both the public and private banks.

Table 135: Knowledge about the Bangladesh Bank program

Divisions Total
Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Responses
No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %
Yes 31 9.8% 24 10% 31 17.2% 16 11% 3 3.3% 7 11.6% 112 11%
No 284 90% 216 90% 149 83% 134 89% 87 97% 53 88% 923 89%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Divisions Total
Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Responses
No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %
Total 315 100% 240 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1035 100%

For the women entrepreneurs SME Foundation has also developed programmes especially for the growth of
entrepreneurship in the country. The survey revealed that only 14% women had knowledge about the
programme. Among the respondents knowledge about the SME Foundation program was found to be the highest
among 40% women who were from Barisal followed by 24% from Chittagong, 10% from Dhaka, 10% from
Sylhet, 8% from Rajshahi and 7% from Khulna.

The 2 Special Credit Programmes of the government, the Bangladesh Bank Programme and the SME
Foundation Programme has been initiated for the growth of women entrepreneurship and also for encouraging
other women to take up this profession. But initiative for the introduction of the programmes among the women
has not been encouraging especially among the public and private banks and also the Non-bank Financing
Institutions. Having the opportunities, yet not having the information and knowledge of the sources, have been
one of the great impediments for the success of the women entrepreneurs.

Table 136: Knowledge about the SME Foundation program

Divisions
Response Total %
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
10
Yes 32 20 8% 44 24% 11 7% 36 40% 6 10% 149 14%
%
90
No 283 220 92% 136 76% 139 93% 54 60% 54 90% 886 86%
%
100 100 100 100
Total 315 240 100% 180 150 90 100% 60 100% 1035
% % % %

Regarding implementation status of the Refinancing Scheme program of the Bangladesh Bank, 9% of the
respondents informed that they had applied for loan under this program to Bank/Non-Bank Financial institutions
of the highest number (26%) was from Barisal. 53% of the respondents mentioned that they had not applied for
loan under this program of which the highest number (73%) was from Rajshahi and the lowest (1%) from Sylhet.
Only 2% of the respondents had applied but not yet received any loan while 36% had no knowledge about the
Refinancing Scheme.

Lack of information, lack of knowledge on loan procedures, inability of providing the required papers for loan
sanction, harassment by the loan officials of the banks and other financing institutions have resulted in the low
approach for loans.

Table 137: Implementation Status of the Refinancing Scheme program

Division wise Responses

Implementation Status Total
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Applied for loan under this program 21 6 23 20 23 2 95
to Bank/ Non-bank Financial
institutions 7% 3% 13% 13% 26% 3% 9%
Not applied for loan under this 171 174 108 54 1 43 551
program to Bank /Non-bank
Financial institutions 54% 73% 60% 36% 1% 72% 53%
7 5 - 4 - 1 17

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 130

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Division wise Responses

Implementation Status Total
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Applied to Bank/ Non-bank 7 5 - 4 - 1 17
Financial institutions under
2% 2% - 3% - 2% 2%
program, but not yet received loan
No knowledge about Refinancing 116 55 49 72 66 14 372
Scheme 37% 23% 27% 48% 73% 23% 36%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Figure 9: Status of Refinancing Scheme program with the women entrepreneurs

Applied , but not

yet received loan
2% No knowledge
about t he schme
36%
Not applied f or
loan under t he
scheme
Received loan
53%
under t he scheme
9%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 15

15.0 BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

15.1 Business plan

It was an assuring answer when 56% of the respondents informed that they did have business plan. Of
these, the highest 83% was from Chittagong division followed by Sylhet 78%, Dhaka 71%, Khulna 37%,
Barisal 33% and Rajshahi 29%. It was a matter of great importance to know that at least more than 50%
women entrepreneurs had business plans.

Table 138: Possession of Business Plan

Division wise Responses Total

Response Responses
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Yes 224 71% 71 30% 150 83% 55 37% 30 33% 47 78% 577 56%
No 91 29% 169 70% 30 17% 95 63% 60 67% 13 22% 458 44%
Total 315 100% 240 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1035 100%

Of the 56% respondents who prepared business plans the survey revealed that 71% of the respondents
informed that they themselves prepared their business plans. Only 3% engaged individual consultants
and 9% employed others for the job. 17% of the respondents did not respond to the question.

Table 139: Preparation of business plan

Prepared Division wise Responses Total

by Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Responses
Self 121 54% 63 89% 131 87% 50 91% 22 73% 21 45% 408 71%
Consultant 0 0% 2 3% 13 9% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 15 3%
Others 9 4% 4 6% 3 2% 4 7% 8 27% 26 55% 54 9%
No
94 42% 2 3% 3 2% 1 2% 0 0% 0 0% 100 17%
response
Total 224 100% 71 100% 150 100% 55 100% 30 100% 47 100% 577 100%
Out of 1035, Only 577 (56%) Entrepreneurs have Business Plan.

The survey revealed that 70% women entrepreneurs had prepared the duration of their business plans.
Of these the highest number of women 45% had business plans above 5 years. 12% women had the
business plan up to 1 year, 7% had business plans for 2 to 3 years, and 6% had for 4 to 5 years. 30%
did not respond.

The importance of having a business plan by the entrepreneurs depended on the training applied for
business development and the information they received regarding business activities. Business Plans
were prepared by the women entrepreneurs and these assisted them in developing their business
ventures.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Table 140: Duration Business Plan

Duration Responses %
Up to 1 year 69 12%
2 to 3 Years 39 7%
4 to 5 Years 34 6%
Above 5 Years 261 45%
No response 174 30%
Total 577 100%

15.2 Accounting & Book Keeping

Regarding employing an accountant 23% of the respondents answered in the affirmative, of whom, 47%
were from Chittagong division 33% from Sylhet 22% from Dhaka, 17% from Rajshahi, 11% from Khulna
and only 4% from Barisal. Among those respondents who did not employ any accountant the highest
number (96%) was from Barisal and the lowest (53%) from Chittagong.

Table 141: Possession of accountant

Division wise Responses Total

Response %
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Responses
Yes 69 22% 40 17% 84 47% 16 11% 4 4% 20 33% 233 23%
No 246 78% 200 83% 96 53% 134 89% 86 96% 40 67% 802 77%
Total 315 100% 240 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1035 100%

Majority of the respondents 70% informed that they themselves supervised and maintained their own
accounts and book keeping. Family members assisted 3% of the respondents in this regard, while 1%
was done by others. 26% did not respond to this question.

Table 142: Supervision and maintenance of accounts and bookkeeping

Supervision Division wise Responses Total

and %
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Responses
maintenance
Self 186 76% 154 77% 36 38% 97 72% 58 67% 32 80% 563 70%
Family
5 2% 5 3% 1 1% 8 6% 0 0% 2 5% 21 3%
member
Others 1 0% 2 1% 0 0% 2 1% 1 1% 1 3% 7 1%
No response 54 22% 39 20% 59 61% 27 20% 27 31% 5 13% 211 26%
Total 246 100% 200 100% 96 100% 134 100% 86 100% 40 100% 802 100%
Out of 1035, 802 (77%) Entrepreneurs have no professional accountant.

Regarding accomplishment of their accounting works majority of the women (53%) informed that they
did it monthly, 46% accomplished it daily, 19% completed it weekly and 4% completed their accounting
fortnightly. 2% of the women entrepreneurs were not aware of the process of accounting work, they did
not know the system of accomplishment. There were multiple responses and percentages were
calculated on the basis of total respondents.

Accounting and Book Keeping were one of the most important responsibilities in any business
enterprise. Women entrepreneurs performed their activities with great care as we see that 70% of them
did their works of supervision and maintenance of accounts and book-keeping by themselves.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Managing the accomplishment of Accounting work were performed monthly by 53% and daily by 46%.
Women had learnt the rules and system of business management especially Accounting and Book
Keeping, which assisted them in succeeding in their business ventures.

Table 143: Accomplishment of Accounting Work

Division wise Responses

Accounts maintenance
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
No. of responses 189 120 70 19 33 40 471
Daily
% 61% 51% 40% 13% 37% 67% 46%
No. of responses 98 52 20 8 9 7 194
Weekly
% 31% 22% 11% 5% 10% 12% 19%
No. of responses 15 10 1 2 10 38
Fortnightly
% 5% 4% 1% 1% 11% 4%
No. of responses 131 141 86 106 38 42 544
Monthly
% 42% 60% 49% 71% 43% 70% 53%
Did not No. of responses 1 - 2 15 - - 18
know % 0% - 1% 10% - - 2%
Total Respondents 312 236 176 150 89 60 1023
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents.

15.3 Information on Bank Accounts

The survey revealed that regarding having account with schedule bank 82% replied that they did have
bank accounts. Of these, the highest was among the respondents of Khulna 92%, followed by Dhaka
83%, Chittagong 81%, Barisal 79%, Rajshahi 77% and Sylhet 78%. Of those, who did not have any
account with schedule banks the highest was from the Sylhet division 21.7%. It was seen that 18% did
not have bank accounts. Of these the highest 22% women entrepreneurs were from Sylhet and the
lowest 8% was from Khulna

Table144: Accounts with schedule bank

Division wise Responses Total

Response %
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Responses
Yes 263 83% 185 77% 146 81% 138 92% 71 79% 47 78% 850 82%
No 52 17% 55 23% 34 19% 12 8% 19 21% 13 22% 185 18%
Total 315 100% 240 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1035 100%

Regarding the status of accounts 54.8% mentioned that they had Savings Account. This was the
highest, and it was found that this type of accounts was mostly operated by 75.4% of the women
entrepreneurs of Chittagong followed by 65.4% from Dhaka, 62.5% from Barisal, 41.4% from Rajshahi,
34.3% from Khulna, and 34% from Sylhet. It was also mentioned that 51.8% operated Current Account
while 1.1% had Joint accounts. There were multiple responses and percentages were calculated on the
basis of total respondents.
Table145: Status of Account

Division wise Responses

Account Status
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
Current No. of
126 103 43 97 24 32 425
responses
% 48.5% 59.2% 31.2% 70.8% 37.5% 68.1% 51.8%
Savings No. of
170 72 104 47 40 16 449

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Division wise Responses

Account Status
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
responses
% 65.4% 41.4% 75.4% 34.3% 62.5% 34.0% 54.8%
Joint No. of
1 5 2 1 9
responses
% .4% 2.9% 1.4% 2.1% 1.1%
Total Respondents 260 174 138 137 64 47 820
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents.

Regarding the reasons for not having Bank Accounts only 18% women entrepreneurs responded. Of
these 68% replied that they did not require any Bank Accounts, while 11% mentioned that since their
business status was not so good they did not maintain any Bank Accounts. 18% thought that there were
too many formalities in having a Bank Accounts, while 3% maintained Bank Accounts by using others
accounts.

Total Consciousness of Bank transactions and maintaining of Bank accounts did exist among the
majority of the women entrepreneurs (82%) of the country. They were especially aware of banking
facilities and the need for Bank Accounts for business transactions and activities. Thus it was observed
that 18% of the women felt that having a bank account was not required. At present Banks were offering
special facilities for SME loans and also for loans for women entrepreneurs.

Table 146: Reason for not having Bank account

No of
Reasons %
responses
Not required 125 68
Business Status not so good 21 11
Maintained Banking through
5 3
others Bank Accounts
Too Many Formalities 34 18
Total 185 100
Out of 1035, 185 (18%) Entrepreneurs have no Bank account.

15.4 Income Tax Identification number (TIN)

From the survey it was observed that only 10% of the women entrepreneurs of Bangladesh had Tax
Identification numbers (TIN). Of these, 20% were from Sylhet division, 19% from Chittagong, 13% from
Dhaka, 5% from Khulna and 4% from Rajshahi. None of the women entrepreneurs of Barisal had TIN.

Table 147: Information on TIN

Total
Division wise Responses
Response Responses
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet No. %
Yes 40 13% 9 4% 34 19% 8 5% 0 0% 12 20% 103 10%
No 275 87% 231 96% 146 81% 142 95% 90 100% 48 80% 932 90%
Total 315 100% 240 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1035 100%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Regarding payments of income tax only 49 (4.7%) of the women entrepreneurs mentioned that they
paid income tax and informed about the amount paid. Of these 84% paid up to BDT 4000 and 8% paid
between BDT 4001-8000. Only 2% paid between BDT 12001-16000 and also BDT 28001-32000.

The highest amount of tax paid was above BDT 32000 by 2% women entrepreneurs. Majority of the
women entrepreneurs 95.2% did not pay income tax. This information reveals the importance of
informing the women entrepreneurs about income tax payment, the necessity of knowledge of tax
procedures by the women entrepreneurs and also the performance of their duties by the tax officials
since it is the government which is been deprived of its revenue.

Table 148: Amount of Income Tax Paid

Income Tax No. of

Sl. %
(in BDT) Responses
1 Up to 4,000 41 84%
2 4,001-8,000 4 8%
3 8,001-12,000 1 2%
4 12,001-16,000 1 2%
5 16,001-20,000 0 0%
6 20,001-24,000 0 0%
7 24,001-28,000 0 0%
8 28,001-32,000 1 2%
9 Above 32000 1 2%
Total 49 100%
Out of 1035, 103 (10%) Entrepreneurs have TIN and among them 49 Entrepreneurs pay Tax.

15.5 Income Tax Assessment

Income Tax assessment of women entrepreneurs showed that 83% of the women did it by themselves,
while 15% and utilized the services of lawyers

2% took the services of others, among whom were officials of the bank, who assisted the women in the
assessment, while husbands and Income tax officials also assisted the women.

It appears that women entrepreneurs were not only conscious about paying Income Tax but also
reluctant to abide by the government rules made compulsory for entrepreneurs. Lack of information and
ignorance of income tax assessment were the major causes for not assessing and paying taxes.

Table 149: Assessment of income tax

Assess Division wise Responses

ment Responses %
done by: Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
29 73% 9 100 31 91% 8 100% 0 9 75% 86 83%
Self
%
Lawyer 9 23% 0 0% 3 9% 0 0% 0 3 25% 15 15%
Others 2 5% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0 0% 2 2%
40 100 9 100 34 100% 8 100% 0 12 100 103 100
Total
% % % %
Out of 1035, 103 (10%) Entrepreneurs have assessed Income Tax.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

15.6 VAT registration number

Of the respondents only 12% did have VAT registration numbers, among whom the highest number of
women entrepreneurs (21.8%) were from Dhaka, followed by 18% from Sylhet, 18.% from Chittagong,
6% from Khulna and 2% only from Rajshahi. There was not a single women entrepreneur having VAT
registration number in Barisal.

Table 150: Information on VAT Registration Number

Total
Division wise Responses
Response Responses
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet No. %
Yes 67 21% 5 2% 32 18% 9 6% 0 0% 11 18% 124 12%
No 248 79% 235 98% 148 82% 141 94% 90 100% 49 82% 911 88%
Total 315 100% 240 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1035 100%

It was observed that only 83 (8% of total respondents) of the women entrepreneurs paid their Vat out of
the total 124 (12% of total respondents) who had VAT registration. Of these, the highest number of
women entrepreneurs 89% paid up to BDT 4000. Of the higher amount, 6% paid between BDT 4001-
8000, 4% paid between BDT 8001-12000. Only 1% paid above BDT 12000. Majority of the women
entrepreneurs 92% of the total respondents, were not found paying any VAT.

Table 151: Amount of VAT paid

IVAT Paid in No. of

Sl. %
BDT responses
1 Up to 4000 74 89%
2 4001-8000 5 6%
3 8001-12000 3 4%
4 Above 12000 1 1%
Total 83 100%
Out of 1035, 124 (12%) Entrepreneurs have VAT reg. and among them 83 (8%) Entrepreneurs pay
VAT.

15.7 Process of Income Tax and VAT

Awareness of the process of Income Tax and VAT was a very important matter in business. Regarding
this process of Income Tax and VAT, only 11% respondents informed that they were fully informed,
16% were partially informed and 73% were not at all informed.

Table 152: Process of income tax and VAT

Division wise responses Total

Awareness %
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Fully
50 16% 3 1% 39 22% 7 5% 0 0% 10 17% 109 11%
informed
Partially
48 15% 26 11% 29 16% 38 25% 19 21% 8 13% 168 16%
informed
Not
217 69% 211 88% 112 62% 105 70% 71 79% 42 70% 758 73%
informed
Total 315 100% 240 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1035 100%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

15.8 Export related information

Some of the women had entered the field of exports, of which the number was very nominal. Regarding
information about the exporters the survey revealed that only 32 (3%) of the women entrepreneurs out
of the 1035 respondents exported their products. Of these the highest number of women exporters 6%
were from Dhaka division followed by 7% from Sylhet, 2% from Rajshahi, 1% from Chittagong and
Khulna. There were no exporters from Barisal.

Table153: Information about Exporter

Division wise Responses

Response Total
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet %
Yes 19 6% 5 2% 2 1% 2 1% 0 0% 4 7% 32 3%
No 296 94% 235 98% 178 99% 148 99% 90 100% 56 93% 1003 97%
Total 315 100% 240 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1035 100%

Regarding the information about the countries of exports, the survey revealed that the women
entrepreneurs exported their products to as many as in 18 countries. Of the women entrepreneurs who
exported their products, the highest number 22% exported to their products to United Kingdom (UK).
The next country of export was United States of America (USA) where 9% of the women exported.
Similar 9% exported to Japan and Canada. 6% exported to China and India. The rest 3% exported each
to Australia, Europe, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Dubai, Malaysia, Abu Dhabi,
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

It may be mentioned that the majority of the women exporters were from the metropolitan cities, which
offered various opportunities to the women. EPB offered them 50% discount for their participation in
International Trade Fairs and single Country Export fairs.

Table 154: Countries of Export

Name of No. of
Sl. %
Country responses
1 UK 7 22%
2 USA 3 9%
3 Canada 3 9%
4 Japan 3 9%
5 China 2 6%
6 India 2 6%
7 Australia 1 3%
8 Europe 1 3%
9 Sweden 1 3%
10 Italy 1 3%
11 Germany 1 3%
12 Indonesia 1 3%
13 Hong Kong 1 3%
14 Dubai 1 3%
15 Malaysia 1 3%
16 Abu Dhabi 1 3%
17 Pakistan 1 3%
18 Saudi Arabia 1 3%
Total 32 100%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

* Out of 1035, Only 32 (3%) Entrepreneurs are exporters

Among the 3% women exporters it was found that they exported various items of the SME sector
including garments, fashion dresses, bags of various kinds and materials, tissue boxes, Boutique item,
baskets of cane and bamboo, cotton items, mats of various shapes and uses, sequin works, artificial
jewellery, embroidered linen and women’s households items. The export item which was covered by
the highest number of women exporters 22% was garments products, followed by fashion dresses
which were done by 19%. Among the other exportable items were bags of various designs and
materials, handloom cloths, nakshi kantha (embroidered quilt), designed pillow covers and saris of
various materials and these were exported by 6% women exporters. 3% exported tissue boxes,
boutique items, cane and bamboo baskets, cotton items, mats of various shapes and materials, sequin
works, artificial jewellery, embroidered linen and women’s household items. It must be remembered that
97% were not involved with export.
Table 155: Items of Exports

Name of export
Sl. No %
Items
1 Garments 7 22%
2 Fashion Dresses 6 19%
3 Bags 2 6%
4 Handloom Cloths 2 6%
5 Nakshi Kantha 2 6%
Designed Pillow
6 2 6%
Covers
Saris of various
7 2 6%
materials
8 Tissue Boxes 1 3%
9 Boutique items 1 3%
Cane and bamboo
10 1 3%
Baskets
11 Cotton items 1 3%
Mats of various
12 1 3%
shapes
13 Sequin Works 1 3%
14 Artificial Jewellery 1 3%
15 Embroidered Linen 1 3%
Women households
16 1 3%
items
Total 32 100%

Among the 3% women exporters the highest value of export was above US Dollar 2,00,000 done by 9%
of the women, followed by 13% women exporters whose export value was between US Dollar 150,000
and US Dollar 2,00,000. It was seen that majority of the women exporters (41%) had exported goods
worth up to US Dollar 50,000, while the yearly value of exports for 19% women exports was between
US Dollar 50,001 to 1,50,000.

Though the line of exports was quite tough for the women, yet their determination to venture to
international markets and identify various other countries for the sale of their products, instigated their
courage to attempt different methods of business development and explore new opportunities.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Table 156: Values of Exports

Sl. Amount No. of

%
No. (in US Dollar) responses
1 Up to 50,000 13 41%
2 50,001-100,000 6 19%
3 100,001-150,000 6 19%
4 150,000-200,000 4 13%
5 Above 200,000 3 9%
Total 32 100%

15.9 Import related information

Regarding information on import it was found that only 1.3% of the respondents were registered
importers of this country. Out of the 1.3% women importers 2.9% belonged to Dhaka, 1.7% belonged to
Chittagong 0.8% were from Rajshahi while only 0.7% were from Khulna. There no women importers
from Barisal and Sylhet.
Table 157: Information about Importer

Division wise Responses

Response Total %
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Yes 9 2.9% 2 0.8% 1 1.7% 1 0.7% - - - - 13 1.3%
No 306 97.1% 237 99.2% 60 98.3% 149 99.3% 90 100.0% 180 100% 1022 98.7%
Total 315 100.0% 239 100.0% 61 100.0% 150 100.0% 90 100.0% 180 100% 1035 100.0%

From the survey it was found that only 1.3% women entrepreneurs imported goods from foreign
countries. Of them the highest number of women entrepreneurs 23%, imported ready made garments
and dresses, while 15% imported cosmetics. The rest of the imported materials were brought by 8%
each. These included chemicals, cotton, electrical equipment, jewellery, children’s dresses, medicine,
beads and stones and saris. It must be remembered that 98.7% women entrepreneurs were not
involved with import.

Table 158: Items of Imports

Sl. Name of Import No. of

%
No. Items responses
Ready Garments and
1 3 23%
Dresses
2 Cosmetics 2 15%
3 Chemicals 1 8%
4 Cotton 1 8%
5 Electrical Equipments 1 8%
6 Jewellery 1 8%
7 Children’s Dress 1 8%
8 Medicine 1 8%
9 Beads and Stones 1 8%
10 Saris 1 8%
Total 13 100%
* Out of 1035, Only 13 (1.3%) Entrepreneurs imported products.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

The survey informed that regarding the value of imports the highest value of import was above US
Dollar. 250,000 by 15% women importers and the lowest value of imports was up to US Dollar 50,000
performed by 15% women entrepreneurs. It was seen that the greatest number of women importers
23% imported goods worth US Dollar 150,000 to US Dollar 200,000 and also 23% whose import value
was US Dollar 200,000 to US Dollar 250,000. It was found that the minimum number of women has
import value of US Dollar 100,001 to US Dollar 150, 000 only.

There were very few women involved in imports of goods from foreign countries, since these required
high investment, knowledge of international market and import procedures. Those who became
importers belonged to the metropolitan cities of the country where women were more educated and had
opportunities for international trade.

Table 159: Values of Import

Value No. of
Sl. No. %
(in US Dollar) responses
1 Up to 50,000 2 15%
2 50,000-100,000 2 15%
3 100,001-150,000 1 8%
4 150,000-200,000 3 23%
5 200,001-250,000 3 23%
6 Above 250,000 2 15%
Total 13 100%

15.10 Marketing and Sale of products

Selling various products of the women entrepreneurs through showroom was one of the most important
trends in business and in most cases it was observed that show rooms provided better selling
opportunities for the women entrepreneurs. The survey showed that 50.3% of the business women
were reported to have showrooms, while 49.6% did not. Of these the highest number of show rooms
belonged to the women entrepreneurs (92%) of Sylhet division, while 66% belonged to women in
Barisal division, followed by 60% in Dhaka division, 52% in Chittagong division, 39% in Rajshahi
division and 21% in Khulna division.

Table-160: Information (Division-wise) about showrooms to sell products

Division wise Responses

Response Total
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
No. of
189 93 93 32 59 55 521
Yes Responses
% 60% 39% 52% 21% 66% 92% 50.3%
No. of
126 147 87 118 31 5 514
No Responses
% 40% 61% 48% 79% 34% 8% 49.6%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Show rooms have not been developed much by women entrepreneurs in most of the districts of
Bangladesh except the divisional head quarters. However with the development of women
entrepreneurship in most of the districts, the need for display of products, marketing of own products
and receiving orders for the products on display have initiated the growth of show rooms by the women

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entrepreneurs. Show rooms of the developed districts where of the modern style with grandeur,
attractiveness and exquisite display.

The best among the show rooms of the country were in the capital city of Dhaka with modern styles,
fashion oriented exhibits, attractiveness and creative display system. The use of mannequin for display
of cloths added appealing and captivating atmosphere. Similar in style were the show-rooms of the
metropolitan cities of Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet. Barisal lagged behind due to slow
growth of women’s entrepreneurship in the area.

The survey reveals that more than 50% women entrepreneurs owned or rented show-rooms in the
districts under survey. The highest numbers of show-rooms were owned by 12% women entrepreneurs
in the district of Dhaka, followed by 9% in the district of Chittagong, 6% in the district of Sylhet, 5% in
the district of Brahmanbaria. 4% of the women had show rooms in the district of Jamalpur, Rajshahi and
Cox’s Bazar where most of these were owned by the women of the Rakhine Community.

3% of the women entrepreneurs had show-rooms in the districts of Bogra, Jessore, Rangpur, Comilla,
Narayanganj, Kishoreganj, Sirajganj and Dinajpur, It was observed that 3% of women entrepreneurs
owned show-rooms newly built in Khulna and Tangail districts. It was also found that 2% had show
rooms in Manikganj, Moulvibazar, Kushtia, Madaripur, Rangamati, Pirojpur, Gazipur, The areas of
recent development were in Barisal, Pabna, Naogaon with 2%, Noakhali 1% and Bagerhat 1%
women’s show-room ownership.

The lowest number of show-rooms by 0.2% women entrepreneurs was found in the district of Laxmipur.
There were no records of show-rooms in the districts of Panchagar, Chuadanga and Jhalokathi
assuming that the social system did not appreciate much involvement of women in business.

Table 161 District wise Locations of Showrooms

Sl. Name of No. of

%
No. Districts showrooms
1 Dhaka 64 12%
2 Chittagong 48 9%
3 Sylhet 30 6%
4 Mymensingh 28 5%
5 Brahmanbaria 24 5%
6 Jamalpur 20 4%
7 Cox’s Bazar 20 4%
8 Rajshahi 19 4%
9 Bogra 17 3%
10 Jessore 17 3%
11 Rangpur 16 3%
12 Comilla 16 3%
13 Narayanganj 15 3%
14 Kishoreganj 15 3%
15 Sirajganj 15 3%
16 Dinajpur 15 3%
17 Tangail 14 3%
18 Khulna 14 3%
19 Manikganj 13 2%
20 Moulvi Bazar 12 2%

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Sl. Name of No. of

%
No. Districts showrooms
21 Kushtia 11 2%
22 Madaripur 10 2%
23 Rangamati 10 2%
24 Pirojpur 10 2%
25 Gazipur 9 2%
26 Noagoan 8 2%
27 Pabna 8 2%
28 Barisal 8 2%
29 Noakahali 7 1%
30 Bagerhat 6 1%
31 Luxmipur 2 0.2%
32 Panchagar 0 0%
33 Chuadanga 0 0%
34 Jhalokathi 0 0%
Total 521 100%
* Out of 1035, 521 (50%) Entrepreneurs have showroom.

From the survey it was found that 48% of women entrepreneurs were involved with their own business
promotional activities and direct sale of their products and services. The next channel for the sale of the
products or service was through distributors/whole sellers and retailers (4%). Moreover, the sale of the
products was also carried out through hawkers (2%) mostly observed in the division of Sylhet 20%.
There were Commission agents who were responsible for the sale of the products of 1% women
entrepreneurs also provided their services in this regard. Sale of products were also operated through
various other sources, which the entrepreneurs thought it fit to utilise and operate.

Table: 162 Information on Sale of product or service

Information on Sales of
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
product or service
No. of
Distributor/ 7 5 6 0 1 2 21
responses
Wholesaler
% 6% 3% 7% 0% 3% 40% 4%
No. of
16 2 0 3 0 0 21
Retailer responses
% 13% 1% 0% 3% 0% 0% 4%
No. of
Own/ Direct 56 51 35 76 30 0 248
responses
sale
% 44% 35% 40% 64% 97% 0% 48%
No. of
Hawker 2 6 1 0 0 1 10
responses
% 2% 4% 1% 0% 0% 20% 2%
No. of
Commission 0 0 4 0 0 0 4
responses
agent
% 0% 0% 5% 0% 0% 0% 1%
No. of
5 1 2 6 0 0 14
Others responses
% 4% 1% 2% 5% 0% 0% 3%
No
No. of 40 82 39 33 0 2 196

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Information on Sales of
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
product or service
responses
responses
% 32% 56% 45% 28% 0% 40% 38%
Total 126 147 87 118 31 5 514
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
* Out of 1035, 514 (50.3%) Entrepreneurs have showrooms.

15.11 Ownership and expenditure of Showroom

The respondents informed that 39% owned their individual showrooms while 61% had showrooms on
rental basis. For the display and sale of products showrooms were essential for the development of
business enterprises. Besides, these showrooms also promoted the products of Bangladesh to both
foreign and local buyers. There were multiple responses and percentages were calculated on the basis
of total respondents.
Table 163: Ownership of showroom

Response
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
No. of
Own 64 45 45 15 60 16 245
responses
% 31% 34% 41% 47% 68% 27% 39%
No. of
Rental 142 89 66 17 28 43 385
responses
% 69% 66% 59% 53% 32% 73% 61%
Total respondents 206 134 111 32 88 59 630
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

Information from the survey regarding the monthly expenditure for rented show-rooms shows that the
majority 61% women entrepreneurs rented show-rooms and the most of them 74% had their
expenditure up to BDT 3000 per month. This shows that since most of the women belonged to the small
enterprise sector, there show-rooms belonged to the lesser expensive ones in order to cope with their
business expenses and also the other enterprise requirements, including payment of salary.

The higher expensive show-rooms included those rented by 18% whose monthly expenditure was
between BDT 3001- 9000 and 5% whose expenditure was between BDT 90001- 15000. Only 1%
women paid between BDT15001-21000. The highest expenditure was by 2% women who paid between
BDT21,001 and BDT 24000. The range of expenditure varied due to areas of location of show-rooms,
types of buildings, show-room space, number of employees employed and also the districts in which
they operated their business firms.

Table 164: Monthly Expenditure of rented Showrooms

Sl. Amount in No. of

%
No. BDT Responses
1 Up to 3000 286 74%
2 3001-9000 68 18%
3 9001-15000 19 5%
4 15001-21000 4 1%
5 21001-24000 8 2%
Total 385 100%
* Out of 1035, 385 Entrepreneurs pay rental for showroom

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

13.12 Business Promotion materials and process

The survey indicated that the majority of the 72.3% women entrepreneurs used Signboard as the main
and popular type of Business Promotional Material utilized. 41.6% used Business cards, 4.8% used
Handbills, 3.2% took the advantage of Billboards, 2.1% publicized their Enterprise Brochure set with
information and price of products, 0.9% used the Website, while 0.3% managed Flyers and 0.1%
distributed Pamphlets as business promotion materials. For 19.5% there was no specific strategy for the
type of business promotion materials to be used, using various items which suited their business
transactions and activities when and where necessary. There were multiple responses and the
percentage was calculated on the basis of total respondent.

Table 165: Type of Business promotional materials used

Name of
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
promotional materials
Business card No. of responses 155 60 72 25 31 36 379
% 52.5% 32.6% 43.9% 20.5% 34.4% 63.2% 41.6%
Enterprise No. of responses 6 9 3 - 1 - 19
Brochure
% 2.0% 4.9% 1.8% 1.1% - 2.1%
Signboard No. of responses 215 164 98 44 89 49 659
% 72.9% 89.1% 59.8% 36.1% 98.9% 86.0% 72.3%
Billboard No. of responses 12 7 2 2 6 29
% 4.1% 3.8% 1.2% 1.6% 10.5% 3.2%
Flyers No. of responses 3 - - - - - 3
% 1.0% - - - - - .3%
Pamphlets No. of responses 1 - - - - - 1
% .3% - - - - - .1%
Handbill No. of responses 9 11 20 3 1 44
% 3.1% 6.0% 12.2% 2.5% 1.1% - 4.8%
Website No. of responses 1 5 1 1 - - 8
% .3% 2.7% .6% .8% - - .9%
No specific No. of responses 41 14 43 75 - 5 178
strategy
% 13.9% 7.6% 26.2% 61.5% - 8.8% 19.5%
Total Respondents 295 184 164 122 90 57 912
Note: Multiple responses, percentage calculated on the basis of total respondent.

Regarding business promotional process the survey revealed that the majority of the women entrepreneurs
(62.8%) utilized the services of their friends and families. Of them the highest was found in the division of Barisal
(94%) followed by 78% women of Dhaka. The next process utilized by 9.3% of the women was through the
attendance of Trade Fairs and various Melas, which were organized as national or regional events, for festivals,
for seasonal programmes or religious occasions. NGO network was used by 8%, Electronic Media Advertisement
by 5.1%, distribution of Handbills by 5%, Print Media Advertisement by 4.2%. Modern promotional process of
business development was used through Billboards by 2.6%, Website by 1.5% and Flyers by 0.2%. 2.8% utilized
the Trade Organizational Network while 0.5% distributed Pamphlets as a type of business promotional process. It
may be noted that 30.7% of the women entrepreneurs had no specific strategy regarding the type of Business
Promotional Process. Exhibitions, displays, product shows, sector-based marketing programmes and business
events were some of the various other promotional processes for business development.

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Table 166: Type of Business promotional processes

Business promotional Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

process
No. of
Print media 8 5 5 1 6 2 27
responses
advertisement
% 4.6% 5.9% 4.5% .7% 7.1% 4.1% 4.2%
No. of
Electronic media 27 3 2 1 - - 33
responses
advertisement
% 15.6% 3.5% 1.8% .7% 5.1%
No. of
2 1 8 3 - 3 17
Billboard responses
% 1.2% 1.2% 7.1% 2.1% 6.1% 2.6%
No. of
- - - - - 1 1
Flyers responses
% 2.0% .2%
No. of
1 2 - - - - 3
Pamphlets responses
% .6% 2.4% .5%
No. of
6 3 20 2 1 32
Handbill responses
% 3.5% 3.5% 17.9% 1.4% 2.0% 5.0%
No. of
Attending trade 13 9 - 19 15 4 60
responses
faire/ Mela
% 7.5% 10.6% 13.3% 17.9% 8.2% 9.3%
No. of
1 3 1 1 4 - 10
Website responses
% .6% 3.5% .9% .7% 4.8% 1.5%
No. of
Friends and 135 22 51 95 79 24 406
responses
family
% 78.0% 25.9% 45.5% 66.4% 94.0% 49.0% 62.8%
No. of
7 5 3 19 16 2 52
NGO network responses
% 4.0% 5.9% 2.7% 13.3% 19.0% 4.1% 8.0%
Trade No. of
4 1 5 1 2 5 18
Organization responses
network % 2.3% 1.2% 4.5% .7% 2.4% 10.2% 2.8%
No. of
No specific 24 49 52 50 1 22 198
responses
strategy
% 13.9% 57.6% 46.4% 35.0% 1.2% 44.9% 30.7%
Total Respondent 173 85 112 143 84 49 646
Note: Multiple responses, percentage calculated on the basis of total respondent.

15.13 Access to IT

From the survey it was revealed that 17.1% women entrepreneurs owned computers while 82.9% had no
computers. The highest numbers of computers were owned by women of Dhaka (23%) followed by 19%
of Chittagong, 18% of Rajshahi, 17% of Sylhet, 7% of Khulna and 6% of Barisal.

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Table 167: Possession of Computer

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Responses 72 44 34 11 5 10 176
Yes
% 23% 18% 19% 7% 6% 17% 17%
Responses 243 196 146 139 85 50 859
No
% 77% 77% 77% 77% 77% 77% 77%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Majority of the women entrepreneurs 90% did not have any training on computer operations. Only 10%
women were conscious enough to take training on computer operations. Of these, the highest 24% was
from Barisal, followed by 11% from Dhaka, 9% from Khulna, 7% from Rajshahi, 6% from Chittagong
and 3% from Sylhet . As most business women were not much educated, their inclination towards
computer knowledge and skill in performance for business development did not grow much. Moreover,
the semi urban areas and less developed districts did not have all such facilities for business
development training through computers.

Table 168: Training on computer operation

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Responses 35 17 10 13 22 2 99
Yes
% 11% 7% 6% 9% 24% 3% 10%
Responses 280 223 170 137 68 58 936
No
% 89% 93% 94% 91% 76% 97% 90%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Internet facilities were available to only 5% women entrepreneurs of the country. Of these the highest
number of women (7%) who availed internet connection was in the districts of Sylhet and Barisal,
followed by Dhaka 6% women, Rajshahi 5% women, Chittagong and Khulna 2%. It was found that 95%
of the women entrepreneurs did not avail any internet connections.

Table 169: Internet connection

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Responses 20 12 4 3 6 4 49
Yes
% 6% 5% 2% 2% 7% 7% 5%
Responses 295 228 176 147 84 56 986
No
% 94% 95% 98% 98% 93% 93% 95%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Business enterprises of 96% women entrepreneurs did not have email account while only 4%
maintained individual email account. Besides neither the women were conscious of the importance of
having email accounts for the development of business, nor were there any email services for women in
many areas.

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Table 170: Possession of e-mail account

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Responses 16 9 3 5 6 4 43
Yes
% 5% 4% 2% 3% 7% 7% 4%
Responses 299 231 177 145 84 56 992
No
% 95% 96% 98% 97% 93% 93% 96%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Regarding website 1.2% informed that they did have a website while 98.8% informed that they did not.
Of those did have websites 2.6% of the women enterprisers belonged to Rajshahi division, 1,7% Sylhet,
1.3% Dhaka and .7% belonged to Khulna division.

Business development and increase of promotional activities depended to a great extent on the modern
system of access to IT. These were possible through use of computer and the training of employees on
computer approach towards business activities. Internet connection for business information, marketing
activities and promotional programmes assisted in time consuming and approach for international
trading. Women should be advised for the possession of e-mail accounts for business and the
possession of web-site was the ideal method of publicity of one’s business, including product and
service information.
Table 171: Possession of website

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Yes Responses 4 6 0 1 0 1 12
% 1% 2% 0% 1% 0% 2% 1%
No Responses 311 234 180 149 90 59 1023
% 99% 98% 100% 99% 100% 98% 99%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

15.14 Target customer

Regarding target customers 17% of the respondents informed that they did produce for target
customers while 83% did not. It was found that the women entrepreneurs of Dhaka (26%) gave the
highest importance for target customers followed by those of Khulna (23%). Amongst those who did not
have target customers the highest were from Rajshahi (97%).

Table 172: Production for target customers

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Responses 81 8 33 35 14 7 178
Yes
% 26% 3% 18% 23% 16% 12% 17%
Responses 234 232 147 115 76 53 857
No
% 74% 97% 82% 77% 84% 88% 83%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

From the survey it was found that the largest target customers for 22% women entrepreneurs were the
women, followed by 13% whose target customers were local customers, 11% whose target were
children as target customer s and 6% whose customers were students. It was natural to have shops as
the target customers for 8% women entrepreneurs. Orders of clients and regional markets were the
target customers of 4% WE.

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National Markets, foreign markets, associations, local markets, NGOs, household customers, seasonal
customers, rich customers and the service people were the target customers of 3% women
entrepreneurs. Variation was found by 3% women entrepreneurs whose target customers were
construction people and Tea Garden people.

Though only 17% of the WE had target customers, it was seen that these customers helped in keeping
a constant connection with the entrepreneurs which assisted production and business dealings and
which also kept them on the process of greater development for business success. Target customers
helped in future planning for enterprises and also provided the value for quality production.

Table173: Types of Target Customers

Sl. Types of Target No. of

%
No. Customers responses
1 Women 39 22%
2 Local Customers 23 13%
3 Children 19 11%
4 Shops 15 8%
5 Students 10 6%
6 Orders of clients 7 4%
7 Regional Markets 7 4%
8 Local Markets 6 3%
9 NGO 6 3%
10 Tea Garden People 6 3%
11 Household Customer 5 3%
12 National market 5 3%
13 Foreign market 5 3%
14 Construction related
5 3%
people
15 Associations 5 3%
16 Seasonal customer 5 3%
17 Service people 5 3%
18 Rich Customers 5 3%
Total 178 100%
* Out of 1035, 178 (17%) Entrepreneurs have target customer

15.15 Target market

Table 174 identifies the target market for the entrepreneurs. From the survey it was found that the
majority of the respondents (43%) concentrated on district level market as their target market followed
by Upzilla level by 16% and regional by 10.4% women entrepreneurs. 7.7% of the respondents
operated in the national level market while 7% targeted the international market. 2.8% talked of other
markets including local, rural and special markets for special people on specific days and times. 13% of
the respondents had no clear idea about the target market.

Table 174: Target Market

Target Market Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

National Market No. of responses 32 17 2 8 10 2 71
% 10.8% 8.4% 1.3% 5.5% 13.0% 4.3% 7.7%
International Market No. of responses 43 12 4 4 1 0 64

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Target Market Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

% 14.5% 5.9% 2.6% 2.8% 1.3% 0% 7.0%
Regional Market No. of responses 31 19 24 14 1 7 96
% 10.5% 9.4% 15.7% 9.7% 1.3% 15.2% 10.4%
Upazila Market No. of responses 28 52 27 24 9 7 147
% 9.5% 25.6% 17.6% 16.6% 11.7% 15.2% 16.0%
District Market No. of responses 141 100 47 55 49 4 396
% 47.6% 49.3% 30.7% 37.9% 63.6% 8.7% 43.0%
No clear idea No. of responses 21 3 23 40 7 26 120
% 7.1% 1.5% 15.0% 27.6% 9.1% 56.5% 13.0%
Others No. of responses 0 0 26 0 0 0 26
% 0% 0% 17.0% 0% 0% 0% 2.8%
Total 296 203 153 145 77 46 920
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
* Out of 1035, 920 (89%) Entrepreneurs have target market

Figure 10: Target Market for women entrepreneurs

International
National Market
Market Others
7.7% No clear idea
7.0% 2.8%
Regional Market 13.0%
10.4%

Upazila Market
16.0%
District Market
43.0%

15.16 Training on marketing

From the survey it was observed that only 23.4% of the respondents received training on sales and
marketing while 76.6% did not. The highest number of women (61%) who received training on sales and
marketing were from Khulna while amongst the highest who did not receive any training were 92% of
women entrepreneurs from Sylhet .

Table 175: Training on sales and marketing

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Responses 69 49 36 57 26 5 242
Yes
% 28% 26% 25% 61% 41% 9% 23.4%
Responses 246 191 144 93 64 55 793
No
% 78% 80% 80% 62% 71% 92% 76.6%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Regarding the training of women entrepreneurs, the respondents mentioned the training institutes
provided training to 40% of the entrepreneurs, while NGOs provided 33% and Government
Organizations provided the training to 28% entrepreneurs.

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Table 176: Place of training

Place of training Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

No. of
Training 30 8 19 25 12 2 96
responses
Institute
% 43% 16% 53% 44% 46% 40% 40%
No. of
8 17 14 23 14 3 79
NGO responses
% 12% 35% 39% 40% 54% 60% 33%
No. of
31 24 3 9 0 0 67
Government responses
% 45% 49% 8% 16% 0% 0% 28%
Total 69 49 36 57 26 5 242
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
* Out of 1035, 242 (23.4%) Entrepreneurs received training

It was interesting to note that regarding the benefits of training 76% of the respondents mentioned that
they were benefited while 17% replied in the negative and 7% had no idea about it. Among all the
divisions 92% of the women of Barisal mentioned that they had benefited from training followed by 89%
from Khulna, 75% of Chittagong, 74% of Dhaka, 60% of the women of Sylhet and 57% of the women of
Rajshahi had been benefited.

Table 177: Training benefits

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Responses 51 28 27 51 24 3 184
Yes
% 74% 57% 75% 89% 92% 60% 76%
Responses 10 21 7 1 0 1 40
No
% 14% 43% 19% 2% 0% 20% 17%
No Responses 8 0 2 5 2 1 18
idea % 12% 0% 6% 9% 8% 20% 7%
Total 69 49 36 57 26 5 242
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
* Out of 1035, 242 Entrepreneurs received training

15.17 Hindrances to marketing of products

All the women entrepreneurs interviewed responded regarding the factors hindering marketing of their
products and mentioned 30 hindrances which they faced. Lack of security and safety in market proved
to be the highest hindering factor for marketing by 9% women entrepreneurs. About the next hindrances
to marketing mentioned by 8% women entrepreneurs were lack of knowledge about market, lack of
suitable market and communication problems.

Marketing of products by the women entrepreneurs posed a great difficulty for them not only because
they did not know many marketing techniques and procedures, but mainly because the conservative
society of Bangladesh prevented the women from attaining their due respect and rights in all cases. The
problems identified as hindrances to marketing of their products were genuine because had to maintain
both their homes as well as their business in addition to the drawbacks confronted in society.
Government could see to the infrastructure development and women could receive training on many of
the issues in order to overcome their problems.

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Table 178: Hindrances to marketing of products

Sl No. of
Hindrances %
No. responses
1 Lack of security and safety in market 95 9%
2 Lack of knowledge about market 85 8%
3 Lack of suitable market 82 8%
4 Communication problems 78 8%
5 Lack of customer 63 6%
6 Lack of skill workers 48 5%
7 Absence of trading 40 4%
8 Huge receivable amount with customer 40 4%
9 Lack of capital 38 4%
10 Attendance to children (breast feeding) 35 3%
11 Lack of fair price 34 3%
12 Absence of showrooms 30 3%
13 Credit recovery problems 30 3%
14 Problems of customer taste 30 3%
15 Infrastructure problems (electricity) 26 3%
16 Lack of sales personnel 26 3%
17 Lack of women market 26 3%
18 New business 26 3%
19 Lack of raw materials 21 2%
20 Low profit 19 2%
21 Fluctuation of prices 19 2%
22 High price of product 19 2%
23 No display centre 19 2%
24 Conveyance was expensive 18 2%
25 Family did not approve their profession 18 2%
26 Lack of training 18 2%
27 Competition of quality 13 1%
28 Lack of advertisement 13 1%
29 Religious barrier 13 1%
30 Poor local demand 13 1%
Total 1035 100%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER –16

16.0 TRADE FAIR PARTICIPATION

16.1 Information on Trade Fair participation

From the survey it was found that only 27% of women entrepreneurs participated in trade fairs while a
majority 73% did not. Of those who participated in the trade fairs, the highest number 62% was from
Barisal, followed by 54% from Khulna. The lowest participation was by 13% both from Rajshahi and
Chittagong.

Trade Fair participation helped the women entrepreneurs to market their products, display their
production items, identify target customers and also evaluate the quality and demand of their products
from the sales in trade fairs.

It is observed that in the SME sector, majority of the small enterprise owners participated in local,
regional, seasonal, festival fairs and some in national trade fairs. The reason is that since their
production level was small they could supply only to the requirements of a smaller section of buyers.
Festival fairs were related to socio-cultural events and religious occasions. Moreover, rural melas were
usually participated by the rural WE, who had products satisfying to the tastes of the rural buyers.

The national trade fairs as the DITF (Dhaka International Trade Fair) organized by Export Promotion
Bureau (EPB), was participated mainly by medium enterprise owners and also by some small
enterprises which could supply the demands of a larger section of buyers. The cost of stalls, the month-
long expenses involved in participation and the continuous supply of products was expensive but is
made up by the sale throughout the fair time. If the articles are attractive there is no dearth of buyers.

International Trade Fairs participation is primarily to enter into the export field and also display products
to a varied type of buyers outside the country. These buyers are unknown and thus an entrepreneur has
to maintain the culture, likings and taste of the foreign buyers. The products have to be of quality and
the designs attractive in order to catch the attention and charm the buyers of various countries attending
the fairs.

Table179: Participation in the trade fair

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Yes Responses 74 31 24 81 56 11 277
% 23% 13% 13% 54% 62% 18% 27%
No Responses 241 209 156 69 34 49 758
% 77% 87% 87% 46% 38% 82% 73%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035

16.2 Types of Trade Fair

With regards to type of trade fair participation, there were multiple responses and percentages were
calculated on the basis of total respondent. It must be remembered out of 1035, 277 (27%)
entrepreneurs participated in trade fairs. It was found that the highest amongst of all types of trade fairs
39.8% of the women participated in the local trade fair. 34.1% took part in regional trade fairs, 22.3%, in
rural market 20.8% in seasonal trade fairs, 17.8% participated in festival fairs while the rest 9.5%
participated in National fairs. Among all the divisions the greatest number of 52.5% of the women from
Khulna and 51.7% from Rajshahi were found to have participated in local trade fairs respectively. Dhaka
was the lowest with 31.8% women who participated in local trade fair. In case of regional (District and
Division) level trade fair participation, 53.6% of the women were from Barisal, 36.4% of Sylhet, 34.5% of
Rajshahi, 30.0% of Khulna 28.6% of Dhaka, and 16.0% of Chittagong

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In the type of seasonal mela 20.8% women participated of which Sylhet was the highest with 54.5%
followed by Barisal 41.1%, Dhaka 20.6%, Rajshahi 13.8%. Chittagong 12.0% and 7.5% Khulna. The
participation in festival mela was 17.8%, of which 30.4% was the highest from Barisal and lowest from
Khulna 1.3%. Participation in rural mela was 22.3%, of which, the highest was from Khulna and the
lowest 7.9% from Dhaka.

The highest number of 19.0% of women participated in the national trade fair from Dhaka and the
lowest 1.8% participated from Rajshahi.

It was also found that 8.7% of the women ventured outside the country for the participation in
International Trade Fairs bringing in focus the participation of women in Export and business promotion
of Bangladeshi products in the international markets. The highest number of international trade fair
participation were by women entrepreneurs from Chittagong 20.0%, Rajshahi 17.2% and Dhaka 14.3%
while the lowest was from Khulna 1.3%.

Table 180: Type of trade fair organized

Type of trade fair Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
No. of
Local 20 15 5 42 19 4 107
responses
% 31.8% 51.7% 20.0% 52.5% 33.9% 36.4% 39.8%
Regional No. of
18 10 4 24 30 4 92
(Divisional/District) responses
% 28.6% 34.5% 16.0% 30.0% 53.6% 36.4% 34.1%
No. of
Seasonal 13 4 3 6 23 6 57
responses
% 20.6% 13.8% 12.0% 7.5% 41.1% 54.5% 20.8%
No. of
Festival 16 5 5 1 17 3 49
responses
% 25.4% 17.2% 20.0% 1.3% 30.4% 27.3% 17.8%
No. of
Rural fair 5 6 3 31 11 3 61
responses
% 7.9% 20.7% 12.0% 38.8% 19.6% 27.3% 22.3%
No. of
National 12 4 2 5 1 1 27
responses
% 19.0% 13.8% 8.0% 6.3% 1.8% 9.1% 9.5%
No. of
International 9 5 5 1 3 24
responses
% 14.3% 17.2% 20.0% 1.3% 27.3% 8.7%
Total Respondents 63 29 25 80 56 11 277
% 147.6% 169% 108% 137% 180% 218.2% 153%
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondent.
** Out of 1035, 277 Entrepreneurs participated in trade fair.

16.3 Impact of participation

Participation in trade fairs by the women entrepreneurs had a great impact in business; as such 74% of
the business women expressed that it had a positive impact, though a few 1% also expressed negative
impact about participation in trade fairs. Amongst the positive impact group of respondents, the highest
90% of women entrepreneurs were from Khulna. They viewed the positive impacts followed by 57%
from Dhaka, 86.4% from Rajshahi, 83.3% from Barisal, 45% from Chittagong and the lowest 29.6%
from Sylhet. Analyzing the situation the women entrepreneurs of Dhaka division seemed to have been

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enjoying most of the opportunities of trade fair participation, especially through Export Promotion
Bureau, (Table-181).

This is also important to note that a significant number of women entrepreneurs 21% said that they had
no idea about participation in the trade fairs. It means that they did business but were not aware of such
activities for promotion of their business, or that their business volume might have been so small and
poor in quality that in no way did they have the scope to participate in the trade fairs. Amongst all the
divisions, regarding this issue 70.4% women entrepreneurs of Sylhet ranked the highest followed by
52.5% of Chittagong. The lowest was 4.4% from Dhaka.

The impact of trade fair participation showed that the entrepreneurs evaluated the taste of the buyers,
their requirements and their price sanctions. They also identified the quality of their products through the
demands of customers. They learnt the motives of the buyers and also the design requirements of their
products.

Table 181: Impact of participation in trade fair

Impact Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Responses 42 24 18 73 40 8 205
Positive
% 57% 77% 75% 90% 71% 73% 74%
Responses 1 0 1 0 1 0 3
Negative
% 1% 0% 4% 0% 2% 0% 1%
Responses 21 2 5 2 3 3 36
No idea
% 28% 6% 21% 2% 5% 27% 13%
No Responses 10 5 0 6 12 0 33
response % 14% 16% 0% 7% 21% 0% 12%
Total 74 31 24 81 56 11 277
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

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CHAPTER – 17

17.0 INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT FOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

17.1 Technical support for product development

Table 182 portrays the responses for technical support for product development. 79.2% of the
respondents said that they did not receive such support. The highest non-recipient was from Rajshahi
92.6% and the lowest 36.7% from Barisal. However 20% of the respondents said that they did receive
technical support. Amongst whom the highest numbers of recipients for technical supports were from
Barisal 63.3%, Khulna 41.3% followed by Dhaka 19.4%, Chittagong 8.9% and Rajshahi 7.4%.

Table 182: Technical supports for product development

Divisions wise Responses

Total
Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %
Yes 61 19.37% 17 7% 16 9% 62 41% 57 63% 0 0% 213 21%
No 254 80.63% 223 93% 164 91% 88 59% 33 37% 60 100% 822 79%
Total 315 100.00% 240 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1035 100%

The technical supports received by 1% respondents were on quality control and 1% on embroidery only. Of these
most of the supports were received by entrepreneurs of Dhaka, Rajshahi and Chittagong. There were none from
Barisal and Sylhet. A large majority of the 54% respondents did not respond. 43% got other technical support.
The majority of the women entrepreneurs amongst various divisions who got technical support for quality control
were 2% from Dhaka, 6% from Chittagong and 2% from Khulna, while technical support for embroidery was
received highest in Rajshahi by 6% and lowest in Dhaka 2%. There were none from Chittagong, Khulna, Barisal
and Sylhet. It was important to note that there were no responses from Sylhet on any of these questions.

It is important to mention that technical support is being provided by various institutions and organizations, but as
majority of the women have no source of information they are unable to get the technical support required by
them in their business activities.

Table 183: Specification of technical support

Divisions wise Responses

Responses Total %
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Quality
1 2% 0 0% 1 6% 1 2% 0 0% 0 0% 3 1%
control
Embroidery 1 2% 1 6% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 2 1%
Others 34 56% 14 82% 15 94% 7 11% 22 39% 0 0% 92 43%
No response 25 41% 2 12% 0 0% 54 87% 35 61% 0 0% 116 54%
Total 61 100% 17 100% 16 100% 62 100% 57 100% 0 0% 213 100%

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17.2 Information on support by organizations for product development

The reasons for low level of technical support for product development showed that 84% of the
respondents did not go to any organization for such support at all. Amongst all the divisions Sylhet was
the highest 98.3% Rajshahi and Khulna was the lowest 64% regarding their interest for product
development support. Of those 16% who approached organizations for product development support,
the highest were 36% from Khulna and the lowest were 2% from Sylhet.

The reasons for the inability of the women entrepreneurs for approaching organizations for product
development were the customary social traditions and conservative attitudes preventing the freedom of
movement and decision making for approaches to men for their requirements. However, many of the
women have overcome these restrictions and have started making their own resolutions and
determinations on these issues for the business growth and success.

Table 184: Approach to organization for product development support

Divisions wise Responses

Responses Total %
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Yes 54 17% 15 6% 17 9% 54 36% 21 23% 1 2% 162 16%
No 261 83% 225 94% 163 91% 96 64% 69 77% 59 98% 873 84%
Total 315 100% 240 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1035 100%

The regarding the identification of organization for product development support the survey revealed
that there were as many as 24 organizations who had provided the various services to 162 (16%)
women entrepreneurs for their product development. Amongst all the organizations the highest support
were provided by the NGOs which included BRAC, Singer, and other such non government
organizations operating throughout Bangladesh for the development of business through the product
development. Amongst the others were Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, Directorate of Women
Affairs Jatiya Mahila Sangstha, the Livestock Department, Government Organizations as BRDB, BSCIC
and Jubo Unnayan Adhidapter, Public and Private Banks, international organizations as ILO and Asia
Foundation and also trade bodies as Chambers.

Table 185: Name of organizations for product development

Sl. No. of
Name of Organization %
No. responses
NGOs (BRAC, Singer, 48 29.6%
Paradise, Promtouch,
Gano Unnayan of
Madaripur, Lokoj of
Dhaka, Jatiyo Mohila
Samity, Bawa & Homnet,
Harishakar Mohila
1 Unnayan Sangstha,
2 Jatiya Mahila Sangstha 28 17.2%
Directorate of Women 20 12.3%
3 Affairs
Ministry of Women and 11 6.7%
Children’s Affairs
4 BRAC Bank 10 6.1%
5 Livestock Department 12 7.4%
6 BRDB 9 5.5%
7 BSCIC 6 3.7%

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Sl. No. of
Name of Organization %
No. responses
Government 5 3%
Organizations, (Jubo
8 Unnayan Adhidaptar)
Public Banks (Sonali 5 3%
Bank, Agrani Bank)
Private Bank (Islamic 5 3%
9 Bank)
10 ILO, Asia Foundation 2 1.2%
11 Chambers 1 1%
Total 162 100%
Out of 1035, 162 (16%) Entrepreneurs received institutional product development support

17.3 Reasons for not using product development support

It was observed that 84% of the women entrepreneurs responded to the question regarding their reason
for not going to organizations for product development. Of these the majority 33% mentioned about their
financial problems 21% mentioned about their lack of information of the issue. This showed that they
were not conscious and they did not also know about the importance product development and its
requirement for marketing. They did not also have any knowledge of the existence of these
organizations. 10% said that they did not have a chance and 8%had no knowledge of the issue.

3% mentioned that they did not feel the necessity of such activities or that there was shortage of time for
such programmes. They also complained that there were no appropriate available institutions and also
did not get specific organization. All these answers refer to the entrepreneurs’ lack of initiative for
product development leading to marketing problems.

2% expressed their lack of interest and lack of facilities. They also felt that there was no benefit from
getting these product development supports as they could not always implement them in their
enterprises. They informed that religious barrier from the society and lack of cooperation for doing
business from the family created problems for many of the women entrepreneurs. 1% informed that the
superstition of women’s participation and communication gaps restricted their progress in business
especially in this male-dominated society. They said that since all their employees were not experts just
taking product development support did not contribute to their enterprise development, while others who
were new in this profession were afraid to go to organizations for product development.

The issues mentioned for their reasons for not using product development support were harmful for
them in the long run, since business progresses with product development without which the
manufacturing sector is unable to catch a good market and earn a name for their business. Training on
the issues would assist these women entrepreneurs to judge their conditions in relation to others who
have flourished in their individual business endeavours.

Table 186: Reasons for not using product development support

No. of
Sl. No. Reasons %
responses
1 Financial problems 287 33%
2 Lack of information 185 21%
3 Did not have chance 86 10%
4 Lack knowledge 68 8%
5 Did not feel necessary 30 3%
6 Did not get specific organization 26 3%

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No. of
Sl. No. Reasons %
responses
7 Shortage of times 26 3%
8 No appropriate available institutions 26 3%
9 Lack of interest 19 2%
10 No benefit 19 2%
11 Lack of facilities 18 2%
12 Religious barrier 18 2%
13 Lack of cooperation for doing business 15 2%
14 Superstition of women’s participation 10 1%
15 Communication gaps 9 1%
16 All employees were not experts 8 1%
17 Afraid to go to organization 3 0%
No Response 20 2%
Total responses 873 100%
Out of 1035, 873 Entrepreneurs did not receive product development support

17.4 Institutional support

Among the respondents from the survey it was known that 45% received institutional supports of whom
the women entrepreneurs who received the highest institutional support were 79% from Barisal followed
by 72% from Dhaka, 49% from Khulna 33% from Chittagong and 11% from Rajshahi.

Table 187: Institutional supports

Division wise Responses

Response Total %
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Yes 227 72% 26 11% 60 33% 74 49% 71 79% 7 12% 465 45%
No 88 28% 214 89% 120 67% 76 51% 19 21% 53 88% 570 55%
Total 315 100% 240 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1035 100%

While observing the institutional support received by 45% of the respondents, it was found that 50%
received financial support followed by 38% women entrepreneurs who received training and 10% who
mentioned that they received technical support. 2% mentioned that they received various other
institutional supports in different forms according to their requirements.

Table 188: Type of support you received

Division wise Responses

Institutional support Total
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
No. of
149 8 49 37 33 5 281
Financial responses
% 52% 27% 69% 37% 55% 42% 50%
No. of
25 4 7 13 2 3 54
Technical responses
% 9% 13% 10% 13% 3% 25% 10%
No. of
105 15 15 51 25 3 214
Training responses
% 37% 50% 21% 50% 42% 25% 38%

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Division wise Responses

Institutional support Total
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
No. of
6 3 0 0 0 1 10
Others responses
% 2% 10% 0% 0% 0% 8% 2%
Total respondents 285 30 71 101 60 12 559
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents
Out of 1035, 465 (45%) entrepreneurs received institutional support from various organizations.

Regarding the identification of organization for institutional support the survey revealed that there were
as many as 12 organizations which had provided the various women entrepreneurs for their institutional
development. Amongst all the organizations the highest support were provided by various NGOs to 25%
women followed by Jatiyo Mahila Sangstha which assisted 16% women entrepreneurs. MIDAS provided
support to 12% women and Directorate of Women Affairs to 11% women. BSCIC gave support to 6%
women. Jubo Unnayan Odhidapter and various government organizations and departments provided
support to 5% women, while 3% women were given support by BRAC and the Department of Livestock.
BRDB helped 2% women. The lowest support received was received by 1% women from ILO and also
by Sonali and Agrani and Islami Bank.

Institutional support was extremely necessary for the women entrepreneurs as it assisted them in
growing a sound footing and planning for gradual development of their enterprises in various fields.
Institutional support was provided in different methods or as required by the entrepreneurs.

Table 189: Name of support Organization

Sl. No. of
Name of Organization %
No. responses
1 NGOs 118 25%
2 Jatiya Mahila Sangstha 75 16%
3 MIDAS 55 12%
Directorate of Women
4 51 11%
Affairs
5 BSCIC 26 6%
6 Jubo Unnayan Adhidaptar 24 5%
7 Others Govt. Department 24 5%
8 BRAC Bank 15 3%
9 Department of Livestock 15 3%
10 BRDB 10 2%
11 ILO 5 1%
Others (Islami Bank, Sonali
12 5 1%
Bank, Agrani Bank etc)
No response 42 9%
Total 465 100%
Out of 1035, 465 (45%) entrepreneurs received institutional support

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CHAPTER – 18

18.0 TRADE ORGANIZATIONS

18.1 Membership in Trade organization/Associations

In tracing the membership of the women entrepreneurs in trade organizations, it was found that 70.82%
were not members of any trade organizations while only 29.18% were the members of various trade
organizations. The highest membership of 36.67% women entrepreneurs in various trade organizations
was observed in Rajshahi, followed by 35.56% in Barisal, 34.29% in Dhaka, 31.33% in Khulna, 16.67%
in Sylhet and only 9.44% in Chittagong. The highest number of non-membership in the trade
organizations was 90.56% in Chittagong and the lowest 63.33% in Rajshahi
Table 190: Membership of trade organization/association

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total %

Yes 108 34.29% 88 36.67% 17 9.44% 47 31.33% 32 35.56% 10 16.67% 302 29.18%
No 207 65.71% 152 63.33% 163 90.56% 103 68.67% 58 64.44% 50 83.33% 733 70.82%
Total 315 100% 240 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1035 100%

It was observed that of the trade organizations in which 29.18% women entrepreneurs were members
of, 6 were nationally recognized while the other 18 trade organizations in which these women were
members of were mostly district or area based, while some were sector based.

Among the important trade organizations in which the women entrepreneurs had membership were
19.2% in Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB), 11.9% in Bangladesh Women
Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BWCCI) 11.25% in National Association of Small and Cottage
Industries, Bangladesh (NASCIB), 7.94 in Banglacraft 7.9% in Bangladesh Association of Business and
Professional Women (BABPW) and Women Entrepreneurs Association (WEA). These trade
associations belonging completely for women or having women as their members were nationally
operated, having memberships throughout the country. The other trade organizations having
membership between 5.6% to 1% were district and area based or sector based.

Table 191: Name of Trade Organisation

Sl. Name of Trade Organisations No %

1 WEAB 58 19,2
2 Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries 36 11.9
3 NASCIB 34 11.25
4 Bangla Craft 24 7.94
5 WEA 24 7,9
6 Bangladesh Association of Business Women & Professional 24 7.9
7 Chittagong Women Chamber 17 5.6
8 WISE 13 4.3
9 Pirojpur Mohila Samity 13 4.3
10 Sirajgonj Uttaran Mohila Samity 11 3.6
11 Srimongal Business Club 11 3.6
12 Khulna Uddami Federation 7 2.3
13 Grameen Samity 7 2.3
14 Sylhet Beauty Parlour Association 6 2.0
15 Kallayani Mohila Samity 5 1.7
16 Mohila Dustha Samaj 5 1.7
17 Banik Samity 3 1.0
18 Harihor Mohila Samity 3 1.0

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Sl. Name of Trade Organisations No %

19 Matrika Nari Unnayan 3 1.0
20 Mohua Mohila Unnayan 3 1.0
21 Samabaya Samity 3 1.0
22 Unity Association 3 1.0
23 Obijatri Mohila Unnayan 3 1.0
24 Bonorupa Samity 3 1.0
Valid Response 302 29.18
Not members 733 70.82
Total 1035 100

Regarding the reasons for not having membership in the trade organizations, 12.5% of the respondents
said that they did not need it, 2.6% said that they were not available and 0.5% (mostly from Barisal) said
trade organizations did not provide them any benefit so there was no need for being members.
However, a significant number, 40.3% of the respondents mentioned about various other reasons while
another 44.1% of the respondents did not respond to the question at all.

Table 192: Reasons behind the non-memberships

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet

No % No % No % No % No % No % Total %
Not
15 9.3% 22 15.7% 12 7.5% 4 4.2% 17 29.3% 12 30.0% 82 12.5%
needed
Not
- 10 7.1% 5 3.1% - - 2 5.0% 17 2.6%
available
No benefit - - - - 3 5.2% - 3 .5%
Others 45 27.8% 52 37.1% 63 39.1% 46 47.9% 38 65.5% 21 52.5% 265 40.3%
No
102 63.0% 56 40.0% 81 50.3% 46 47.9% 5 12.5% 290 44.1%
response
Total 162 100.0% 140 100.0% 161 100.0% 96 100.0% 58 100.0% 40 100.0% 657 100.0%

18.2 Services provided

Trade Organizations provided various types of services of which 13.9% of the responding members
mentioned about receiving financial information followed by training by 8.5%, trade fair participation by
3.3% and marketing support by 1.3%. Of the others 8.7% of the respondents mentioned that there were
different other business-oriented services which they were getting. Interestingly it was observed that
70.9% of the women did not respond to the question.

Table 193: Type of services the women were provided by Trade Organizations

Type of services received Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
Financial Information No. of
26 24 3 19 - - 72
responses
% 18.1% 33.3% 4.1% 17.8% - - 13.9%
Marketing support No. of
3 2 - 2 - - 7
responses
% 2.1% 2.8% - 1.9% - - 1.3%
Training No. of
7 6 4 23 - 4 44
responses
% 4.9% 8.3% 5.5% 21.5% - 11.4% 8.5%
Trade fair No. of
12 1 1 1 - 2 17
participation responses

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Type of services received Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
% 8.3% 1.4% 1.4% .9% - 5.7% 3.3%
Others No. of
12 15 3 12 1 2 45
responses
% 8.3% 20.8% 4.1% 11.2% 1.1% 5.7% 8.7%
Total Respondent 144 72 73 107 88 35 519

18.3 Expectation of members

There were 21 various types of expectations mentioned by entrepreneurs as members of various trade
organizations. From the survey it was revealed that the greatest expectation of the women
entrepreneurs (4.6%) was to increase business contacts. The other important expectations were to
obtain good marketing opportunities mentioned by 2.5%, information about trade fairs by 2.3%, increase
participation in International fairs by 2.3%. Some members (1.6%) expected good service for trade
promotion, 0.9% members wanted to increase their knowledge of business through seminars, while
1.4% wanted to receive Skill development training opportunities and 1.0% required technical support.

Table 194: Expectation of members of trade organisations

Sl Expectation of members of trade organizations No %

1 Increase business contacts 48 4.6
2 Good marketing opportunities 26 2.5
3 Information about trade fairs 24 2.3
4 Participation in International Fairs 24 2.3
5 Expect good service for trade promotion 17 1.6
6 Skill development training opportunities 14 1.4
7 Increase knowledge of business through seminars 11 0.9
8 Technical support 10 1.0
9 Financial support from banks 8 0.8
10 Co-operation to extend business 7 0.7
11 Beauty Parlour Information & Technical Training 6 0.6
12 More beneficiary services 4 0.4
13 Grow friends 3 0.3
14 Learn about Organizations 3 0.3
15 Arrangement of show-room 3 0.3
16 Social and national development 3 0.3
Valid Response 196 18.9
No Response 839 81
Total 1035 100

18.4 Strengthening of women’s position in business and international trade promotion

Strengthening of women’s position in business and international trade promotion was one of the main
objectives of this study on women entrepreneurs in SME. 16 different suggestions were provided by the
respondents through the questionnaires from throughout Bangladesh. The main issues have been
identified in the table provided on the subject.

In response to this question only 28.7% of the respondents provided their answers. From the survey it
was revealed that Strengthening of women’s position in business and international trade promotion of
the women entrepreneurs could be attained through Increase of business contacts nationally and
internationally. This was mentioned by the highest number (4.6%) of women entrepreneurs. 3.2%
mentioned Training on International Marketing 2.7% mentioned of financial support from banks 2.3%
mentioned about Information about trade fairs and Participation in International Fairs. Others (1.9%)

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

mentioned about creating opportunity for export while 1.7% felt that there was need to strengthen
women’s socio-economic position and 1.6% revealed that the role of Association could strengthen the
women as entrepreneurs. Skill development training opportunities for making quality products was
discussed by 1.4% including the need for increase and strengthening of good business contacts as
stated by 0.3% and Increase knowledge of business through seminars indicated by 0.9%. The other
important expectations were to obtain good technical support remarked by 1%, receive additional capital
from banks for developing business and international trade promotion as suggested by 0.3% and
contribute towards social and national development as pointed out by 0.3%.

Table 195: Strengthening of women’s position in business and international trade promotion

Sl Strengthening of women’s position in business and international trade promotion No %

1 Increase business contacts Nationally and Internationally 48 4.6
2 Training on International Marketing 33 3.2
3 Financial support from banks 28 2.7
4 Good marketing opportunities 26 2.5
5 Information about trade fairs 24 2.3
6 Participation in International Fairs 24 2.3
7 Create opportunity for export 20 1.9
8 Strengthen women’s socio-economic position 18 1.7
9 Associations can strengthen the women entrepreneurs 17 1.6
10 Skill development training opportunities for making quality products 14 1.4
11 Arrangement of show-room for product display 13 1.3
12 Increase knowledge of business through seminars 11 0.9
13 Technical support 10 1.0
14 Additional capital from Bank 7 0.7
15 Establishing good contacts 3 0.3
16 Social and national development 3 0.3
Valid Response 299 28.7
Not Response 736 71.1
Total 1035 100

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 19

19.0 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT:

19.1 Incidence of illegal tolls and briberies

In case of paying illegal tolls and bribes, it was found that the majority 96.14% of the women did not
face any of such incidences, though in some incidences only 3.86% were reported to have paid such
tolls and bribes all over Bangladesh. This type of incidence was however found highest in Khulna by 5%
women entrepreneurs, 5.40% in Dhaka and 5% in Chittagong. There were no incidence of illegal tolls
and bribes as stated by 100% of the women entrepreneurs in Barisal, followed by 99.58% of Rajshahi
and 98.33% of Sylhet.
Table 196: Incidence of illegal tolls and Briberies

Response Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total %

No % No % No % No % No % No %
Yes 17 5.40 1 0.42 9 5.00 12 8.00 0 0 1 1.67 40 3.86
No 298 94.60 239 99.58 171 95.00 138 92.00 90 100.00 59 98.33 995 96.14
Total 315 100.00 240 100.00 180 100.00 150 100.00 90 100.00 60 100.00 1035 100.00

19.2 Overall business environment

The survey found that 66.86% of the women entrepreneurs opined that the overall business
environment was good and a very low number of them (1.55%) said it was as bad, while, 31.59% of the
women had no idea about such an environment and could not comment on the issue.

Table 197: Perception about business environment

Women’s Perception about business environment No. Responses %

Good 692 66.86
Bad 16 1.55
No idea 327 31.59
Total 1035 100

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CHAPTER – 20

20.0 ROLES RESPONSIBILITIES AND STATUS OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN FAMILY:

20.1 Head of Households

From the survey it was found that 31.59% of the women entrepreneurs were the heads of their families
considering the fact that the women entrepreneurs were also the heads of the households. Women of
Female-headed households were found to take up the profession of entrepreneurship more quickly than
those women who had husbands as their family heads. Their responsibilities regarding the maintenance
of families was harder than the males as they had to take their own decisions and at the same time
maintain their families and provide the economic requirements. Theirs was a difficult and perilous task,
often falling to disastrous risks if not handled properly. More so many women had to be the heads of the
family as their husbands did not contribute towards the family expenses. It was natural for the head of
the family to provide the family expenses and also play the role of decision-making.

With regards to the information head of the family, it was also found that the families of majority of the
women entrepreneurs 58.55% under survey were mostly headed by their husbands. 6.57% were
headed by their fathers, 1.35% by their mothers, 1.06% by their brothers and 0.87% by their in-laws.

Table 198: Information of head of family

Head of Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

household No % No % No % No % No % No % No %
Myself 104 33.02 78 32.50 75 41.67 14 9.33 41 45.56 15 25.00 327 31.59
Husband 181 57.46 141 58.75 94 52.22 117 78.00 34 37.78 39 65.00 606 58.55
Father 13 4.13 18 7.50 6 3.33 14 9.33 13 14.44 4 6.67 68 6.57
Mother 4 1.27 3 1.25 3 1.67 4 2.67 0 0.00 0 0.00 14 1.35
Brother 6 1.90 0 0.00 2 1.11 1 0.67 1 1.11 1 1.67 11 1.06
In-laws 7 2.22 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 1.11 1 1.67 9 0.87
Total 315 100.00 240 100.00 180 100.00 150 100.00 90 100.00 60 100.00 1035 100.00

Figure 11: Overall Distribution of Head of Households

Brother
1.06%
Husband Mother
58.55% 1.35%

Entrepreneur
herself
31.59%
Father In-law s
6.57% 0.87%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

20.2 Role of family members in business

This question had multiple responses and therefore percentages were calculated on the basis of total
respondents. It was observed that among the respondents 92.5% informed that they themselves played
the main role in business. Of these, the highest was in Barisal 98.9% followed by 97.7% in Chittagong,
95.1% in Dhaka, 93.2% in Rajshahi, 82.6% in Khulna and 76.3% in Sylhet. It must be mentioned that
the majority of the enterprises of the women entrepreneurs in SME belonged to the small sector and
thus it was natural for them to play the main role in business. Their business enterprises were set up
themselves and thus the whole business activities concentrated on their decision makings. Though the
whole responsibility was difficult yet it was seen that the women were confident in their business
endeavours and had the courage to maintain their business dealings.

17.8% of the women entrepreneurs mentioned that their husbands played the main role in business, of
which the highest 39% was in Sylhet and the lowest in Dhaka 7.4%. Women of Dhaka were more
capable because of the opportunities offered to them in the capital city. Among the others who played
the main role in business as informed by the respondents were 0.8% women’s business by fathers,
0.9% by brothers, 0.7% by mother, 0.3% by sisters, 0.1% by in-laws and 0.1% by uncles.

Table 199: Main roles in business

Main role in business Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
Myself No. of responses 294 205 173 123 89 45 929
% 95.1% 93.2% 97.7% 82.6% 98.9% 76.3% 92.5%
Husband No. of responses 23 46 23 37 27 23 179
% 7.4% 20.9% 13.0% 24.8% 30.0% 39.0% 17.8%
Father No. of responses 5 1 2 8
% 2.3% .7% 3.4% .8%
Mother No. of responses 2 4 1 7
% .6% 1.8% .7% .7%
Brother No. of responses 2 4 2 1 9
% .6% 1.8% 1.1% 1.7% .9%
Sister No. of responses 1 2 3
% .3% 1.1% .3%
In-laws No. of responses 1 1
% 1.1% .1%
Uncle No. of responses 1 1
% .3% .1%
Total Respondents 309 220 177 149 90 59 1004
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

18.3 Role of family members in domestic work

Since there were multiple responses thus percentages were calculated on the basis of total
respondents. Regarding the issue of the main role played in domestic work, 80.9% of the respondents
mentioned that they themselves played the main role. This was because the women usually maintained
their family activities and thus it was natural for them to play the main role in domestic work in addition
to their responsibility in business as an entrepreneur. It was a tough work for women to play their dual
roles.

It was mentioned by 18.4% of the respondents that the maid servants played the main role in domestic
work, followed by husbands of 8% women entrepreneurs. Among the others were mothers of 7.1%
women, sisters of 1.7% women, in-laws of 0.9% women, brothers of 0.8% women and fathers of 0.7%
women.

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Table 200: Main roles in domestic work

Actor Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Myself No. of responses 271 156 148 125 52 49 801
% 87.4% 73.9% 85.5% 83.9% 59.1% 83.1% 80.9%
Husband No. of responses 18 32 15 9 - 5 79
% 5.8% 15.2% 8.7% 6.0% 8.5% 8.0%
Father No. of responses - 1 2 1 - 3 7
% .5% 1.2% .7% 5.1% .7%
Mother No. of responses 14 17 2 26 10 1 70
% 4.5% 8.1% 1.2% 17.4% 11.4% 1.7% 7.1%
Brother No. of responses 3 1 1 2 - 1 8
% 1.0% .5% .6% 1.3% 1.7% .8%
Sister No. of responses 5 4 7 1 - - 17
% 1.6% 1.9% 4.0% .7% 1.7%
In-laws No. of responses 5 1 1 - 1 1 9
% 1.6% .5% .6% 1.1% 1.7% .9%
Maidservant No. of responses 44 46 34 9 28 21 182
% 14.2% 21.8% 19.7% 6.0% 31.8% 35.6% 18.4%
Total Respondents 310 211 173 149 88 59 990
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

20.4 Time allocation of women entrepreneurs in various activities in a day

It was found from the survey that the greatest number (36%) of women entrepreneurs devoted 6 - 9
hours a day in their main business followed by 25% who worked 3 – 6 hours a day and 21% who
worked 9-12 hours a day. Amongst the divisions 76% of the women entrepreneurs of Barisal worked 6-9
hours a day, the highest, followed by Chittagong 53%, Sylhet 38%, Khulna 32%, Rajshahi 24% and
Dhaka 23%.

It was found that the highest time allocation for business of above 12 hours a day was by only 2%
women entrepreneurs whose concentration was only on their business while the lowest amount of time
of 1-3 hours for main business in a day was by 17% women.

Table 201: Time allocation of Women Entrepreneurs for main business in a day

Time Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total %

(in Hour)
1-3 90 30% 41 18% 21 12% 13 9% - 0% 6 10% 171 17%
3-6 86 28% 95 41% 40 22% 20 13% - 0% 9 15% 250 25%
6-9 70 23% 56 24% 96 53% 48 32% 68 76% 23 38% 361 36%
9-12 56 18% 36 16% 23 13% 66 44% 15 17% 21 35% 217 21%
Above 12 2 1% 4 2% 0% 3 2% 7 8% 1 2% 17 2%
Total 304 100% 232 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 1016 100.00%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Figure 12: Time allocation of WE for business in a day

120

6-9 hr
3-6 hr
1-3 hr
3-6 hr
100

No. of women entrepreneurs

6-9 hr

9-12 hr

6-9 hr
80

9-12 hr

6-9 hr

6-9 hr
60

1-3 hr

3-6 hr
9-12 hr

9-12 hr
40

9-12 hr
6-9 hr
1-3 hr

3-6 hr

9-12 hr
1-3 hr

12 + hr

3-6 hr
12 + hr

12 + hr

1-3 hr
20

12 + hr

12 + hr
12 + hr

1-3 hr
3-6 hr
0
Dhaka

Rajshahi

Chittagong

Khulna

Barisal

Sylhet
From the survey it was found that 943 of the women entrepreneurs had their secondary profession. Of
these the highest number of 88% devoted only 1-3 hours for their secondary profession, followed by 9%
who were found to have given 3-6 hours a day while only 3% had given most of the working time of 6-
10 hours a day to other secondary professions.

Table 202: Time allocation of Women Entrepreneurs in Secondary profession

Time Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total %

(in Hour)
1-3 211 81% 181 90% 153 85% 140 93% 90 100% 56 93% 831 88%
3-6 39 15% 15 7% 21 12% 6 4% - 2 3% 83 9%
6-10 12 5% 5 2% 6 3% 4 3% - 2 3% 29 3%
Total 262 100% 201 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 943 100%

Majority of the women (45%) gave 1-3 hours a day for domestic work. This was mainly because they
devoted more time for their business activities and also for income earning for their families. Their
domestic work was maintained by others either of the family or from outside. 42% women who
engaged themselves for 3-6 hours a day for the domestic activities while 9% gave 6-9 hours and only
3% gave above 9 hours.

Table 203: Time allocation of Women Entrepreneurs in Domestic work

Time Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total %

(in Hour)
1-3 180 68% 150 75% 55 31% 27 18% 6 7% 6 10% 424 45%
3-6 56 21% 38 19% 115 64% 87 58% 84 93% 21 35% 401 42%
6-9 21 8% 12 6% 10 6% 19 13% - 0% 24 40% 86 9%
Above 9 6 2% 1 0% - 0% 17 11% - 0% 9 15% 33 3%
Total 263 100% 201 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 944 100%

It was found that 92% of the respondents participated for only 1-3 hours in social and community works.
Business women do not find much time to spare for other activities than their own business and it is
noted that the more the time given to business the better are the results and the greater are the profits if
devotion to business is given in the proper way. Time for Social and community works arise only when
women entrepreneurs succeed in business and have time for devotion to others of the society and the
community, since it is usually the business community, who mostly provide the funds for social and

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community activities. 7% gave 3-6 hours and only 1% allocated 6-9 hours for social and community
purposes.

Table 204: Time allocation of WE in Social and Community purpose

Time Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total %

(in Hour)
1-3 248 96% 191 96% 144 80% 140 93% 88 98% 49 82% 860 92%
3-6 8 3% 5 3% 34 19% 10 7% 2 2% 8 13% 67 7%
6-9 2 1% 4 2% 2 1% 0% 0% 3 5% 11 1%
Total 258 100% 200 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 938 100%

With regards to time allocation for leisure in a day, the survey showed that the majority of 46% of the
women entrepreneurs gave time of 1-3 hours only a day for their leisure. It was natural to assume that
hard work and proper utilization of time could help the women entrepreneurs to learn the tricks of the
trade and emerge successful in their endeavours in business. The time allocation for business dealings
and activities had to be well prepared in order to cover and achieve the maximum in the minimum time
available.27% gave 6-9 hours exclusively a day for leisure and 15% gave 9-12 hours. It was only 1%
who devoted above 12 hours a day according to their needs for leisure.

Table 205: Time allocation of Women Entrepreneur for leisure in a day

Time Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total %

(in Hour)
1-3 207 80% 127 63% 73 41% 15 10% 0% 12 20% 434 46%
3-6 6 2% 27 13% 3 2% 44 29% 5 6% 19 32% 104 11%
6-9 44 17% 14 7% 90 50% 64 43% 17 19% 27 45% 256 27%
9-12 2 1% 30 15% 12 7% 25 17% 68 76% 2 3% 139 15%
12 above 0 0% 3 1% 2 1% 2 1% 0% 0% 7 1%
Total 259 100% 201 100% 180 100% 150 100% 90 100% 60 100% 940 100%

20.5 Monetary contribution to family by women entrepreneurs

The survey revealed that maximum amount contributed by 16% women entrepreneurs to the family
monetary expenditure was above BDT. 20,000. It was also observed that the greatest number of
women (31%) contributed BDT 5001 – 10,000 and the least number of women 12% contributed BDT
15001 – BDT 20,000. Of the women who contributed 25% gave BDT. 10,001-BDT 15,000.

It is to be noted that out of 1035 respondents of the survey, 1004 (97%) of the women entrepreneurs
contributed towards the family expenditure (Reference Table 206). Their main reason for taking up
entrepreneurship has been for their economic contribution towards the family and family financial
benefit. (Reference Table 67).
Table 206: Women Entrepreneur Monetary contributions to family expenditure
Amount in BDT No of responses %
Up to 5000 152 15%
5001 to 10000 316 31%
10001 to 15000 254 25%
15001 to 20000 122 12%
20001 & Above 160 16%
Total 1004 100%
Out of 1035, 1004 (97%) women entrepreneurs contribute to the family expenditure

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The highest amount contributed by 18% women entrepreneurs to the family monthly savings was above
BDT. 5,000. Majority of the women (30%) gave up to Tk. 500 and the lowest number of only 2%
contributed BDT 1001- BDT1500, Among the others 21% gave BDT 501- BDT1,000, 15% gave BDT
1501- BDT 2000 and 14% gave BDT. 2001- BDT 5000.

Contribution towards family monthly savings was an important issue for the family and the contribution
of the women through their business earnings was a matter of great pride for them.

Table 207: Women Entrepreneur Contribution in Family monthly Savings

Amount in BDT No of responses %

UP to 500 205 30%
501 to 1000 142 21%
1001 to 1500 13 2%
1501 to 2000 105 15%
2001 to 5000 98 14%
5000 & Above 127 18%
Total 690 100%
Out of 1035, 690 (67%) women entrepreneurs contribute in family monthly savings

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 21

21.0 MAJOR PROBLEMS FACED BY WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

21.1 Major problems faced in family

Women faced various hindrances in their attempts to become entrepreneurs and the foremost obstacles
were from their own family members. There were 81.1% respondents to this question. Amongst the
women entrepreneurs 1.2% faced the problems from their parents who did not want them to be in the
line of business. This came mostly for those who were not married or stayed with their parents. The next
was for the married women (1.4%) who faced problems from their husbands, since husbands did not
usually approve of their freedom out of houses and also their attitude in response to the conservative
society. Moreover, in many instances it was found that husbands did not want their wives to be
successful in life and earn fame. It was natural for the in-laws not to like the free movement of the
women outside homes. This was mentioned by 0.6% women, who faced problems from in-laws in
working as entrepreneurs. 17.3% mentioned of other problems which they faced from families as
women entrepreneurs. 18.2% did not spend for family purpose and this created problems for them in
managing their business activities. It was interesting to note that 42.5% women did not face any
problems from their families.

Table 208: Major Problems faced by women entrepreneurs in Family

Major Problems faced in Family No of Respondents %

Parents did not want them to be in business 12 1.2
Husband did not approve their profession as entrepreneur 15 1.4
In-laws did not like their free movement outside homes 6 0.6
The women did not spend for family purpose 188 18.2
Women did not face any problems 440 42.5
Other problems 179 17.3
No response 195 18.8
Valid respondents 840 81.1
Total 1035 100

21.2 Major problems faced in society

Major problems faced in society by the women entrepreneurs were those which the women in this
country face when they try to use the freedom of movement in this male-dominated social structure.
12% complained that religious leaders did not approve of women in business and these issues became
religious barrier by people. 9% complained of the male domination of the society and 9% also
mentioned about the security problems faced in business and at work, 4% reminded that family heads
did not like women to work out side homes. 12% women entrepreneurs mentioned about backbiting of
the society including nasty remarks and bad comments about women’s free movement as
businesswomen. 7% said that they could not move alone at night safely, 7% reminded that the women
were not equally accepted as their male entrepreneurs also stated about the transport problem for
marketing and movement.

6% said that women could not participate alone in social work and enjoy social occasions, while 5%
spoke of non-cooperation of the society people regarding business development and out-house
activities. 6% said that they could not move freely in the society and 6% pointed out the negative
attitude of the social leaders. 5% mentioned that the conservative society did not allow women in
business or work out side at night, while 5% complained of teasing by men & hoodlums.

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Table 209: Major problems faced by women entrepreneurs in the Society

Divisions Total
Major Problems
Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Backbiting of the society/bad 11% 5% 8% 8% 5% 8% 12%
comments about women’s free
movement as businesswomen
Can not move alone at night 2% 6% 4% 3% 3% 0% 7%
safely
Teasing by men & hoodlums 2% 0% 1% 1% 0% 0% 5%
Transport problem for marketing 5% 6% 1% 0% 0% 0% 7%
and movement
Religious leaders do not approve 4% 6% 1% 7% 43% 7% 12%
of women in business /religious
barrier by people
Women cannot participate alone 1% 2% 6% 6% 19% 0% 6%
in social work/ social occasions
Security Problems faced in 3% 4% 0% 0% 0% 3% 9%
business and at work
Non-cooperation of the society 0% 0% 1% 1% 0% 3% 5%
people regarding business
development and out-house
activities
Can not move freely in the 1% 2% 9% 0% 0% 0% 6%
society
Negative attitude of social 0$ 0% 2% 4% 35 0% 6%
leaders
Conservative society does not 2% 2% 6% 2% 0% 2% 5%
allow women in business/ work
out side at night
The women are not equally 0% 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 7%
accepted as male entrepreneurs
Male domination of the society 56% 43% 35% 17% 7% 49% 9%
Family head does not like 1% 0% 0% 1% 0% 2% 4%
women to work out side
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 22

22.0 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)

22.1 Knowledge of CSR

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a compulsion on the part of business people and
industry owners to share some of their income earnings for the less privileged of the society and also for
development of the socio-economic scenario of the society and country. Very few of the entrepreneurs
had knowledge of CSR but with further information generation CSR will bring in magnificent results in
helping those who are in distress and also assist the less fortunate to survive and lead better lives.

Regarding knowledge about CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) in the survey, a total of 31%
respondents mentioned that they knew about CSR, 29.1% informed that they had no knowledge of CSR
while 39.9 % did not respond.

Table 210: Knowledge about CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)

CSR Divisions Total

Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
Known No. of 89 63 98 18 30 20 318
responses
% 28% 26% 54% 12% 33% 33% 31%
Not No. of 226 177 82 132 60 40 717
known responses
% 72% 74% 46% 88% 67% 67% 69%
Total Responses 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

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22.2 Types of CSR provided

Regarding the type of CSR provided there were multiple responses and percentages were calculated on
the basis of total respondents. Table 211 informed about the CSR provided by the women
entrepreneurs of which the highest CSR by 9.5% women entrepreneurs have been through providing
financial assistance to the less privileged. The best CSR with 7.3% of the women entrepreneurs have
been the Income Generation Activities by providing employment to the people in their enterprises. 6.2 %
gave awareness programmes 0.9% provided vocational and skill training 0.3% assisted in providing
non-formal and adult education. 13.1% provided other forms of CSR which helped the dis-advantaged
of the society, while 64.4% did not provide any CSR.

Table 211: Type of CSR provided

Type of CSR Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

IGA/ No. of
26 15 8 17 1 5 - 72
Employment responses
generation %
8.5% 6.4% 4.6% 11.3% 1.4% 8.3% 7.3%
Financial No. of
24 27 28 3 9 3 - 94
assistance responses
% 7.9% 11.6% 16.2% 2.0% 13.0% 5.0% 9.5%
Non-formal/ No. of
1 1 1 - - - 3
Adult education responses
% .4% .6% .7% .3%
Awareness No. of
34 11 9 4 - 3 - 61
program responses
% 11.1% 4.7% 5.2% 2.7% 5.0% 6.2%
Vocational/ skill No. of
- - 9 - - - - 9
training responses
% 5.2% .9%
Others No. of
39 21 42 14 - 14 - 130
responses
% 12.8% 9.0% 24.3% 9.3% 23.3% 13.1%
Did Not Provide No. of
14 4 6 12 4 23 - 666
responses
% 4.6% 1.7% 6.0% 8.0% 5.8% 38.3% 64.4%
Total Respondent s 305 233 173 150 69 60 1035
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 23

23.0 HARASSMENT IN BUSINESS:

23.1 Types of harassment in business

Regarding harassment during business 93.8% mentioned that they had not been harassed while 6.18%
informed of incidences of harassment. The highest numbers of their incidences of business harassment
were informed by the respondents of Dhaka 12.70% followed by Chittagong 4.44%, Rajshshi 3.75%,
Khulna 3.33%, Sylhet 1.67% and Barisal 1.11%.

Table 212: Experience of harassment during business

Opinion Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

No 40 9 8 5 1 1 64
Yes
% 12.70% 3.75% 4.44% 3.33% 1.11% 1.67% 6.18%
No 275 231 172 145 89 59 971
No
% 87.30% 96.25% 95.56% 96.67% 98.89% 98.33% 93.82%
No 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035
Total % 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

The women entrepreneurs identified about 27 types of harassment faced by them in business and
related activities. The survey showed that amongst all types of harassments the women entrepreneurs
faced in business, the highest was problems involving lack of capital as mentioned by 9.4% women.
The next harassment arose with the absentee employees in the business mentioned by 7.5 women
entrepreneurs, because the employees were the major resources in the production sector. 7.5% of the
women entrepreneurs also felt harassed due to delay in loan processing and problems involved in
production and other issues. 6.2% complained of receiving no financial help from banks causing delay
in business activities and hampering the sale of products. 4.7% regretted that banks did not co-operate
and thus hampered business development. 4.7 complained of administrative harassment which caused
problems in marketing, production and timely delivery of goods. 3.1% mentioned about the unlawful and
instigating discussions of the employees in the business house. The other harassments which the
women entrepreneurs faced were the sale of their products on credit, the non-cooperation of the whole
sellers and irregular in cash payment which resulted in hampering the smooth running of their business.
4.7% of the women further told that they were harassed with bad words by their whole sellers in
recovering money that had been laid pending for couple of months and even years. Credit recovery was
a great problem and entrepreneurs faced harassment in this regard since they suffered due to lack of
capital. The illegal tolls were also a great problem for which 3.1% of the women entrepreneurs suffered.
In addition the harassment caused through incidence of hijacking, threat from terrorists, harassment of
law enforcing agents, lack of safety for fair price, theft of goods, infrastructure problems, lack of
electricity and so on were some of the major types of harassments worth mentioning for the women
entrepreneurs in business.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Table 213: Type of harassment faced in business

Sl. No. Type of Harassment No. of %

responses
1 Employee stay away 5 7.5%
2 Bad discussion in the business house 2 3.1%
3 Sale on credit is not favourable. 4 6.2%
4 Delay in loan processing 5 7.5%
5 Harrah people during credit recovery 3 4.6%
6 Illegal tolls 2 3.1%
7 Lack of capital 6 9.4%
8 Society doesn't like employment of women. 3 4.6%
9 No financial help from bank. 4 6.2%
10 No safety, of faire price. 2 3.1%
11 Harassment in getting poultry vaccine. 1 1.7%
12 No electricity 3 4.7%
13 Quarrel with showroom owner. 2 3.1%
14 Bank does not cooperate 3 4.7%
15 Theft of goods 1 1.7%
16 Harassment in getting license 2 3.1%
17 Administrative harassment 3 4.7%
18 Illegal tolls to terror. 2 3.1%
19 Increase rent of the shop by landlord 2 3.1%
20 Poisoning in the fish firm. 1 1.7%
21 What spoken in training about loan is not real 1 1.7%
22 All type of problem 1 1.7%
23 Demand of bribe 2 3.1%
24 Customer's harassment for defective cloth 1 1.7%
25 Harassed by law enforcing agency 1 1.7%
26 Hijacking 1 1.7%
27 Peoples are not positive toward women 1 1.7%
28 Total 64 100.00%

23.2 People involved in harassment in business

According to the survey women entrepreneurs mentioned 21 names of persons and organizations
responsible for the harassment in business. It was found that 14% of the women entrepreneurs were
harassed by their whole sellers, 13% by showroom owners, 9% by the people of the society, 7% by the
Juba Unnayan Officials, 6% by the buyers and also by licensing officers, 5% by the village touts, 4%
by religious leaders and also by cloth Shop owners. It was found that 3% of the women entrepreneurs
were harassed by their own employees by government agencies, by RAB or DESA officials, by the
political Parties and also by their neighbours. 3% exclusively mentioned the names of terrorists who
disturbed them for demanding cash or ransom in kind. 2% were harassed by the Bank officials when
they approached them for loans. 2% also complained of harassment by the staffs of the transport
companies, on their way to work and back. 1% of the women entrepreneurs complained of harassment
by their husbands, by show-room owners, officials of the department of livestock and also thieves.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

It appeared from the table that the women entrepreneurs were harassed by the whole sellers, terrorists,
shop owners, showroom owners and Bank officials that resulted in financial problems for their business.
It was a matter of, humiliation and cause of insult when people of the society, government officials,
buyers, village touts, religious people, staff of the transport company and political parties harass the
women, since they are not seen with prestige and honour, for the only reason that they were working
outside homes for income earning. Women had to overlook these harassments and keep on their
business activities with courage and patience in order to succeed in life.

Table: 214 Persons/organizations responsible for harassment

Sl. Person/ Organizations responsible No. of %

for harassment responses
1 People of the society 92 9%
2 Juba Unnayan officials 70 7%
3 Buyers 60 6%
4 Licensing office 57 6%
5 Shop Owners 58 6%
7 Cloth Shops 37 4%
8 Religious people 44 4%
9 Government Agencies 34 3%
10 Own employees 29 3%
11 REB/DESA 35 3%
12 Neighbours 30 3%
13 Political Parties 32 3%
14 Terrorist 29 3%
15 Bank officials 23 2%
16 Staffs of the Transport Company 24 2%
17 Whole sellers 140 14%
18 Showroom owners 132 13%
19 Husbands 10 1%
20 Department of livestock 10 1%
21 Thieves 12 1%
Total 1012 100%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 24

24.0 SUGGESTIONS FOR OVERCOMING PROBLEMS

The survey revealed that 71% of the problems of the women entrepreneurs could be solved by
organizing training on skill and business development and also accounts management, providing
financial supports, and giving various facilities for entrepreneurship development.

12% suggested sales & marketing and also ICT training for building women entrepreneurs to become
more proficient in doing business and provide loan at low rate of interest to run their business smoothly.
8% of them expressed that provision of collateral free loan with low interest for women entrepreneurs
could solve their problems, while 4% thought that it could be solved by reducing rampant corruptions of
the officials of all ranks and files. 5% of the women said that by organizing vigorous awareness program
could change the attitude of people like; religious leader, family, society head and others towards
women entrepreneurship, while 5% of the women further opined that the problem of entrepreneurs
could be solved if they were well organized and have a strong women association at all
divisions/districts. 3% of the women felt that the loan procedure needs to be more user-friendly. 4%
suggested reducing the existing duties on raw materials to reduce production cost to make their
products competitive against imported finished products. They also suggested that establishing
technical institutes for product development, building special markets for women, introducing financial
incentives to bring more women to business could solve many of the problems faced by the women
entrepreneurs.

Table 215: Overall Suggestions in overcoming problems

Sl Overall Suggestions Divisions

Total
Responses Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
1 Bangladesh Police needs No 16 12 21 4 5 6 64
to give special attention % 5% 5% 12% 3% 6% 10% 6%
to Women Entrepreneurs
2 Government No 12 10 6 5 3 4 40
Administrative Officials % 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 7% 4%
need to be free from
corruption
3 Organize training (skill, No 50 25 10 15 5 15 120
financial,
% 16% 10% 6% 10% 6% 25% 12%
entrepreneurship
development, Sales &
Marketing, ICT etc) for
build women
entrepreneurs more
proficient in doing
business and provide
loan at low interest rate
to run their business
smoothly
4 Organize vigorous No 19 7 8 6 0 10 50
awareness program to % 6% 3% 4% 4% 0% 17% 5%
change the attitude of
people (religious leader,
family, society head)
towards women
entrepreneurship and to
stop eve-teasing

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl Overall Suggestions Divisions

Total
Responses Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet
5 Provide more collateral No 40 20 5 4 8 5 82
free loan at low interest % 13% 8% 3% 3% 9% 8% 8%
rate for women
entrepreneurs
6 Concerned Government No 6 2 4 5 3 5 25
agencies must be % 2% 1% 2% 3% 3% 8% 2%
cooperative to women
entrepreneurs
7 Introduce financial No 15 10 5 6 2 2 40
incentives to bring more % 5% 4% 3% 4% 2% 3% 4%
women in business
8 Establish technical No 10 5 3 2 2 0 22
institute for product % 3% 2% 2% 1% 2% 0% 2%
development
9 Establish special market No 12 20 5 2 2 0 41
for women entrepreneurs % 4% 8% 3% 1% 2% 0% 4%
10 Reduce the custom and No 10 15 4 8 5 0 42
duties on raw materials to % 3% 6% 2% 5% 6% 0% 4%
reduce the production
cost
11 Jobo Unnayan must be No 5 8 5 9 2 0 29
free from corruption % 2% 3% 3% 6% 2% 0% 3%
12 Loan procedure needs to No 6 6 10 4 3 4 33
be more user friendly
% 2% 3% 6% 3% 3% 7% 3%
13 Ensure secured business No 15 20 6 5 10 2 58
environment for the % 5% 8% 3% 3% 11% 3% 6%
women entrepreneurs
14 Ensure effective business No 15 10 5 5 2 0 37
development services % 5% 4% 3% 3% 2% 0% 4%
15 Well organized women No 15 10 8 10 3 5 51
association is needed to
% 5% 4% 4% 7% 3% 8% 5%
solve women
entrepreneurs problems
16 Do not have any No 69 60 75 60 35 2 301
suggestion % 22% 25% 42% 40% 39% 3% 29%
Total 315 240 180 150 90 60 1035

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 25

25.0 QUALITIES REQUIRED FOR BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR

Among the 10 qualities mentioned by the women entrepreneurs required to become a successful
entrepreneur the highest number of women (59.5%) gave importance to honesty as the most important
quality, followed by hard work mentioned by 55.2%, education and knowledge by 29.9% and good
behaviour 29.8%. The next importance was given to capital for business by 27.3% along with skill
worker stated by 23.5% intelligence of entrepreneur by 8.2 % discipline in life and work by 5.3%
entrepreneurial knowledge by 3.7% and high ambition by 0.1%. Multiple responses, percentages
calculated on the basis of total respondents. As there were multiple responses, the percentages were
calculated on the basis of total respondents.

Table 216: Qualities are required to be a successful entrepreneur

Qualities required Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

Hardworking No. of 231 122 79 61 35 30 558
responses
% 73.3% 55.7% 43.9% 41.2% 38.9% 50.8% 55.2%
Honesty No. of 203 163 77 87 32 40 602
responses
% 64.4% 74.4% 42.8% 58.8% 35.6% 67.8% 59.5%
Capital No. of 83 78 91 3 4 17 276
responses
% 26.3% 35.6% 50.6% 2.0% 4.4% 28.8% 27.3%
Good Behave No. of 126 80 19 35 37 4 301
responses
% 40.0% 36.5% 10.6% 23.6% 41.1% 6.8% 29.8%
Educational No. of 86 33 48 88 31 16 302
Knowledge responses
% 27.3% 15.1% 26.7% 59.5% 34.4% 27.1% 29.9%
Skill worker No. of 56 76 23 60 9 14 238
responses
% 17.8% 34.7% 12.8% 40.5% 10.0% 23.7% 23.5%
Intelligence No. of 2 28 2 31 11 9 83
responses
% .6% 12.8% 1.1% 20.9% 12.2% 15.3% 8.2%
High ambitions No. of - - - - - 1 1
responses
% 1.7% .1%
Entrepreneurial No. of 19 10 1 - 5 2 37
Knowledge responses
% 6.0% 4.6% .6% 5.6% 3.4% 3.7%
Discipline No. of 7 18 3 - 25 1 54
responses
% 2.2% 8.2% 1.7% 27.8% 1.7% 5.3%
Total Respondents 315 219 180 148 90 59 1011
Note: Multiple responses, percentages calculated on the basis of total respondents

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 181

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 26

26.0 THE ENTREPRENEURS’ AIMS AND DREAMS

The survey showed that the highest aim or dream of more than thirty percent of the women (31.50%)
was to become a successful women entrepreneur, 19.17% aimed at expanding their existing business,
15.83% wanted to become a self-dependent personality, 6% wanted to create employment for others,
3.67% wanted to establish a beautifully decorated showroom, while 3.33% wanted to become financially
sound.

The other significant dreams of the women entrepreneurs were contribution to financial development of
the family by 2%, establishment of garment factory by 1.83%, shifting of business from rural hut to
urban trade centre by 1.50%, building up a commotion free society to remove poverty and also establish
a renowned beauty parlour. by 1.17%, . The others had aims and dream other than the above and
though these were not all significant but were certainly appreciable.

The aims and dreams of the women entrepreneurs depicted their ultimate endeavours through success
in business. They were hardworking and their contribution towards their family and society was
overwhelming. There was a time when society rebuffed them but after success today society recognizes
their achievements. Their contribution towards the national economy was through their income earning
and providing employment to the skilled workers and also providing support of various kinds to the
disadvantaged. Through their efforts in uplifting the status of the people and also the socio-economic
development of the society, they have not only contributed but also prepared the path of success for the
future generations of the country. Their economic contribution towards their families have grown their
status of living and their business development has increased their image in society, leading them to
become successful and emerge as leaders of the society.

Table 217: Aims and Dreams of the Respondents

Sl. Aims and Dreams of the Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
No. Respondents
1 Start a business of Poultry and 2% 1% 4% 0% 0% 7% 2.33%
Dairy Farm
2 A successful women entrepreneur 37% 40% 31% 31% 17% 33% 31.50%
3 Contribute to family's financial 2% 1% 7% 1% 1% 0% 2.00%
development
4 Creating employment for others 3% 8% 6% 9% 8% 2% 6.00%
5 Do not have any aim or dream 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 2% 0.33%
6 Participation in international trade 3% 4% 1% 0% 0% 0% 1.33%
fairs
7 Establish my cloth brand as brand 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 2% 0.33%
leader
8 Establish a beautifully decorated 10% 0% 1% 4% 0% 7% 3.67%
showroom
9 Establish a garments factory 2% 2% 7% 0% 0% 0% 1.83%
10 Establish a renowned beauty 1% 0% 3% 0% 0% 3% 1.17%
parlour
11 Set-up a departmental store 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 5% 0.83%
12 Set-up a health services 0% 0% 2% 0% 0% 2% 0.67%
programme for the people
13 Be a financially sound entrepreneur 7% 4% 4% 0% 0% 5% 3.33%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl. Aims and Dreams of the Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total
No. Respondents
14 Become a renowned fashion 1% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0.33%
designer
15 Become a renowned beautician 1% 0% 2% 0% 0% 2% 0.83%
16 Become an industrialist 2% 0% 1% 1% 0% 0% 0.67%
17 Become a self-dependent person 5% 20% 3% 26% 39% 2% 15.83%
18 Build up a commotion free society 0% 0% 7% 0% 0% 0% 1.17%
to remove poverty
19 Establish a food processing factory 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0.17%
/ fast food shops
20 Establish a modern fashion house 0% 0% 1% 1% 0% 0% 0.33%
21 Set-up a gym and swimming pool 1% 0% 1% 1% 0% 0% 0.50%
22 Establish a computer training 1% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0.33%
center and IT service provider
23 Expansion of existing business 20% 14% 8% 18% 35% 20% 19.17%
24 Become a land owner 0% 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0.17%
25 Shifting business from rural hut to 0% 0% 1% 3% 0% 5% 1.50%
urban trade center
26 Establish equal right in business 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0.17%
27 Establish an agro based farm 0% 0% 1% 1% 0% 0% 0.33%
28 Establish chain shops 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0.17%
29 Establish a metal factory 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0.17%
30 Set-up a large workshop 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0.17%
32 Set-up a meat processing plant 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0.17%
33 Establish hospital and diagnosis 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0.17%
center
34 Export to foreign countries 2% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0.50%
36 No response 0% 5% 0% 3% 0% 3% 1.83%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 27

27.0 ACHIEVEMENTS IN BUSINESS

In terms of achievement in business, almost one fourth (26.30%) of the women entrepreneurs in
Bangladesh were found to have gained financial stability, 17.80% have become self dependent, 10.10%
earned goodwill and success in business, while 9.30% contributed to their family financially. On the
other hand 7.60% achieved moderate success in business, 5.70% earned respect from family and
society while 7.6% gained other achievements. 0.90% earned prestigious business awards and 0.8%
achieved sustainability in business.

Comparing all categories of achievement of all divisions, 53.9% of the women entrepreneurs of
Chittagong ranked the highest in achievement of financial stability followed by 32.9% of Dhaka which
ranked second. In achieving self dependence the highest was by the women entrepreneurs of Barisal
(44.4%) followed by Khulna by 32.7%,

The Women entrepreneurs of Khulna earned the highest goodwill and success in business 17.3%
followed by both Rajshahi and Chittagong 12.2%, while those of Dhaka were in the third position 7.1%.
The women of Barisal and Sylhet achieved 3.3%.

The majority of the women entrepreneurs of Bangladesh contributed financially to the family and
amongst them the highest was from the division of Sylhet followed by those of Rajshahi 17% ,Barisal
15.6%, Khulna 8% and of Dhaka 6.1%.

Regarding development of their status the women entrepreneurs of Barisal ranked first with 16.7%
followed by Rajshahi 11.7%, Sylhet 10%, Chittagong 7.2%, Dhaka 6.8% and Khulna 6%.

All over Bangladesh 7.6% women entrepreneurs were moderately successful in business. Amongst
them Sylhet was the highest with 15%, followed by Barisal 12.2%, Dhaka 10%, Rajshahi 7% and
Chittagong 5.6%. A negligible number of only .7% was from Khulna.

Many of the women entrepreneurs had been able to enhance respect from their families and society.
The women of Sylhet ranked highest with 16.7% followed by Khulna 9.3%, Rajshahi 6.1%, Dhaka 5.5%
and a negligible number of only .6% from Chittagong.

As observed from the survey business awards were won by women entrepreneurs of Dhaka 1.9%,
Sylhet 1.7% and Chittagong 1.1%.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Table 218: Achievements in Business by Women Entrepreneurs

Achievements Dhaka Rajshahi Chittagong Khulna Barisal Sylhet Total

No % No % No % No % No % No % No %
Business award 6 1.9 - - 2 1.1 - - - - 1 1.7 9 0.90
Self dependent 48 15.5 27 11.7 12 6.7 49 32.7 40 44.4 6 10.0 182 17.80
Developed status 21 6.8 27 11.7 13 7.2 9 6.0 15 16.7 6 10.0 91 8.90
Success Moderately
31 10.0 16 7.0 10 5.6 1 .7 11 12.2 9 15.0 78 7.60
in business
Financial stability 102 32.9 43 18.7 97 53.9 12 8.0 2 2.2 12 20.0 268 26.30
Enhanced respect
from family and 17 5.5 14 6.1 1 .6 14 9.3 2 2.2 10 16.7 58 5.70
society
Contribution
financially to the 19 6.1 39 17.0 - - 12 8.0 14 15.6 11 18.3 95 9.30
family
Earned goodwill and
22 7.1 28 12.2 22 12.2 26 17.3 3 3.3 2 3.3 103 10.10
success in Business
Sustainability in the
- - 1 .4 - - 7 4.7 - - -- - 8 0.8
business
Others 39 12.6 15 6.5 10 5.6 11 7.3 1 1.1 2 3.3 78 7.6
No response 5 1.6 20 8.7 13 7.2 9 6.0 2 2.2 1 1.7 50 4.9
Total 310 100. 230 100 180 100 150 100 90 100 60 100 102 100

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 185

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 28

28.0 ENTREPRENEURS CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS FAMILY:

The survey revealed that the women entrepreneurs contributed towards the family in various ways
including the 27 types of contribution as recorded in Table 219. Of those the highest contributions made
by 10.2% of the women, was of bearing Family and household expenditure, and lowest 2.2% in bearing
personal expenditure without burdening family. The other contributions were bearing cost of Children’s
Education by 6.9%, reducing financial problem in business by 6.4%, creating employment for family
members by 5.9%, lessening family burden as women by 3.6%, jointly assisting to social development
by 4.3% and contributing towards women’s education by 4%. The other contributions in the society were
significant in nature mentioned by 2.2% - 3.0 % women and these were found to be linked with family
requirements as enhancing the family prestige, as well as the family image and status in society,
contributing towards family in crisis, earn social respect as member of an established family through
financial contribution, raise consciousness in family on women’s development and also providing
assistance to marriage of destitute family members.

Table 219: Contributions of women entrepreneurs in family

Sl Type of Contribution to family No. of responses %

1 Bearing Family and household expenditure 106 10.2
2 Bear cost of Children Education 71 6.9
3 Reduced financial problem in business 66 6.4
4 Joint assistance to social development 44 4.3
5 Contributed family toward women’s education 41 4.0
6 Contribute to reduce unemployment in the family 36 3.5
7 Earn social respect as member of establish family 35 3.4
8 Contribute to make business stable 35 3.4
9 Contributed to be a successful women entrepreneurs in the family 34 3.3
10 Raise consciousness in family on women’s development 34 3.3
11 Contributed family in all respect 34 3.3
12 Contribute to deduct burden of the family 33 3.2
13 Contribute to stabilize family bond, and friendship with all 33 3.2
14 Contribute to start IGA in family 33 3.2
15 Drawing attention to the unemployed women in the family 32 3.1
16 Contribute to earn financial solvency of the family 32 3.1
17 Economic contribution to family in crisis 32 3.1
18 Contribute to lead modern life and happy ended life 32 3.1
19 Enhance family prestige through investment of money 32 3.1
20 Contributed to establish large poultry and diary firms in the area 32 3.1
21 Assistance to marriage of family members 31 3.0
22 Earn family members confidence as bread earner 31 3.0
23 Contribute to develop family image and status in the society 31 3.0
24 Contribute earning for survival 31 3.0
25 Contributed to purchase of land 31 3.0
26 Contributed to psycho-social back up to aged father 30 2.9
27 Bearing personal expenditure without burdening Family 23 2.2
Total 1035 100.0

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 29

29.0 ENTREPRENEURS CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS SOCIETY

With regards to the contribution of the women entrepreneurs in the society, the survey provided a long
list of their contributions (41 in number), covering a wide range of contributions. Amongst which it was
found that the highest 5% assisted poor people, 4.5% encouraged women in business, 3.6% lessen
family burden as women, 3.1% contributed to establish large poultry and diary firms, 3.2% helped poor
and helpless women, 3% provided financial help to poor women, 2.9% Contribute to health care service
for the family, 2.8% encouraged women to become self dependent in the family, while 2.5% of the
women took initiative to stop early marriage and created employment for uneducated women in the
family. The least contribution by women (1.6%), was found in cooperation in partnership business. A
large number of contributions, 1.7% were found women in organizing and involving women Chamber
activity, assisting UP members to play positive role for development, controlling violence against
women, contributed to make rewards to business women, established peace and harmony in the family,
contributed to solve social problems, contributed to increase protein supply to the family members as
well as others for meeting demand of protein and etc.

Table 220: Contributions of women entrepreneurs in Society

Sl Types of Contributions to society No. of responses %

1 Create Employment 61 5.9
2 Assist Poor People 52 5.0
3 Help in Social Development 50 4.8
4 Encourage women in business 47 4.5
5 Lessen women as Social burden 37 3.6
6 Help poor and helpless Women 33 3.2
7 Financial help to poor women 31 3.0
8 Initiate and lead feminist movement for development 30 2.9
9 Contribute to health care services 30 2.9
10 Encourage women to be self dependent 29 2.8
11 Helping other business Women 28 2.7
12 Create opportunity for women to be self dependent 27 2.6
13 Earn good will of the society 26 2.5
14 Create employment for uneducated 26 2.5
15 Took initiative to stop early marriage 25 2.5
16 Contribute to religious education and development 23 2.2
17 Enlighten society members in various activities 23 2.2
18 Make linkage with people 22 2.1
19 Help in arranging Computer Training for the women 20 1.9
20 Help unemployed and poor for getting trade licenses 20 1.9
21 Extend Cooperation to the people in society 20 1.9
22 Create opinion against Dowry 20 1.9
23 Provide help for Children Dev. 20 1.9
24 Provide clothing’s’ to poor 20 1.9
25 Create training facilities for women 20 1.9
26 Contribute become women leader 20 1.9
27 Educate women in business 19 1.8
28 Inspire others towards establishment of micro industries 19 1.8
29 Encourage children for education 19 1.8
30 Remove social differences 19 1.8
31 Contribute to make women beauty conscious and health 19 1.8
32 Help orphan and poor children in the society 19 1.8

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl Types of Contributions to society No. of responses %

33 Organize and involve women Chamber activity 18 1.7
34 Establish Shisu Sadhan and provide free training 18 1.7
35 Increase protein supply for meeting demand of the people 18 1.7
36 Good Efforts to solve social problems 18 1.7
37 Efforts to establish peace and harmony in the family 18 1.7
38 Contribute to rewards women 18 1.7
39 Control violence against women 18 1.7
40 Assist UP members to play positive role for development 18 1.7
41 Cooperate partnership in business 17 1.6
Total 1035 100.0

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

CHAPTER – 30

30.0 CASE STUDIES

The assignment also includes conducting of 30 case studies of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.
The entrepreneurs were selected for the purpose at random. However, the accessibility of the
entrepreneurs in terms of their time and convenience was also a factor in the selection. The studies are
presented in the following pages.

The case studies mirror some important aspects of women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. The
starting of business enterprises and running them by women is not an easy task. Women have to
cross many hurdles before entering business. Where economic pressure is the motivating force, they
get all cooperation from the family, but have to face various external problems. Determination and
perseverance are absolutely necessary for facing the odds at all ends. Educated ladies are better
equipped with such qualities and have a better chance of success in business. Marketing of products
and obtain services are problems for women entrepreneurs. Access to institutional credit acts as a
major constraint at the initial stage and also for business development. Women entrepreneurs succeed
in their ventures after overcoming these difficulties.

The Case Studies provided have been taken from the six divisions of Bangladesh. Successful women
entrepreneurs have been identified during the Focus Group Discussions, Planning Workshops and also
during Key Informants Meetings. Moreover, there were also those women who had received awards
from the SME Foundation for their success in various fields of business. Information of many were
collected giving priority for their struggles in life in order to succeed in their endeavours as women
entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Hundreds of women are now identified as flourishing women
entrepreneurs successful in their individual fields of business. It was interesting to choose the
exceptional ones in order to focus their triumphant roles in crossing the hurdles and emerge successful
in their ventures. These would certainly motivate others in the profession and also encourage other
women to take up business as their source of income earning and thereby become solvent in life.
Women entrepreneurs not only develop their standard of living but also economically support others
whom they employ. They not only contribute towards their own individual families, but also to society
and the national economy of the country. Their activities have shown the path leading to women’s
empowerment, achieved not only through their courage and determination but mainly though their
economic prosperity.

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CASE STUDY 1: ANNESHITA AARONG OF MOUSHUMI

At an early age Moushumi Mobin started Acupressure and while in this activity she thought of
becoming an individual income earner. She however, didn’t want
to join any job, and so decided to set up a business of her own.

Investment: In 2000 with a capital of Taka two lacs, she started

a boutique shop and named it Anneshita Aarong. Situated at 18
B.K. Roy Road at Sheikhpara, Khulna, her shop initially sold
embroidered saris, three-piece dress material, mens’ wear,
punjabis and household linen. Hers was a manufacturing unit
and she emphasized on creative endeavours to produce
attractive products and win a good name as a fashion designer and garments manufacturer.

After a few years, Moushumi ventured to expand her market and started to explore the Dhaka market in
order to popularize her products in the capital. Initially the shop keepers displayed her embroidered
dresses and saris and paid her well after sale of her products. But later with passing years these people
refused to pay her back. In this way she waited three years to receive all the money from the sale of her
products, and though she got some money back, she failed to recover all her money. Disheartened, she
started to concentrate again on her boutique shop at Khulna, though she knew that her products had
won a good market at Dhaka.

Employment: Starting anew with three male and about a hundred female workers, she started with full
vigour in her manufacturing enterprise of embroidered dresses, saris, and household linen.

Present status: Moushumi has started batik works and experiments on new designs for the men’s
wears, especially the punjabis and fotuwas (T-shirts). The people living in the rented apartments of her
family also lend their helping hands in her tailoring works, expanding her industrial enterprise day by
day.

Source of fund: She had received Taka one lac from her father as inheritance and managed to collect
one lac more from friends and family members, which she repays in installments at intervals. Her
average turnover per month now is around Taka one lac and average expenditure approximate Taka
seventy thousand per month. Her turnover has increased from Taka fifty thousand in 2007 to Taka one
lac in 2009 and average expenditure has increased from Taka thirty thousand in 2007 to Taka seventy
five thousand in 2009.

Present Constraints: Moushumi complained that raw materials for her dresses are not always
available in the form of good quality. The textile materials are bought from the local market where
quality is not always reliable and colour not permanent as desired. Her greatest problem is her financial
constraint as banks in Khulna are not eager to provide loans to women entrepreneurs.

Contribution to Family: Moushumi had lost her father and thus she had to maintain both her mother
and younger brother in addition to her own family, where her financial contribution helped her family
members to maintain a good standard of living. She had to face problems while marketing her products
as her relatives and in-laws criticized her activities since she moved on her own in order to maintain her
business. She cared less since she had to survive and her eagerness to succeed gave her the courage
to go ahead not paying heed to the criticisms thrown on her character.

Achievement as an Entrepreneur: Moushumi is proud that she has been able to establish herself as a
successful women entrepreneur. There was a time when she could not make her ends meet since she
was financially in a very difficult position but today she was living a successful life. More so, she is
happy and satisfied in being able to employ more than a hundred women, by not only helping them to
earn but also assisting these poor, disadvantaged women to support their families and lead a
respectable life. To-day she is successful, and well placed in life which she has earned through the dint

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of her hard work and confidence. She says, “If there is no one to support you, go ahead fearlessly since
Allah is there to guide you and it is He who will rescue you and assist you to stride ahead with dignity
and prosperity”

Future Prospects: She plans to open a boutique shop in Dhaka and show those who had cheated her
that she knew how to be successful in business.

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CASE STUDY 2: TAHSINER RANNAGHAR – THE CATERING HOUSE OF KHULNA

Nasreen Akhter Binu was a house-wife and did all the cooking in her home. She loved cooking and
tried to experiment on various kinds of food to make new
delicacies in order to please the members of her family. But as
her husband liked fast food, she decided to improve her cooking
by taking training on fast food. People liked her food and she
was inspired to start a business on fast food and confectionery.

In 1997 she set on starting her food business naming it Tahsiner

Rannaghar. Her own home at Pabla, Fakirpara, Daulatpur,
Khulna became her business centre and she started taking
orders from neighbours and friends. Gradually she developed
more food items and became an expert in the preparation of fast food, Muglai items, and biriani. Cakes,
especially birthday cakes, became her specialty and she began to receive orders from far and near for
her confectionery food items. Nasreen started taking orders for supplying food to the organizers of
various programmes, including, seminars, workshops, birthday parties, house parties and on many
occasions even wedding parties and related programmes. She developed Muglai dishes and
Bangladesh cuisines to suit the needs of various occasions.

Investment: Catering became Nasreen’s main source of income. Though her initial investment was
only Taka Two thousand from her own savings, she gradually increased her investment borrowing
money from her husband, as she started supplying for parties and different functions, especially for
different occasions as Pahela Baishakh, birthdays, weddings, festivals and state celebrations.

Present Status: Her regular supplies of packed food for seminars, workshops and small programmes
earned her fame as a catering business woman, unheard of in Khulna previously, since women never
ventured to such type of activities in these regions before. All her cooking are done at her own house as
she deals only with food supplies and catering only, instead of selling through fast food or confectionery
shops.

Employment: She has four women whom she has trained in the preparation of the food products.
When she gets large orders she employs more women to assist her, maintaining the overall food
preparation in her own hands.

Source of fund: Her source of fund was from her husband who not only encouraged her in all her
efforts but also assisted her in her activities. There were no problems since her husband was always
supportive and gave her encouragement and appreciation. Whatever problems arose, these were faced
by both her husband and herself. Her average expenditure per month ranged from Taka two thousand
to Taka Ten thousand according to the requirements of the parties. Her average turnover per month
was Taka fifteen thousand. These varied in different months, because the orders were not same
throughout the year.

Present constraints: Nasreen could not start a shop due to financial constraints. Moreover, she
sometimes does not get enough women to assist her in case of big orders and she has to keep a cool
head in managing to supply her orders at the right time.

Contribution towards Family: She contributes for family requirements whenever necessary. It is a
great achievement for her to be able to contribute financially since she was simply a housewife without
much education.

Achievement as an Entrepreneur: To day Nasreen Akhter Binu has earned a great name as a good
cook, and an expert caterer of fast food items confectionary, Muglai dishes and Bangladeshi cuisine.
Her motto is to serve pure and good food, develop nutrition values and provide a healthy eating
atmosphere. She has developed a taste of her own and feels proud when people praise her cooking.

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Future Prospects: Nasreen plans to open a confectionery shop where people would get the fresh food
taste and for that she has started saving to accomplish her cherished dream. She plans also to start a
training academy for cooking and nutrition based education where she hopes to provide lectures
through experts to the women and the young girls on nutritional values, healthcare, children’s food
habits and organize various cooking courses on both Bangladeshi and foreign food preparation.

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CASE STUDY 3: M.S. POULTRY OF SALMA KHANUM

In the year 2001, Salma Khanum set up her M.S. Poultry at LP4 Western Zone B, Khalishpur, Khulna.
Her husband was a whole-seller of medicine, being the area
Manager of Shima Medical Company. She along with her
husband and two daughters lived on meagre means where it
was hard to meet the requirements of the family. Due to low
income of the family, Salma decided to start a business of her
own in order to make ends meet.

Investment: She first bought 60 chicken and started her

business with an initial investment of Taka twenty thousand. She
took loan from her husband and also CC loan from the Bank.
She faced problems initially as she did not have any training on poultry farming. She talked to people in
the relevant field and started learning from her failures. She never was disheartened because she was
bent on achieving success and tried to find ways to prosper and progress.

Trading was her business and she gradually prospered, leading to thirty- three hundred layers in her
farm at present. It took time to learn the tricks of the trade and she shared her problems with her
husband, who tried to guide her and give her advice.

She informed that she bought one-day chicks, which started laying eggs after eighteen weeks. She
observed that about a hundred hens gave 95% eggs, which, however, decreased daily. After they laid
eggs for eighteen months, they were sold off and new chicks were bought. These had to be given
vaccine after two months, anti-biotic and insecticide spray.

Present Status: As her business developed she took loan and asked her husband to buy land for her
and build her a farm. With the loan money a suitable land was bought for Taka eight lacs and the factory
at present was set up at Taka three and a half lacs. She employs two men and two women to assist her
in her business requirements of the poultry farm. To day Salma Khanum has gradually developed her
poultry farm. Her monthly expenditure is Taka two and a half lacs, while her average turn over is around
Taka Five lacs.

Contribution towards the Family: After spending for her business, she supports her family with her
income, giving the profits to her husband. Today her family lives in a good atmosphere maintaining a
comfortable standard of living, enjoying the facilities of life and also saving for the future.

Achievement as an Entrepreneur: Salma feels proud to be an entrepreneur which has given her
fame and recognition in society. She thinks that this profession makes women self reliant and gives
opportunities for progress if hard work and discipline is applied through all efforts. Salma looks back to
her struggling days when she never thought that she could ever overcome her financial problems. She
has attained self-confidence but insists that sustainability must be achieved for an overall success. The
life of an entrepreneur is independent. She does not have to report to anyone. If she gives her efforts
and works hard with a determined will she is sure to succeed and Salma says that is what the women of
Bangladesh should aim at.

Future Prospects: Salma wants to extend her poultry farm and develop various business related with
the poultry and the eggs. She insists that women should be given training on various business activities
and she feels that she should start a training centre for poultry rearing courses. She also plans to build a
shop where she wants to sell eggs and also supply to different areas of Khulna from her shop.

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CASE STUDY 4: SHANTANA – THE FIRST MANIPURI WOMAN IN BUSINESS

Shantana Shingha was the first Monipuri women to start a business of Monipuri products. In 1973, her
uncle had set up a weaving industry in Sylhet and Shantana was
given the charge of running it. At that time Shantana was only
thirteen years old. Yet, her courage and determination to succeed
and her endeavours for success helped her attain the desired goal
of becoming a successful entrepreneur. The Monipuri Handloom
industry set up by her uncle was difficult to run but Shantana used
her creative mind and gradually her products started capturing the
market. At this tender age, without any experience, she had to face
various constraints in production and marketing but by the dint of
her courage, she managed to overcome her problems, paving the
way for a continuous popularity of her Monipuri products.

Monipuri women of Sylhet are not very courageous and their shyness prevented them from entering the
world of business. Shantana motivated them and helped them to find ways to increase their income
through the woven products.

After her marriage, she was encouraged by the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation
(BSCIC) and the Deputy General Manager gave her Taka fifty thousand to improve her business and
start a Monipuri shop. Gradually she grew her textile business and improved her designs of handlooms
and handicrafts.

She went to India several times for training and developed the designs and quality of her Monipuri
Textiles and other products. Her manufactured handloom products included bed covers, shawls,
mufflers, bed-sheets, textiles for dresses and even saris. The handicraft products were produced with
unique Monipuri designs, attractive enough to gain popularity in the market. She used to buy old
sweaters and cardigans, take out the wool and use them for the weaving of shawls and woollen
products. Later she switched on to buying new wool from the market for handloom weaving. When the
demands of Monipuri products increased she gave the wool and other materials to other Monipuri
women who prepared the indigenous products in their own handlooms. These women earned a good
amount from Shantana’s orders of Monipuri products. Gradually Shantana became a well-known
business personality in the Sylhet region for her Monipuri handloom and handicraft products.

Investment: She had started with Taka Forty thousand in her uncles weaving industry, but gradually set
up her own industrial unit with the increase in demand for Monipuri products. Her husband and uncle
assisted her in all her efforts and since Monipuri women are more active than men, Shantana trained up
a good number of women entrepreneurs among the Monipuri women. She was their leader and directed
the growth of handloom products and other weaving items.

Present Status: But after some time Shantana became sick. Her brain was affected and she had to
stop all her textile weaving activities. In 2007, after she became well again, Shantana left her Monipuri
weaving industry and concentrated on her new mushroom business. In her house she made shelves
and cultivated mushroom plants. She not only sold these in the market but also started giving training
on mushroom cultivation to other women. She goes to Kamalgonj, where she gives training on
mushroom and advises on business development. Her monthly expenditure is about Taka seven
thousand and monthly turnover is Taka twelve thousand. She feels that if she could have Taka Thirty
thousand and from the banks as loan then she could develop her mushroom business.

Contribution towards Family: She contributes all her income for the family and works hard to develop
her mushroom business. Shantana has one son and a daughter who are students but help her in her
business. Her husband, Dhiren Singha, helps her in all her efforts especially after her sickness. He is a
politician and assists the Monipuri women to develop themselves and thereby their families.

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Achievement as an entrepreneur: To day Shantana is a great name among the Monipuri community
of Sylhet and is regarded as one of the pioneers as women entrepreneurs in the region. She has
advertised about the treatment of diseases through mushroom powder and through these promotional
activities she manages to sell her mushroom. In 1982 Shantana won the best Handloom Producers
Award and the first prize in Cottage Industry in the year 1986. She is a member of Mushroom Samity
and also of Manipuri Economic Network.

Future Prospects: Shantana says that the problems faced by women entrepreneurs in Sylhet is that
banks do not encourage them to take loans and refuse them when loans are asked for. Shantana has
tried to procure loans for women entrepreneurs but failed. She is however, happy that she could
develop herself as a successful women entrepreneur and this has instigated her to motivate other
women to become entrepreneurs and become self dependent. She feels that Monipuri skills and other
indigenous skills should be developed and preserved. Monipuri women should come foreword to
develop themselves as successful entrepreneurs. She plans to initiate a business training academy for
Monipuri women and popularize the cultivation of mushroom in the region. She also feels that export of
Monipuri products to the international market would enhance their dignity and help the women of the
region to develop themselves. Only then can they determine the development of women’s
empowerment in their community.

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CASE STUDY 5: JOTI HOSTA SHILPA – THE TRADITIONAL MONIPURI SHOP OF ROMOLA DEBI

Romola Debi is one of the few Monipuri women who have succeeded in their entrepreneurial skills in
order to develop their business. She set up her Joti Hosta Shilpa
in the year 2005 at Ekota 287, Bagbari (behind Osmani Medical
College) at Sylhet. It was a traditional Monipuri Handicraft and
handloom shop.

Romola’s family was not solvent and she had to struggle hard to
make ends meet. Her husband had died and she was faced with
financial constraints. She had to find ways to earn for her living.
Her family responsibilities prevented her from giving her full time
to business. She selected some special time for business and
decided on opening her own shop which would give her a permanent business identity and would help
her to attract customers for her Monipuri products.

Investment: Romola first used to make dresses at home and supply orders. Initially she invested Taka
Ten thousand taking her own savings and also Taka five thousand from Mohila Samabaya Samity in
Sylhet and set up her own show Room in her own land beside her house. She took her sister-in-law to
work with her. While making dresses she also did her waist – weaving and made Monipuri handloom
products. She manufactured blankets, bed-sheets, bed-covers and woollen shawls.

After two years, Romola invested Taka Six thousand from her own savings, took loans of Taka Ten
thousand from Bangladesh Rural Development Board. Her average monthly expenditure now is around
Taka Twenty thousand and her monthly turnover per month is Taka forty thousand which increases in
winter with the production of woollen products from handlooms.

Present Status: Romola has set up her dress making unit, employing twelve women to assist her now.
When she gets extra orders she distributes them to the Monipuri women, who earn a good amount
through the extra orders of Romola and maintain their families.

Contribution to the Family: Romola sees to her children’s education and all the family expenditure.
She has requested for bank loans but was refused by all banks, especially of being from the ethnic
community. As she is a widow she has her social problems but she cares less to that as she has gained
her courage through the efforts of being an entrepreneur.

Achievement as an entrepreneur: To-day inspite of her problems, she has succeeded as an

entrepreneur. She believes that women should not depend on husband’s income but be self-sufficient
through their own earnings. To-day she misses her husband since she feels that she could have given
him a better treatment if she was as she is today.

Future Prospects: Romola wants to help other Monipuri women of her community. Some make kites
and others make handloom and handicrafts. She wants to extend her market to Dhaka and Chittagong
where believes that her Monipuri products will attract the people and she will emerge as successful
entrepreneur in this field. She wants to educate her children and give them a good life so that they do
not suffer the pains and agonies which she had to pass through.

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CASE STUDY 6: NINE TO NINE – JULIE’S BUSINESS COMPLEX

Juhely Akhter Julie was the only daughter of her parents and had two brothers who lived abroad. She
got married to the man she loved but after the birth of her son,
her husband started ill-treating her and her married life became
unbearable as she was mentally and physically tortured. She
had not dreamt of such a situation and finally she had to take a
divorce. She could not see her son and when she tried to meet
him, the child was beaten up and Julie became frustrated day by
day. Her parents had died and she was all alone, depressed,
bored and pressured with anxiety and loneliness. As she was
frustrated she thought of taking up business as a solution to her
time spending. Besides, she was always interested in business
and it was her dream to become a successful entrepreneur.

Her brothers lived in the United States of America and they helped her financially to enable her to start
her own business. She took various types of business related training and finally tried to learn the skills
of setting up a Fitness Club and Beauty Parlour.

First she went to India and worked in a Fitness Club and Beauty Parlour to learn the skills and tricks of
the trade. Having a monthly salary of around Taka sixteen thousand, she started saving for her own
business. She became quite an expert in the trade and finally came over to Sylhet, her home-town to
start her own business.

In 2004, she set up “ Nine to Nine”, her Business Complex comprising of a Fitness Club, a Beauty
Parlour, a training centre for facial and skin care, a dress Boutique named “Style Fast” and a tailoring
centre named “Fashion Tailors”, all established on the first floor of Kazi Complex, Fazil Chist, Subid
Bazar, Sylhet.

Investment: Her initial investment was Taka thirty five lacs which she gathered from her own savings
and also Taka Twenty five lacs given by her two brothers. She trained women for her Beauty Parlour
and Fitness Club before starting her business. For her Tailoring Centre she employed 3 experienced
tailors and also 3 apprentices as assistants. Julie sells

Social and environmental factors: As Sylhet was a conservative area and women were inclined to
remain with house-work, Julie was socially rebuked by her relatives and neighbours only because she
had started a business and was working openly along with men. Moreover, she was divorced and
people remarked bad comments against her. Her relatives and specially her former husband’s relatives
spread false accusations against her. Bearing all such situations and tortures of life, she became
adamant to succeed and proceeded with greater enthusiasm to keep her business going. She was put
up with various problems by her former husband who set up various obstacles to the progress of her
business. But her courage kept her going and finally she succeeded as her business complex started
growing and her popularity increased.

Present status: Her business flourished and she invested again a total amount of Taka sixty- five lacs
of which Taka thirty eight lacs was invested in her Dress Boutique and Fashion Tailors, Taka twenty
lacs for her Fitness Club & Gym and Taka seven lacs for her Beauty Parlour. She developed various
designs for her Dress Boutique which sold three piece dresses, fotuwas, saris and various children’s
and women’s dresses. The Beauty Parlour provided women’s overall make-up for different occasions,
bridal make-up, facial, hair treatment and other beautician’s applications. The Fitness Club helped in
weight losing exercises and other fitness procedures. She had employed more people and today among
her 33 employees were the tailors and helpers for the Dress boutique and Tailoring Centre, assisting
beauticians for the Beauty Parlour and the technicians and assistants of the Fitness Club.

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Income/Expenditure: Julie took more loans of Taka four and half lac from BRAC Bank in order to
expand her business. Her average expenditure was Taka one lac, twenty thousand per month and
average turnover was Taka three lacs per month. Her yearly turnover of more than thirty-six lacs grew
year by year and this increase helped her make her future plans in steps.

Present Constraints: Julie mentioned that lack of fund always created problems and she was not
always paid in time for her products.

Achievement as an Entrepreneur: Today Julie was a successful entrepreneur. She had not left Sylhet
with the break in her marriage and the continuous mental torture of her husband. She had faced the
rebukes of her relatives and also those of her former husband’s. She said, “As the conservative society
of Sylhet married the women and sent them abroad at the slightest chance, or didn’t allow women in
business or work, my rigid stand to be in business was a great revolution in the region. Women should
first be successful in life and then decide to marry after their success.” She not only inspired women to
become entrepreneurs but also helped them in all their business efforts. Moreover her Beauty Parlour &
Fitness Club made women conscious of their beautification, attire and body fitness. This was a great
change to modernism. Julie was not only successful in business but also in bringing social and cultural
change.

Future Prospects: Julie looks back at the days of frustration and loneliness and compares her present
status as a successful business woman today. “This is women’s empowerment”, she says. Her courage,
determination and will-power helped her overcome the obstacles of life and attain prestige and honour
through success. She plans to expand her business to various other sectors. She plans to export her
products and attend international fairs to popularize Bangladeshi products abroad. Finally, she waits for
her son to join her in business and be beside her, since it was for him that she waited all these years
amidst pain and loneliness to achieve her success and happiness -- the showering of a successful
mother’s love.

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CASE STUDY 7: GENTS’ TAILORING COMPLEX: LIBERTY TAILORS

In 1981, Shahida Begum’s husband became sick and they had to spend more than Taka eighteen lacs
for his treatment. All this expenditure put the family in acute
financial crisis. The problems increased day by day. Finally in
1997, Shahida’s husband died leaving the family in complete
chaos. Her daughters were small, studying in Class five and
Class six. The family lived without food most of the time. The
well-known tailoring shop of her husband established in 1981
was closed down as there was no one to run it.

Shahida was a house wife and had no idea of business. Her

husband’s tailoring shop was run by him and Shahida had never
ever enquired about its activities. Nor did she know anything of tailoring. After the close of the shop the
jobs of all the employees were terminated.

But as days went by, survival became a problem. Shahida decided to open and operate the tailoring
shop. So Liberty Tailors at Sadar Hospital Road, Barisal, was started again. She did not know accounts
nor any business dealings. She employed a cutter master and learned cutting of gent’s clothes from
him. Gradually other employees were taken in and orders started coming in since Liberty Tailors was
always a well-known shop in the region. Shahida had to look after both the business including the shop
and the factory and also her family.

Shahida didn’t know business transactions. She had never dealt with men before and felt shy at first.
She had problems in her dealings with her male customers and this created social problems for her.

She was the first women in business especially with men’s clothes. No women in Barisal ever dealt with
men in this way. Since the work was with gents clothes, men used to come for orders. Mixing freely with
men in the open, created problems for her. Relatives boycotted her, family members and friends abused
and rebuked her, creating obstacles to business and spreading filthy stories about her. Her in-laws, who
had been brought up by her husband, turned their backs to her and refused to accept her in the family.
No one helped her financially but kept on spreading false stories against her.

Investment:: Shahida sold all her ornaments and invested Taka fifty thousand as initial investments.
She started making shirts, pants, complete suit, blazers, over-coats, Johar coats, Mijib coats, Doctors
coats & aprons for men. She began supplying to Cadet Colleges all the things they needed from
clothing to other daily requirements. These supplies were however performed through tenders.

Income/Expenditure: Shahida did not take any loan. She has invested at present, Taka fifty lac for the
modified and renovated factory and bought machinery, Air Conditioners, irons, utensils and imported a
modern Fusing Machine for Taka eight lacs. She paid a monthly rent of Taka two thousand, two
hundred for the shop after paying an advance of Taka one lac five thousand. The average monthly
expenditure of nearly Taka three lacs more or less remains the same as the Air conditioners have to run
and Taka thirty thousand are paid for them. Monthly expenditure involves the cost of materials worth
nearly Taka one lac sixty thousand, the salary of workers and cutter amounting to Taka forty thousand
and miscellaneous expenditure of Taka twenty thousand. Average monthly turnover is not always the
same. Some times in dull season, there is no work, no income and the financial requirement is
maintained from the savings. In peak season, the financial monthly requirements go beyond Taka five
lacs since suiting tailors are very expensive. Thus with an approximate turnover of Taka sixty lacs and
expenditure of thirty-six lacs annually Shahida has proved herself as a successful entrepreneur in
Barisal.

Present Constraints: The cost of materials is very expensive in Barisal. Fusing material is Taka 1000
in Barisal while it is Taka 500 in Dhaka. The cost is double because the market is small in Barisal.
Shahida mentioned that almost all the work of offices are through tender. Security money was Taka six

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thousand previously, whereas now it is between Taka twelve and fifteen thousand. To maintain these
tenders she has to use her savings when she does not withdraw her security money. Problems are
lesser now but all activities are expensive.

The greatest financial problem lies with the salaries of the employees. Previous tailoring related to men
was not very expensive. But now as the salary of the cutting master and other workers has become very
expensive, the whole business dealing has become expensive. The next problem rests with the cutting
master and workers who often go away to other shops without prior information, creating a vacuum in
the stitching and cutting of men’s clothes.

Present status: Shahida’s manufacturing unit has grown and she now employees 150 male
employees. The factory in her house was increased three times. It required a bigger place and she
converted the ground floor of her house into her tailoring factory. Previously her husband used to supply
the requirements of only one cadet college. To-day she supplies the requirements of six cadet colleges.
Besides, the officers’ clothes and staffs’ uniforms of Pubali Bank, Palli Biddut, Barisal Teacher’s
Training College, Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, Barisal Thana and many other offices are now
supplied by her. She supplies the suit, safari and uniform of City Corporation officials through tender.

Shahida’s business had increased day by day. But in 2007 due to SIDR, everything was spoilt and there
was complete loss though the expenditure remained the same. In 2008 and 2009, the income had
again increased considerably and the business was now flourishing with greater orders and increased
demands.

Achievement as an Entrepreneur: Shahida has won the National SME Award for a successful women
entrepreneur in 2008. She was a house-wife having no knowledge or dealing of business. In fact she
had never been out of her house before. But today, by dint of her courage, determination and honesty,
Shahida has not only managed to revive her husband’s business but also established herself as a
successful women entrepreneur.

Future Prospects: She wants to go for export and has made preparations for making export-quality
clothes for foreign buyers. She plans to expand her business to Dhaka where materials are easily
available and marketing is easily done in comparison to Barisal, which still lags behind in many respects
of business dealings.

Shahida says that women should not spoil their lives staying idle at home. They must become
successful entrepreneurs and provide employment to women. She complained that women
entrepreneurs are contributing much in Bangladesh but government is not assisting in any worthwhile
promotional activity for women. She mentioned that government has given opportunity to make black
money white but that money must he spent in creating solar power plants and water treatment plants.
She insisted that there should be separate bank for women to assist in further entrepreneurial
achievement.

Shahida is not only successful, she has shown how to revive family business and maintain a good name
while dealing in a man’s world.

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CASE STUDY 8: POULTRY AND FISH FARM – SHAMRAT

Anjuman Ara was a simple house-wife busy with the household chores of the family. It never crossed
her mind that she could start a business and contribute towards
the family income and also assist the people of the society. She
learnt of women’s involvement in poultry rearing and as she
herself had some poultry of her own she decided to set up a
poultry farm.

Investment: In the year 2001 Anjuman Ara started her Shamrat

Poultry Farm at Kashem Manzil, New Batekhana Road, Barisal
with an initial investment of Taka Thirty five thousand. At first she
had started the Poultry farm with her own savings with 200
broilers. These increased and then she took in 1000 layers through which her business increased.
Suddenly due to the poultry disease, 600 of her layers were killed. She was disheartened, but kept her
spirits high. Seeing her business zeal and efficiency BSCIC gave her a loan of Taka fifty thousand in
order to regain her poultry farm activities.

She was not an expert, and besides, she had also to look after the family. So she employed two male
assistants, who looked after the poultry farm.

Later she became interested in fish cultivation and took training on various activities related to fish
cultivation at TMSS. Then she started the fish farm in the pond in her house. She started with pangash
fish but made a mistake by giving them the excreta of the hens in the pond as fish feed. The gas formed
from the excreta of the hens killed all the fish. The loss was a big blow on her efforts again.

She, however, regained herself and with full confidence she again started the fish farming with Telapia
fish. Anjuman Ara then started her business with both the fish and also the poultry farm, renaming her
business as Shamrat Poultry and Fish Farm.

Income/Expenditure: She bought three hundred broilers at a time and sold them after one and a half
months. Her monthly expenditure was Taka sixty thousand and her average turnover was Taka Seventy
five thousand monthly. With an annual turnover of around Taka nine lacs Anjuman Ara developed her
business employing 6 more employees for her business activities.

The SIDR of 2007 destroyed her poultry and fish farm to a great extent. But Anjuman Ara took loan of
Taka Fifteen thousand from Jatiya Mohila Sangstha and along with her own savings of Taka one and a
half lacs, she managed to build back her poultry and fish farm again.

Present Constraints: She does not have any particular constraints regarding production inputs,
marketing and transportation at the present. However, the death of poultry and the fish on two
occasions had depressed her initially but her urge to succeed encouraged her to develop her business
again.

Social factors: Social values have not effected her since the fish and poultry farm is within her own
home. However she does go for marketing since these are controlled by the male assistants working in
her farm. She keeps a vigilant eye on all the activities of her employees and keeps a record of all the
activities performed throughout the day.

Contribution towards the family: She is proud to be successful in business even with her obstacles
which created problems for her poultry and fish farm. She contributes for all the expenditure incurred in
the family. She educates her children and has developed her family to a high living standard.

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Achievement as an entrepreneur: Anjuman Ara was simply a house-wife. Now she is successful and
self sufficient. She has earned a good reputation as an entrepreneur. People know her and she feels
she is contributing through her income. She wants to expand her business to other fronts in future.
She feels that women should take up entrepreneurship as a profession and should become self
sufficient through their own income.

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CASE STUDY 9: LADIES TAILORS & BOUTIQUE SHOP – PIBHA

Ayesha Akhter Liza had a struggling life. Her father had died and she didn’t have any brother or sister.
Her mother depended upon her and the whole family expense
was maintained by her. After SSC, she did a Tailoring Course
from Jubo Unnayan Adhidapter. With her training she was
offered a job in a Tailoring shop named Shristi. At home she
made dresses and sold her products to various shops and
boutiques in Rajshahi. In 2004, she started a shop at Sonadigha
More, Shaheb Bazar, Rajshahi, operating her shop in
partnership with another person. Among the products sold were
here-piece dresses, Punjabis, fotuwas and a variety of dresses
both for men and women.

Investment: Initially her investment was Taka ten thousand and then she again paid Taka fifty
thousand when she went into partnership and more products were included for sale in the shop. Later
she took a loan from BRAC in order to increase her production of dresses for festivals.

Social factors: She faced problems in her business as she was not always available in the shop due to
her education since she carried on her studies while doing business. She faced financial problems as
she didn’t have enough money. More so, banks hesitated to assist her as she didn’t have any strong
guardian as a father or elder brother to act as guarantee for her loans. She faced harassment being
young and attractive while distributing her products to various shops.

Income/Expenditure: For the shop she had to deposit as advance Taka one lac, given a monthly rent
of Taka two thousand and three hundred. After some months, her partner left her and she had to return
her Taka fifty thousand given initially for business. She then set up a factory paying a rent of Taka
twelve hundred per month. Her average monthly expenditure at present was Taka twenty-five thousand
and average monthly turnover Taka forty thousand only. With all her expenses she now has an annual
turnover of nearly Taka five lacs including the increased Eid and other festival sales.

Employment: Liza had employed only one employee to assist in her sale in her shop in 2004. But by
2008 when she set up her factory she had increased her employees to 107, having 7 males and 100
females, of whom 30% were indirect employees working in their own homes for the factory
requirements. These women were provided the materials to embroider or set the sequins on the
dresses, according to the designs supplied.

Present Status: As the shop sale increased she developed her products and designs of the dresses.
Since she has set up her own factory she is able to decide on the design and fashions of the dresses
according to the demand of her customers. Liza also supplied her products to other boutique shops as
Aarong, K-Kraft, Shahrukhs, Ira Fashion Minu Boutique, Usha Silk and many other shops both in
Rajshahi and Dhaka.

Present Constraints: Liza says that the greatest constraint is the recovery of money after sale in the
various shops, where her products are given for sale. Usually 50% of the sale money is not given in
time and this creates a great problem in the purchase of material and other items for the dresses and
also for the production of the products in her factory and the payment of the salary of the workers. She
complains that while sending products to Dhaka from Rajshahi, the bus people create problems
challenging them whether those were smuggled from India or made in Bangladesh

Contribution to Family: Liza has to contribute not only for the family expenses but also for her mother
since she is the sole earner and has no father or brother to assist her. She works all day to make both
ends meet and it is a very big challenge on her.

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Achievement as an Entrepreneur: Liza has struggled to succeed and has been successful as an
entrepreneur in spite of all the drawbacks and obstacles she had to face. She says that banks should
extend their help and then entrepreneurs like her could develop themselves.

Future Prospects: She is determined to expand her business since her products are on demand and
wishes to market them throughout Bangladesh. She feels that since she has passed the various
problems of life she knows how to stride ahead especially because today she is established.

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CASE STUDY 10: BOUTIQUE SHOP - S.N. FASHION

The family financial problems of Nilufar Yasmin were so high that she was forced to take up a job in order to
earn for the family. Later she decided on starting a tailoring shop and though
her father was against her taking training on tailoring and embroidery,
Nilufar stood first in her training course on tailoring and later became a
Japanese embroidery expert through training on the subject.

While studying, Nilufar Yasmin started her Boutique “S.N.Fashion” at Assam

Colony, Boalia at Rajshahi in 2000. She was married but her husband didn’t
provide the necessary requirements of the family. With the help of Jubo
Unnayan Adhidapter, she managed to purchase a sewing machine through
which she started her tailoring receiving orders from neighbours, relatives
and friends. The Deputy Director of the JUA was extremely helpful and he managed to provide her with
customers for her tailoring. Later Nilufar started making sequin works on saris and also started collection of
handicrafts.

Investment: Initially she invested Taka three thousand and five hundred. She made dresses, three-piece
dresses, Punjabis, fotuwas, bed-covers and other household linen.

Social Factors: After her Honours Examinations she devoted more time to her business. Women came to work
with her and helped her in her tailoring and preparation of household linen. She had to sell her products at
various shops and collect the sale money later. She could not go to Dhaka to sell her products because she was
married. Though her husband was her manager, he prevented her from going out to various shops to sell her
products. He did not at all approve of her going to Dhaka for the marketing of her tailored items. But Nilufar was
adamant in her decisions that she would continue to carry out her business activities in spite of the great
constraints in family and outside. Moreover the bus drivers in Rajshahi sometimes created problems in taking
products to Dhaka with the excuse that these were foreign goods. They harassed the women entrepreneurs in
their attempts to market their products outside Rajshahi. Nilufar however managed to convince them and in this
manner she sent her products to markets outside Rajshahi.

Present Constraints: Indian materials needed for sequence works were not always available in the market and
the colour for block and batik works were not always permanent. The greatest problem was recovery of money
after sale of products. This created problems in purchase of materials and payment of workers, hampering the
smooth production process in the factory.

Income/Expenditure: At present Nilufar’s average monthly expenditure was Taka fifty thousand and monthly
turnover was Taka two lacs. Five years ago her monthly turnover was only Taka fifty thousand. Nilufar’s annual
turnover now was twenty-four lacs. The income increased during festivals and religious occasions as Eid and
Puja.

Employment: Nilufar worked on her own and later started employing other women to assist her. As her business
increased, she employed women who were direct recruits both for the shop and the factory. There were 30 male
and 30 female employees who worked as assistants in the shop and also in the tailoring section of the factory.
There were 40 indirect women employees, who worked in their homes and did the embroidery on the dresses,
with the required material provided to them from the factory. At present she employees 360 workers most of
whom work in the factory.

Present Status: Nilufar saved money by which she bought 3.2 kathas of land with Taka 8 lacs and another 2.5
kathas of land from her business profit of Taka 3.5 lacs. She had started a factory of her own with Taka 7 lacs
and built a shop with Taka 1.5 lacs. She spent Taka 6000 for the overall decoration of her shop.

Contribution to the Family: Nilufar contributed wholeheartedly for the family expenses since it was for the
struggles of life and financial constraints that she had chosen to start a business and earn for the family. Her
husband still creates problems for her but she keeps a cool head in order to avoid any disturbance in her daily

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activities of business. Her economic contribution increased in society. She had not only bought land for the family
but also furnished the house with draperies, modern furniture and other household items.

Achievement as an Entrepreneur: Today she was a successful entrepreneur and had earned a good name as
a fashion designer in the district. She recalls that at first she started with only one sewing machine, but today she
had 11 machines for the tailoring and 18 machines for her sequins work. She now employs hundreds of women.
UCEP and Asroy NGO girls who work in the factory, bring in foreigners to show them their activities in the
factory, indicating the empowerment of women through economic progress. With all these activities Nilufar has
gained her prestige everywhere. She has not only earned name and fame but has assisted in increasing the
income of women who work for so that they all live respectable lives with their families.

Future Prospects: She says that her products are paid less by the shop owners since they sell them at a higher
price, keeping their own margin of profit. She felt that it was time that she had a modern and sophisticated show-
room of her own, where her beautifully designed dresses could be properly displayed, attracting the people
through the exhibits. She also says that Rajshahi women should unite to help develop themselves and for this
she has taken a leading role to promote women entrepreneurship. With an annual turnover of Taka six lacs five
years ago, Iffat enjoys her success to more than Taka twenty-four lacs annual turnover today. Hers was a great
story of success.

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CASE STUDY 11: MINI GARMENTS AND PICKLE PROJECT – ANGANA MOHILA SAMITY

Iffat Ara started her Angana Mohila Samity at Rani Bazar, Munshidanga, Ghoramara, Rajshahi in 1995. It was
her own idea to start a business of her own and she decided to set up a
mini garments centre in her own house. She had good knowledge of
making pickles, which she made for her home consumption and this
instigated her to make pickles for sale. For her garments centre she
employed an experienced tailor and one assistant to helping the various
requirements of the garments’ centre. Her eagerness to satisfy her
customers earned her a good among her well-wishers. At first she
concentrated on household linen, embroidered dresses and home-made
pickles. Her manufacturing unit of garments attracted the young girls who
liked her designs and fashions. Initially she did not have much constraint
financially, since the productions were not so high in number. Along with these business activities Iffat also set up
her poultry farm in her house.

Investment: At first she invested Taka one lac with which she made the household linen, embroidered dresses,
pickles and also managed her poultry farm. She then provided Taka 4 lacs more investing Taka 2 lacs from her
own savings and Taka 2 lacs from various other sources.

Income/Expenditure: Iffat’s average monthly expenditure was Taka fifteen thousand and average monthly
turnover Taka Thirty thousand. Her hard work and sincere efforts gave her the reward of a turnover of more than
Taka 3.5 lacs annually.

Employment: At first she recruited 1 female to assist her in her dress making and another male to look after her
poultry. She increased her employees to 10 (5male and 5 female). At present she has 40 employees of whom 30
are females and 5 are males.

Social Factors: Her activities outside home, required for business dealings made people comment on her
whereabouts in public. She however, did not care what people said and instead behaved well so that her good
behaviour made people change their attitudes towards her.

Present Constraints: She complained that raw materials were more expensive in Rajshahi in comparison to
Dhaka and those were also not always available. Though there was no problem regarding marketing, yet the
difficulties in getting transport at the proper time created problems in reaching the products to the retailers at the
proper time. The transport people took advantage of situations and charged high rates when the rush for
distribution of products increased. Moreover glass bottles of the pickles were difficult to carry and there always
stood problems of packaging for the pickles since related materials were not always available.

Present Status: Iffat left her poultry farm since she could not give attention to its development. She concentrated
on her garments and tailoring centre, embroidery and pickle making. Her products focused on fashionable three-
piece suits for the girls, embroidered and sequin works on saris, household linen and various types of
embroidery. Pickles of mango, olive, vegetables, tamarind and plums were her specialities.

Contribution to Family: She is not under compulsion to contribute towards the family, since the business was
her own initiative to become solvent and earn on her own. She felt the necessity to emerge successful in some
field and to become an entrepreneur was her first choice. However, Iffat loves to contribute towards the family
since she is then regarded as a solvent person and takes care of the requirements of the house.
Achievement as an Entrepreneur: Today Iffat is economically developed and well-known as a successful women
entrepreneur of Rajshahi. Her efforts to involve women as workers have provided many with jobs, with which
they are now happily contributing towards the family income.

Future Prospects: Iffat wishes to go into exports and also wants more women to come into the field of
entrepreneurship. She wishes to start a food processing industry and develop her pickles with various other
recipes.

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CASE STUDY 12: JANANI – THE HANDICRAFT SHOP OF NARGIS

To become an entrepreneur was the dream of Nargis Ara Begum. With an initial investment of Taka
seventy thousand, she began her handicraft business in 1992 at
her home at Janani Kunja, Rani Nagar, Natore Road, Rajshahi.
She prepared household linen, saris, men’s punjabis, fotuwas
and children’s wear. She managed her big family carefully and
with patience and slowly started her business which was
supported by her mother-in-law. This was a great achievement
for Nargis and it helped her to work in peace without any
hindrance from any of the family members.

Investment: As the business progressed, her husband gave her

Taka 1 lac to set up her handicraft shop and also bought her land for Taka 2.5 lacs, on which she set up
her factory for handicraft products.

Income/Expenditure: At present the average monthly expenditure of Nargis was Taka twenty thousand
only and monthly turnover was Taka thirty thousand.

Employment: Initially Nargis employed two women to assist her as she could not get experienced
women to work for her. But with passing of time, women came to know of her factory and gradually she
started employing more women as business increased. At present she employs fifty women, who assist
in the handicraft production business.

Social Factors: Sometimes relatives and neighbours commented on her activities outside home and
free mixing with men for marketing requirements. These however did not effect Nargis as her mother-in-
law was in her support and she protected her in various ways.

Present Constraints: Recently her husband became sick and she had to spend Taka four lacs out of
her savings and also her business for his treatment. This expenditure put pressure on her business and
she started facing problems of funds. Besides, she had to attend to her sick husband and nurse him and
thus could not give proper time to her business. Moreover, she does always get the proper price for her
products and sometimes the embroidery is not done well, creating problems in marketing. These
rejected items have be sold at meagre price since people always buy good products.

Present Status: Even with all the problems Nargis has managed to continue her business which has
progressed through the years. Her permanent customers always give her encouragement and these
supports help to boost the spirit of Nargis to stride further for greater development.

Contribution to Family: She does not need to contribute towards the family all the time but whenever
needed she does not hesitate to contribute for the betterment of the household. She had to spend for
her husband’s operation for which the entire expense was borne by her.

Achievement as an Entrepreneur: Nargis was just an ordinary house-wife. But now she was a
successful entrepreneur. Everyone knows her as her products are in great demand. Her dream has
been fulfilled and she looks back to the days when she could never think of becoming an entrepreneur.
“The women in Bangladesh should have an aim in life which could transform their lives into success and
help them contribute towards the society and the nation,” she says.

Future Prospects: Nargis wishes to expand her business further to newer products and market them
outside Rajshahi in order to get continuous demands of her quality manufactured goods. She also
wants to train women, so that they become solvent through entrepreneurship development.

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CASE STUDY 13: DEPARTMENTAL STORE OF BARISAL – RASHANA

Murshida Zakir’s husband had suffered stroke four times and had finally become invalid. He was an
Accounts officer of IWTA and was the sole income earner of the
family, maintaining all the necessities of the family through his
meagre means. After his illness Murshida had to take over the
charge of earning for the family as there was no other person to
take the responsibility. Before his illness, Murshida’s husband
used to spend for his brothers and sisters and looked after their
requirements whenever needed. Since his earning capacity had
been destroyed, Murshida was forced to take up a job in order to
maintain the family. At first she took a job in a family planning
office and later took up other jobs whenever she got better
offers. After working 12 years in Care she decided to leave the job and start a departmental store for
women and girls. She wanted to be independent and earn through business. She rented a shop near
the girls’ college hostel in order to serve the girls requirements and also encourage women to do their
marketing from her shop. She kept food items, drinks, cosmetics, dresses, stationery and various
household items. In fact all the needs of the girls living in the hostel were all there.

Investment: Her initial investment was Taka four and a half lacs, which she had saved from her
earnings from the jobs.

Employment: She managed the departmental store by herself and utilized the services of her son
when and where required. Besides, the suppliers provided her the required goods on demand and she
was satisfied with the performance of all her suppliers who were extremely helpful towards her.

Income/Expenditure: Murshida’s average monthly expenditure was Taka fifteen thousand and average
monthly turnover was Taka twenty-five thousand. As there was no requirement for the payment of staff
salary she could save quite a big amount in this respect. However, in the year 2007 her shop was
damaged by the SIDR water which filled her shop and destroyed all the products displayed. The
devastation ruined her shop’s decoration and beautification. This complete loss was difficult for
Murshida to recover, but she kept her spirits high while recovering from the damage done.

Social Factors: As Murshida did not have to move round different places for her business, she could
concentrate on her shop. Instead of people criticizing her, they gave her courage for operating a
departmental store all by herself and gradually she became a popular person in the area and made a
great many friends who became her regular customers other than the college and hostel girl students.
Present Constraints: Murshida observed that no men used to go to her shop because all the products
on sale were based on the requirements of the girls of the college and the hostel. She felt hurt at that
since she emphasized on the preference of the girls, the men had boycotted her. So she started
keeping mobile phones and other gents daily requirements for sale and also kept the facilities for
Flexiload of mobile phones. With these new additions to her shop men started visiting her departmental
store and gradually her store became a popular place for people’s requirements.

Present Status: In the last six years Murshida developed her shop. Taking a loan of Taka fifty thousand
from Janata Bank she increased her products for sale. She was careful to introduce new products and
studied the choice of the customers. She expanded her shop and gave Taka eighty thousand as
advance. Later she invested Taka four lacs, twenty-five thousand for the overall renovation and
decoration of the shop and the purchase of the various types of products for the departmental store.
Since the shop is opposite the Press Club, the journalists come to do Flexiload for their mobiles.
Sometimes they take rest while sipping a drink and often spend time in the shop creating a entertaining
atmosphere of intellectuals and journalists in the shop.

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Contribution to Family: Murshida contributes all the expenses of the family. From a housewife she
was an income earner for the whole family and her satisfaction is that she could keep all the members
of her family together in spite of her husband’s illness and his inability to earn.

Achievement as an Entrepreneur: With a yearly turnover of Taka two and a half lacs, Murshida Zakir
was an established women entrepreneur today, successfully managing a departmental store all by
herself. She was never afraid of facing the obstacles in life and stood as an example of courage and
determination to the other women who faced similar problems as her in their own lives.

Future Prospects: She plans to buy land and build her own departmental store in a modern and
sophisticated design and display. She believes that women have to take new types of business training
and have knowledge of modern technology in order to succeed. She was entering a better world where
she had the opportunity of meeting important and influential people. She believed that the service sector
of Bangladesh must be further developed to meet international standards and for that more women
entrepreneurs should enter into this occupation, since Bangladeshi women could perform better in this
field.

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CASE STUDY 14: FASHION HOUSE – DISHA

Dilara Rahman used to train disadvantaged women on tailoring and embroidery. In helping them she
realized hat she could start a business of her own with the tailoring skills and
linkages with the people. In 1997 she started her tailoring shop Disha
Fashions at 275/2 Upashahar Housing Estate, Shena Nibash, Boaliya,
Rajshahi. Her family encouraged and helped her.

Investment: Dilara invested taka one lac for making saris, three-piece
dresses, block and batik works, household linen and children’s dresses.

Employment: At first she used to do all the work by herself but today Dilara
employs sixty female workers to assist her in her business activities.

Social Factors: She had no space to work, so she used her own home to do her business activities.
She used to do a job and thereby could not devote time for business. People had discouraged her
because no one assisted her financially. She had a hard time managing funds for her business. She
used to ask people for orders, though she sometimes could not supply in time. No one gave her any
advice on how to develop her business. She could not also buy a sewing machine. Gradually she
worked out her own ideas for solving her problems.

Present Constraints: She has to find her own marketing areas according to her requirements.
Marketing to Dhaka was quite expensive and she had to work hard to sell her products. Moreover,
people don’t always give the whole payment of the products sold, keeping 50% always in hand. This
causes problems in production, purchase of materials and payment of workers. The purchase of various
raw materials is hampered as payment remains pending. Transportation problems are very enormous
as the transport people open up all the goods packed for various areas and often destroy many of the
things as they recklessly inspect the products, giving no importance to the maintenance of the quality of
the products prepared to be sent outside Rajshahi. She cannot open a show-room due to financial
constraints. Moreover there is a serious lack of experienced and skilled workers, creating problems in
quality production. The greatest problem lies in the security of movement for women, especially at
night. Moreover, the problems of tolls collection by the young boys have become a great nuisance since
they demand money without which they threaten to destroy the factory and create problems in business.
Many a times the young boys demand money to celebrate festivals or national days. Sometimes
journalists also blackmail giving wrong information about the women’s business. Moreover working with
women sometimes creates problems as many hoodlums give threat to attacking them outside work or
involve them in some crimes. Financial problems have always been a great barrier to the smooth
functioning of the business yet banks are very reluctant to give loans to women.
Income/Expenditure: Her monthly expenditure today is Taka forty thousand and monthly turnover is
About Taka two lacs.

Present Status: She had taken a loan of Taka two and a half lacs from relatives and expanded her
business. With the increase in orders of her products she has further invested taka six lacs and set up a
factory for the production of her dresses. She not only concentrates on the tailoring of dresses and the
embroidery of the clothes and saris, but also prepares winter clothes as cardigans, sweaters, and
ladies’ warm winter blouses. She makes handicrafts through orders and Nakshi Kantha (embroidered
quilts) which are traditional items of the districts. Presently she has developed dry food preparation
packed in boxes which are sold to confectionery shops.

Contribution to Family: Dilara contributes financially for the whole family. She struggles to keep her
business going and works from morning to night to attain proper business dealings.

Achievement as an Entrepreneur: She has succeeded to become a successful women entrepreneur,

inspite of her drawbacks. Her capital has increased and so has her workers and business orders.. She

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has won several awards, among which are the Divisional Commissioner’s Award for the Food Fair and
the Rajshahi Association Award for successful entrepreneurship.
Future Prospects: Dilara feels that women must take more training on design and skill development in
order to become successful in business. She says that opportunities for export must be increased and
training must be provided on Accounts, product development and international fair participation
procedures.

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CASE STUDY 15: BRIDAL WEAR AND FASHION DESIGN: DALSANEA

Dalsanea, an exclusive fashion house is a popular brand name to Bangladeshi fashion loving people.
The enterprise represents the beauty, women power and sprit of our time.
Inspired by the theme, the enterprise was established in 1989 in Chittagong
by Afsana Ahmed Shoma, the Chief Executive. Shoma is a truly self
motivated business woman. Although she is an M.Com (Finance), had a
great interest in women fashion from her teenage life with a dream to be a
fashion designer which inspired her for establishing the enterprise. She
learns from new fashions that came to her notice. Today, she is specialized
in wedding outfit design.

Now Shoma is using a rented house in Dhaka as her work place and
residence. She employs over 60 men and women to design and manufacturing wedding and party
collection and soft evening dresses. She also uses contract workers for minor initial works. She is
looking forward to establishing a separate workshop for her business, if financial support from banks is
available. The demand for her products is quite high and she has no marketing problem. Her products
go mostly in big cities such as Dhaka and Chittagong. Most of the time, she receives advanced orders
from the showroom owners of the big cities. She has participated in a number of national and
international trade fairs and received recognition for her customized fashion brand.

Investment: Originally, she invested about Tk. 1.5 lakh in her business mostly from her own savings
and borrowings from the close family members and about Tk. 5 lakh from a private Bank and repaid.
Recently, she applied for a loan of Tk. 10 lakh to MIDAS financing limited and the application is under
process. Today the total investment in her business amounts to about Tk. 40 lakh.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per month is over Tk. 60 lakh with an operating cost of Tk
35 lakh.

Social and environmental factors: The social factors that generally hinders Bangladeshi women in
taking up business as a profession does not affect her much although her family members could not
take her decision positively. However, she has overcome these problems with perseverance and
determination. Environmental problems don’t affect her much since the by products from her operation
are mainly dry and degradable materials that are disposed by the Municipal waste collector. She is a
member of several professional bodies and a familiar person in business and social life..

Future Prospects: The Dalsanea has good prospect for further development. At present, it is growing
at the rate of about 25% per year. It has a plan to export mainly in the South Asian region.

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CASE STUDY 16: LEATHER AND JUTE GOODS: KARIGAR

KARIGAR, a leather and jute goods producing enterprise is a pride and inspiration of young
entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. The enterprise was established in 2005 by a
young graduate in Leather Product Technology, Tania Wahab and her
friend. Tania is a self motivated business woman at a time when a large
number of young professionals look for job after graduation instead of
becoming entrepreneur. Bangladesh is an exporting country of lather
products and jute goods. Animal skin and hide are available in Bangladesh
and the climate made the country as the producer of best quality jute in the
World. After graduation, Tania spends no time to take the advantage of raw
materials availability in the country and the skill she acquired from the
Bangladesh College of Leather Technology to fulfil her dream to be a
business women. She is a self motivated, energetic and heard working woman with keen interest to
learn. Although Tania is specialized on leather products but she is learning business management by
doing.

KARIGAR has two factories and a showroom in Dhaka- the second showroom is on the way. It has over
50 products such as Leather goods (jacket, wallet, belt jewellery box, slipper etc.), Jute goods (bags,
cushion cover, table matt, table runner etc.) and promotional items. The company employs 35 people of
whom 95% are women to run the factory and the showroom. The enterprise also uses contract workers
during the peak season. Tania is looking forward to establish an international standard factory in course
of time. She markets her products by selling from her showroom and supplying to different client’s
office on order. She has participated in national and international trade fairs with her products and gain
respects.

Investment: Initially, she and her friend have invested about Tk. 0.5 lakh in the business mostly
borrowing from the close family members. Today they have accumulated about Tk. 15 lakh as operating
capital. This year they borrowed Tk. 5 lakh from a private Bank.

Social and environmental factors: The social factor affected her very much, initially. Fellow business
men at the hub of Leather business in Dhaka could not believe that she will survive with the business –
because she is a woman. Gradually she has overcome these problems with enthusiasm and
determination and become a member of their association, which makes her presence acceptable to the
member of the association. Environmental problems, especially disposal of waste materials affect her
and she is trying to dispose the waste, scientifically. She is a member of several professional bodies.
She is a resource person in different training programs. In 2006, Tania received National Best Women
Entrepreneur Award from SME Foundation, Bangladesh and listed as a raising business woman of
Bangladesh by the International Trade centre, Geneva.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per month is over Tk. 10.0 lakh with an operating cost of
Tk 8.0 lakh. At present the enterprise is growing at a rate of about 60% per year

Future Prospects: KARIGAR’s products have good prospect for marketing both at home and abroad.
The enterprise exported about Tk. 18.5 lakh worth of leather, jute and leather-jute mix products to UK
and Australia in 2007-8 through a buying house. To increase the export, the enterprise must have
international standard environmental friendly workshop for which Tania has a plan to setup. However,
she needs promotional support from SME Foundation and long term loan from banks.

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CASE STUDY 17: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: TECH MANIA

TECH MANIA, a computer and IT accessories marketing company is a pride of young women who
wants to build carrier in new business that is not much familiar to
Bangladeshi women. The enterprise was established in 2008 by a young
graduate in Social Sciences, Taslima Miji, the Chief executive of the
company. Inspired by her friends, she started computer trading at a
computer center in Elephant Road, Dhaka, and has overcome the initial
phase of difficulty of the business. She purchases computer and
accessories from the local distributors and importers of different
companies and sells on commission or margin. Taslima is an energetic
and heard working woman with keen interest to learn.

TECH MANIA has a showroom- a half of it being used as a service centre. It sells desk-top and lap-top
computers and their accessories and provides service to the customers. The company employs 5
people including Taslima to run the business. It markets the commodities by selling from the showroom
and supplying to different client’s office on order or participating in competitive bidding The TECH
MANIA has participated in national trade fairs and gain respects.

Investment: Initially, Taslima has invested about Tk. 2.0 lakh of her own fund in the business. She
borrowed Tk. 3.0 lakh from MIDAS financing Limited. Today the total investment in her business
amounts to about Tk. 10 lakh as operating capital.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per month is over Tk. 6.0 lakh with an operating cost of
Tk 5.50 lakh. At present the enterprise is growing at a rate of about 20% per year.

Social and environmental factors: The social factors do not affect Taslima, much. Rather, fellow
business men at the computer centre encourage her and help to come to the business. However,
dealing with big clients, occasionally she fells threaten for running her business when a large amount
becomes outstanding. She does not have much environmental problems for disposal of waste materials
since the waste is taken away by Municipal collectors, every day.

Future Prospects: TECH MANIA already created a good reputation for its client’s services. It has
prospects to grow, since IT expansion is a thrust sector of the country. The enterprise intends to
establish a computer and IT training centre in the near future. However, for this it needs support from
SME Foundation and long term loan fro banks.

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CASE STUDY 18: TRADITIONAL BOUTIQUE: NANDINI FASHION

Nandini Fashion, an exclusive traditional boutique house is a popular brand name in Dhaka. The
enterprise represents the local culture and poverty alleviation, through
employment creation in the rural areas. Inspired by the theme, the enterprise
was established in 2002 in Dhaka by Nazma Masud, the Chief Executive.
Nazma is a dedicated social worker and a business woman. Nazma is an
M.A. in Political Science with interest to social development. She used her
ancestral district, Jessore to organize rural women who are interested in
handicraft works and act as a catalyst for marketing the products in Dhaka.
Today she is specialized in designing ladies dresses and Nakshi Katha(the
famous embodied quilt of Bangladesh).

Nazma is using rented houses for her two factories and a showroom in Dhaka. She employs over 55
men and women to design and marketing dresses. She also uses over 30 contract producers who
employ over 150 workers for dress making. The contract producers use rural women (mostly young and
destitute women) for dress making. She produces sari, 3- piece women dress, Bedcover, embroidery
and had works including Nakshi Katha. Demand for her products is quite high and she is marketing
through her showrooms as a retailer and also as a wholesaler to other clients. She has participated in a
number of national trade fairs and received recognition for her fashion brand.

Investment: Originally, she invested about Tk. 20.0 lakh in her business mostly from her husband
savings and now the total investment in her business amounts to about Tk. 40 lakh.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per year is over Tk. 42.0 lakh with an operating cost of
about Tk 36.0 lakh.

Social and environmental factors: The social factors that generally hinder Bangladeshi women in
taking up business as a profession does not affect Nazma rather the society encourages her in many
ways to help rural women. She is a member of several professional bodies including Lion Club in
Dhaka. She received many awards including Begum Rokeya Shining Personality award 2008; Sir
Salimullah Award 2008; Mother Teresa Award 2007; Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haq Award 2007;
Women personality award 2009 etc. Her fashion house is also recognized by local news papers and
weeklies.

Future Prospects: The Nandini Fashion has good prospect for further development. At present, it is
growing at the rate of about 14% per year. It has a plan to expend activities in whole western region of
Bangladesh.

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CASE STUDY 19: NATURAL DYEING FABRICS: AYON CRAFTS

AYON CREFT, an eco-friendly fabric producer with natural dyeing system. The enterprise represents the
environmental concerns and develops women fabrics with vegetable dyeing.
Inspired by the theme from the Vegetable Dyeing Society, the enterprise was
established in 1998 in Dhaka by Naima Islam, the proprietor. Naima, is a graduate
and fully motivated business woman with environmental concern. She has a
creative mind from her teenage life and become interested on eco-friendly fabrics
following her training on vegetable dyeing. Today, she is an expert on the subject.

Naima is using a part of her house in Dhaka as her work place. She has a
showroom in Dhaka city. She employs eight men and women to design and dyeing
of her eco-friendly fabrics-jamdani sari, Punjabi, bedcover, curtain, window screen
and other household items. The demand for her products is high and she is marketing products from her show
rooms. She has participated in a number of national trade fairs and received recognition for her products.

Investment: Originally, she invested about Tk. 5.0 lakh in her business mostly from her own savings and
borrowings from the close family members. Today the total investment in her business amounts to about Tk. 10
lakh.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per year is over Tk. 10 lakh with an operating cost of about Tk. 7.0
lakh. The enterprise is growing at a rate of 45% per year.

Social and environmental factors: The social factors did not affect her much. She acts as a resource person of
different training program on eco-friendly products. She is a member of several professional bodies and a familiar
person in business and social life. She is a proud mother of two children

Future Prospects: The AYON CRAFTS has good prospect for further development of the eco-products. It has a
plan to establish a training centre for eco-friendly natural dyeing of fabrics.

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CASE STUDY 20: HEALTH FOOD: EYA DON ENTERPRISE

EYA DON, an exclusive health food supplier is a popular fast food in Dhaka. The enterprise represents
the quality; test and nutritious food for all. Khalida Ahmed, the director, is a
children story writer, wanted to do something for the children. She is a very
good cook of specialized Indian food from her family life and develops her
brand with special sugar content food which is good for children test and
growth. Khalida raised her three children and learned the requirement of
nutritious and healthy food for children. She is now an expert of testy food
especially for children. With the help of husband and other family members,
she established the enterprise in 2000 at Mohammedpur, Dhaka.

Khalida is a truly motivated social worker and business woman. She makes
ready polau in 10 minutes, prepares Makhna, a special nutritious food for
children, mixed acher (pickles), frozen kabob and many other food items. Eya Don’s food items received
Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute (BSTI) approval for marketing by fulfilling quality, nutrition
and hygienic requirements. Khalida is using a rented house in Dhaka as her work place and residence.
She employs seven men and women to prepare and market food items. She also uses contract workers
for minor initial works. She is looking forward to establishing a separate kitchen for her business, if
financial support is available. She supplies foods to schools, Government and non-government offices
on a contract basis. She also markets her products through super stores such as Agora, Nandan,
Destiny, Prince Bazar etc. in Dhaka. She also made push sell, participated food fairs in Bangladesh. In
2004 she has exported a ton of frozen food to UK but could not continue due to lack of sufficient fund to
build a bigger factory.

Investment: Originally, she invested about Tk. 1.0 lakh in her business mostly from her and husband’s
saving. She has now accumulated about Tk. 20.0 lakh as operating capital. Recently, she applied for a
loan of Tk. 8.0 lakh to MIDAS financing limited and the application is under process.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per month is over Tk. 1.5 lakh with an operating cost of
Tk 1.2 lakh.

Social and environmental factors: The social factors do not affect her much rather her husband and
family members helped to establish the enterprise to keep her busy when children grown up.
Environmental problems don’t affect her. She is a member of several professional bodies and a familiar
person in business and social life.

Future Prospects: The EYA DON Enterprise is growing at the rate of about 16% per year with good
prospect for further growth. It has a plan to establish a frozen food factory with international standards
for which the staff needs HACCP training; technical know-how and the company need financial support.

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CASE STUDY 21: ORGANIC FARMING: REMOTASH AGRO

Remotash Agro, an eco-friendly organic farming complex at Vatiari, Chittagong was established in 1991
by Rahima Mahmood. She received MFA in Fine Arts from the
University of Chittagong. Although she is an artist and an herbal
medical practitioner but her creative mind used to look for
something very natural and eco-friendly from her early life.
Following her husband retirement, she convinced him to fund her
cherish desire of establishing an environmental friendly Agro
complex. The enterprise represents the environmental concerns
and produces for hygienic organic production. She has
established the agro complex on an 8.0 acres of land to produce
vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants using green and organic
manures; fish using the poultry (broiler, layers ) drops as feed, dairy farm with local breeds and many
more.

Rahima Mahmood employs 12 men and women to run the day to day activities of the agro complex of
four ponds, over four acres of fruits, vegetable medicinal plants garden, three poultry sheds and three
dairy sheds. The demand for her products is high and she markets on an average 80 tons of organic
vegetables 20,000 broilers, 12000 eggs, 6 tons of milk per year from her farm. She has participated in a
number of national trade fairs and received recognition for her organic products.

Investment: Originally, she invested about Tk. 15.0 lakh in her business mostly from her husband. She
received loan of Tk. 27.0 lakh from Bangladesh Krishi Bank and 8.0 lakh as a consumer credit loan.
Today the total investment in her business amounts to over Tk. 40.0 lakh.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per year is over Tk. 40.0 lakh with an operating cost of
about Tk. 35 lakh. The enterprise is growing at a rate of 12% per year.

Social and environmental factors: The social factors did not affect her much except initial negative
attitude of the local people on the farm. Gradually the society accepted her since she is a dedicated
social worker and helpful to the locals. She is a sitar player and often aired her program on local radio.
She is a resource person of different training program on eco-friendly herbal products and a member of
several professional bodies. She is a familiar person in business and social life, and a proud mother of
three grown up children.

Future Prospects: The Remotash Agro has good prospect for further development of the organic
products. It has a plan to establish a training centre for eco-friendly organic agricultural production and a
herbal/Naturopathic clinic.

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CASE STUDY 22: BEAUTY CARE - SPA: SANTONA’S SPA

Santona’s Beauty care & Spa, an aromatic therapy Centre is a popular name in Chittagong. The
enterprise represents the beauty of the fashion and health care ardent women
of the town. The enterprise was established by Lutfa Sanjeda, in 1989 at
Halishahar, Chittagong. She was interest on fashion from her childhood and
with the support from husband she inspired to establish the enterprise. Spa
represents aroma therapy, facial, head reflexology, body and foot massage
which help women to hold their fitness and beauty longer than average
Bangladeshi women. Lutfa had undergone training on the techniques in
Bangkok and Malaysia. Today she is specialized in Spa.

Lutfa has setup two Spa centres in separate locations in Chittagong and
employed 20 women and 10 men to run the business. She also employs over 100 trainees as part-time
workers who learn by doing.

Investment: Originally, she invested about Tk. 10,000 in her business in 1986, mostly from her own
savings. Gradually the enterprise grows over the years and now the total investment in her business
amounts to about Tk. 25.0 lakh.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per year is over Tk. 20.0 lakh with an operating cost of
about Tk 15.0 lakh (last five years average).

Social and environmental factors: The social factors affected her business much. Most family
members did not like the idea of her establishing a women health and fashion parlour, however, with the
support of husband she overcome these problems. Young boys occasionally stand opposite to her
centres and teasing the female workers. Some times she feels threaten; when the bride grooms move
from the parlour following completion of their decoration with jewellery and dressing for wedding; in fear
of possible looting of the ornaments of her client. However, law-enforcing agencies helped a lot and so
far no such incident has taken please in or around her centres. She is a member of several professional
bodies including women chambers. She received several awards as fashion designer including Women
Chamber award 2006, the Daily Prothom Alo and Ajker Kagaj best fashion designer awards in 2008

Future Prospects: The Santona’s Beauty care & Spa has good prospect for further development. At
present, it is growing at a rate of about 10% per year. It has a plan to establish a training centre on Spa
in Bangladesh.

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CASE STUDY-23: HERBAL SKIN CARE: “SHE”

“She” the beauty Parlour and herbal skin Care, a herbal therapy centre is popular in Chittagong. The
enterprise represents the beauty of the fashion and skin care ardent women of
the town. The enterprise was established by Anjuman Ara Sheikh, in 2003 at
Sadarghat Chittagong. She was interest on fashion from her childhood.
Following her Diploma on Fashion Textile from Rabindra Sadan, Calcutta she
decided to established the enterprise. She also establishes another parlour
called Loveen.

Sheikh’s two parlours ( “She” and Loveen) has three shops in the City with
facility for facials, hair care & style, pedicures & manicures, skin care with
herbal treatment and make-up for women. She employs 27 women (most of
them were trained from the enterprise) to run the business. She also employs over 80 trainees as part-
time workers who learn by doing.

Investment: Originally, she invested about Tk. 4 lakh in her business, mostly borrowed from relatives.
She also received loan of Tk. 5.0 lakh from a commercial bank. Now the total investment in her
business amounts to about Tk. 10.0 lakh. She put advertisement in the local TV, Radio and
newspapers.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per year is over Tk. 40.0 lakh with an operating cost of
about Tk 50.0 lakh (last five years average).

Social and environmental factors: The social factors affected her business, initially. Most of her family
members including husband did not like the idea of her establishing a women fashion house, but she
solved or managed these problems with her determination and enthusiasm, and now the family
objections are no longer existed following her business expansion. She is a member of several
professional bodies including women chambers. She also trained over 50 women on the profession and
most of them either find job in another parlour or have started their own business/beauty care. She
received women Chamber of Business award as successful entrepreneur in 2008.

Future Prospects: Sheikh’s parlours have good prospect for further development. At present, the
enterprise is growing at a rate of about 30% per year. It has a plan to establish a training centre on
herbal skin care in Bangladesh.

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CASE STUDY 24: FISH IMPORT & EXPORT: RAHMAN ENTERPRISE

Rahman Enterprise, a frozen and dry fish importing and exporting organization was established in
1999 by Sitera Rahman Shetu and her husband. Later husband
handed over the entire business on her and took a job in a Sea
Food industry. She imports fresh and dry fish from Myanmar and
export to Canada, UK and Dubai.

She has a rented frozen plant at Kalughat, Chitttagong where she

processed fresh fish to frozen. She also hired frozen van to
transport her products to sea port for export destinations. Her
husband inspired and supports her to come to the business and
provides technical assistance.

Shetu employs 15 men and women to run the day to day activities of the Business including packing,
freezing, storing and transportation of products. She handles all financial maters including opening of
Letter of Credit (LC) and run the office from her residence at Halishahor Housing Estate.

Investment: Originally, she invested about Tk. 50,000 in her business mostly from her husband. She
received loan of Tk. 5.0 lakh in 2006 from a commercial bank. Today the total investment in her
business amounts to over Tk. 50 lakh.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per year is about Tk. 70.0 lakh with an operating cost of
about Tk. 50 lakh. The enterprise is growing at a rate of 12% per year.

Social and environmental factors: The social factors did not affect her since her husband has been
by her side. She is a member of Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce & Industries and other
professional bodies. She received a successful women entrepreneur’s award from Chittagong women
chamber for her achievement as importer and exporters of frozen food. She is a familiar person in
business and social life, and a proud mother of three children. She needs loan from Bank for
establishment of a frozen food factory of her own to increase her export volume.

Future Prospects: The Rahman Enterprise has a good prospect for growth. It has a plan to establish a
frozen food factory of its own for which it needs financial support from banks.

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CASE STUDY-25: ADVERTISING FIRM: DESIGN HOUSE

Design House, an advertising firm is an example of quality work in Chittagong. The enterprise was
established by the Husband of the present Managing Director
Sufia Begum in 1995. Following the death of Sofia’s husband in
2003 she was compelled to take over the business for survival of
her family with two minor children. Originally, she did not have
experience or expertise on the technical aspect of advertising.
However, after taking over the office, Sufia, a graduate also
received training on graphic design, accounting, management
and marketing from different national and international
organizations. With the financial help from her brothers and close
friends, she managed to keep the business running, learned and
used computer for designing advertise and official printing materials, contacted all clients of her
husband’s era and started moving ahead.

Her office housed at Hotel Agrabad – a prime spot of the business district of Chittagong. She employs
four staff for order collection, printing and marketing. Most of her clients are corporate offices and they
put value on quality of her products, timeliness of supply and dedicated workmanships. She designs
advertisement for print and electronic Medias such as news papers, TV, Radio; and official printing
materials such as business card, enterprise brochure, annual reports, sign board, billboard, flyers,
pamphlets, hand bills etc as per client needs. Her dedication helps the business to grow faster.

Investment: She has invested Tk. 1.0 lakh over her husband investment of Tk. 4.0 lakh. Now the total
investment in her business amounts to about Tk. 7.0 lakh.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per year is over Tk. 5.0 lakh with an operating cost of
about Tk. 3.0 lakh (last five years average).

Social and environmental factors: The social factors affected her business. Most of her husband’s
family members did not like the idea of her taking over the advertising firm; however, her brothers and
friends supported her cause. She took over the enterprise, stood on her own feet and raised the
children with good education. She also built a house on a plot of land purchased by her husband. She
is a member of a few professional bodies including women chambers, Chittagong and received Women
Chamber of Business award as successful entrepreneurs in 2008.

Future Prospects: The Design House has good prospect for further development. At present, it is
growing at a rate of about 15% per year. It has a plan to establish a modern printing industry; however,
Sufia would wait till her son takes over the office after his graduation.

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CASE STUDY 26: TRADITIONAL FASHION: RESHMI

Reshmi , an exclusive traditional fashion and boutique house is a popular name in Chittagong. The
enterprise represents the local culture. Inspired by the theme, the enterprise was
established in 2000 by Gulshan Akter, the Director and Chief Executive. She is
a dedicated business woman. Gulshan learned the designing of traditional dress
from training program of BSCIC and Department of Youth Development and
started her business. Today she is specialized in designing traditional ladies
dress. She also learns catering services: lunch packet for corporate offices and
schools and also provides home service on a contract/order basis.

Gulshan is using a rented house for her factory. She has a showroom in Agrabad
Commercial Area. She employs eight men and women to design and marketing
dresses. She also employs additional staff for her catering services. She produces sari, 3- piece women
dress, Punjabi, fatua, bed sheet and other traditional items of local culture. Demand for her products is
quite high and she is marketing through her showrooms as retailers and wholesalers to other clients.
She has participated in a number of national trade fairs and received recognition for her fashion brand.

Investment: Originally, she invested about Tk. 5.0 lakh in her business mostly from her husband
savings and now the total investment in her business amounts to about Tk. 7.0 lakh.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per year is over Tk. 8.0 lakh with an operating cost of
about Tk 5.0 lakh.

Social and environmental factors: The social factors that generally hinder Bangladeshi women in
taking up business as a profession does not affect Gulshan rather the society encourages her in many
ways, specially her husband and family to established the enterprise and diversification to food sector.
She is a member of Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She received awards
from Chittagong Boishakhi Mela in 2006, Cox’s Bazaar Mala in 2007 and Chittagong Engineering
Institute Fair in 2008 for her traditional fashion.

Future Prospects: The Reshmi Fashion has good prospect for further development. At present, it is
growing at the rate of about 30% per year. It has a plan to establish a few show rooms in the city and a
workshop in rural areas in Comilla to create employment for poor.

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CASE STUDY 27: CHILDREN WEAR: LINA’S BOUTIQUE

Lina’s Boutique is a popular brand name for Children and young girls in Chittagong. The enterprise is
also sales children jewellery. Inspired by husband, the enterprise was
established by Roslin Penherio in 1999. Roslin learned the designing of
children and teenage dress from training program of different organization
and started her business. Today she is specialized in designing children
dress. She also deigns women dress and men’s collection.

Roslin is using own house as factory and two show rooms in prime point of
the city. She employs 30 men and women to design and marketing dresses.
She also employs additional part time staff. Her products are children dress;
girls dress; women dress, three-piece, Punjabi, fatua, Jewellery and other
traditional items of local culture. Demand for her products is quite high and she is marketing through her
showrooms. She has participated in a number of national trade fairs and received recognition for her
fashion brand.

Investment: Originally, she invested about Tk. 20,000 in her business mostly from her own savings and
now the total investment in her business amounts to about Tk. 20.0 lakh.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per year is over Tk. 12.0 lakh with an operating cost of
about Tk. 10.0 lakh.

Social and environmental factors: The social factors do not affect Roslin rather she received support
from the family members. She is a member of Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
She received Eid fashion award in 2005, 2006 and 2007, the SME fair 2007, Women Chamber awards
2008 and Chittagong Digest special award 2009 as best designer or woman entrepreneur.

Future Prospects: The Lina’s Boutique has good prospect for further development. At present, it is
growing at the rate of about 20% per year. It has a plan to establish a few more showrooms in the city
and create employment for the women.

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CASE STUDY 28: NAKSHI KATHA: M/S ZEREEN

M/S Zereen, an exclusive boutique house specialized on Nakha Katha (the famous embodied quilt of
Bangladesh) is popular in Dhaka. The enterprise represents the local
traditional culture and supports poverty alleviation, through employment
creation for women. The enterprise was established in 1994 in Mohammed
Pur, Dhaka by Nazma Akther, the Chief Executive. Nazma, a graduate is a
dedicated social worker with interest for social development. In 1994 she
had undergone training on boutique and block design from BSCIC. Later
she organized village women in Jessore region and trained them on Nakshi
Katha , and act as a catalyst for marketing the products in Dhaka. Today
she is specialized in designing famous Nakshi Katha,

Nazma is using a rented house for factory and a showroom in Dhaka. She employs four men and
women to design and marketing her products. She also uses over 15 contract producers who employ
over 90 workers for Nakshi Katha Preparation and dress making in the rural areas. Her major products
are the famous Nakshi Katha, sari, 3- piece women dress, cushion cover, and other household items.
Demand for her products is good and she is marketing through her showroom as a retailer and also
supplies to other clients on demand. She has participated in a number of national trade fairs and
received recognition for her design.

Investment: Originally, she invested about Tk. 50,000 in her business mostly from her savings. She
also received loan from MIDAS of Tk. 3.0 lakh and now the total investment in her business amounts to
about Tk. 5.0 lakh.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per year is over Tk. 15.0 lakh with an operating cost of
about Tk 12.0 lakh.

Social and environmental factors: The social factors do not affect Nazma rather the family
encouraged her to do something to keep her busy during family recession in late 1990’s. She is a
member of several professional bodies in Dhaka and contributed to women development through
training to over 500 women on boutique and over 50 on food processing. She received several awards
on recognition of her works.

Future Prospects: The M/S Zereen has good prospect for further development. At present, it is
growing at the rate of about 10% per year since 2004. It has a plan to establish a Design Institute for
Nakshi Katha for which she needs support from SME Foundation and other government organizations.

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CASE STUDY 29: MOBILE BOOKSTORE: BRISTI’S BOOKS

Bristi’s Books, a new concept of popularizing the habit of reading was established by a student Umme
Farhana Bristi. She sells popular books, novel, cooking books,
children stories and magazines through participating in different
fair and also on order collected through different contacts. She
started her business in 2000 for supporting her education from
the earning- now an undergrad student. She is a popular vender
of books in Chittagong city. She established contact with the book
loving persons mainly from participating in the book fair where
she puts her book-stall and delivers books as per demand
throughout the years. She uses her participation of different
societies fair and cell phone as a communication tool and
delivered the books at home when needed.

Bristi started her business with the help of her brothers. She collected books from publishers in Dhaka
and Chittagong on a commission basis. She has problem for finance and also transportation- she uses
public transports to collect books from the publishers and deliver to her clients. She is a hard working
young woman with determination to stand on he own foot financially - gradually she is heading toward
that goal along with her higher education.

Bristi is using a rented house as her bookstore. She employs four men and women in her business. She
has participated in a number of national trade fairs and received recognition for her booth.

Investment: Initially she has invested Tk. 70,000 mainly borrowing from money lenders with high
interest rate. Now she also purchases books from the publishers on deferred payment since she returns
the outstanding payment on time as per promise. However, she has accommodated about taka two lakh
as capital for her business.

Income /Expenditure: Her average turnover per year is over Tk. 15.0 lakh with an operating cost of
about Tk 3.0 lakh.

Social and environmental factors: The social factors do not affect Bristi rather the family help her to
continue the business for survival. She holds the steering of the family of mother and two minor
brothers’ for their livelihood and education. Publisher of the books are very much sympathized to her
endeavour and happy about her good behaviour and timeliness of her words.

Future Prospects: The Bristi’s Books has good prospect for further development. At present, it is
growing at the rate of about 10% per year since 2004. It has a plan to establish a modern bookstore in a
prime spot in the city for which Bristi needs support from SME Foundation and other financial
organization.

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CASE STUDY 30: A SHINING STAR IN HOTEL MANAGEMENT & HOSPITALITY

When Rubina H. Farouq returned back to Bangladesh with her family from Hong Kong, her husband
decided to set up a Bangla Fusion Restaurant called Heritage in Dhaka
along with two other partners. She was given the responsibility to train the
service staff. As she was training these people, she decided to establish a
hospitality training institute, complimenting her husband’s restaurant
business. On August 4th 2007, the institute of “Hotel Management &
Hospitality Training” was established. There were only two teaching
faculties, two counsellors and one accountant. The institute started with
only 30 students in Food & Beverage Production and Food & Beverage
Service.

Investment: Initial investment was BDT 10 Lacs, with which the institute
was set up. Now they generate BDT 7 lacs per month.

Employment: Now there are 15 staffs managing the institute with 160-
280 students per year. This expected to grow more with the demand for
hotel management and various managerial course.

Social Factors: Creating awareness among private entrepreneurs and Government people regarding
turning the 160 million people of Bangladesh , who are the idle human resource, into an industry was
her main dream. The dream of turning the liability of the country into our assets, giving importance to
technical & vocational skill training for the development of the country and creating a place for our
human resource in skilled manpower jobs was her ultimate aim.

Present Constraints: People often mistook the word “hospitality” with hospital which often created
problems. Moreover, there existed the problems of very poor English language, Communication &
Basic Computer skills in students coming for enrolment. That is why she made it compulsory for the
students to have the exposure of Basic Spoken English & Basic Computer fundamentals in the institute.

Present Status: At present she offers courses in 1) Diploma in Food & Beverage Production – 1 ½
years with industrial attachment. 2) Diploma in Bakery & Pastry – 1 ½ years with industrial attachment.
3) Diploma in Food preparation & Culinary Arts -7065, City & Guild, UK. 4) Certificate in Food
Production- Bangladesh Technical Education Board – 6 months with industrial attachment.. 5) Skill
Foundation Certificate in Basic Food preparation – City & Guilds, UK – for 3 months. 6) Certificate in
Food & Beverage Production – 4 months. 7) Certificate in Food & Beverage Service – 4 months. 8)
Certificate in Bakery & Pastry – 4 months. 9) Certificate in Front Office Operations & Management – 4-
6 months with industrial attachment.

Contribution to Family: She is assisting and complimenting her husband’s restaurant business. Her
income helps in the family expenditure.

Achievement as an Entrepreneur: She has certified 1400 students in varied fields of hospitality. She
has assisted in job placement both within the country and also abroad in other countries which
recognize her institute certificate and training. She has assisted in revenue earning of the country. Her
training has developed personal grooming of the young generation and installed culinary innovation
through fusion thoughts. The students who have mastered the specialized technical skills have emerged
successful in life and in profession. There has grown the Team Building Skills among those who have
been trained through the institute. Many have mastered their language skills and become professionals
in their own capacity. Most of those who have been trained and received certificates from the institute
earn at present between BDT 5000 – 30, 000.

Her institute has been recognized both within the country and also in other foreign countries which
require her trained people. Among those which are in linkage are : City & Guilds, UK – Qualifications on

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Food Preparation & Culinary Arts 7065 (Affiliation since 2007) and Bangladesh Technical Education
Board – Qualification under BTEB Food & Beverage Production – 38 Course Code / centre code 50338
/ curriculum 30 ( Affiliation since 2009)

Future Prospects: Rubina plans to expand her institute and develop a better premise for the students.
She plans to further train her trainers in more sophisticated issues involved in the hospitality
management. She proposes to use LCD / Projector Documentaries as class lectures. She hopes to
receive technical assistance & training from Netherlands Government for growth & development. She is
also preparing for ILO & European Union Delegations involvement in technical training. She plans to
introduce 2 years Hotel Management Course, Level-5 on Hotel Management, Students Exchange
Programmes with other countries. She feels that organizing seminars and workshops and also road
shows would create greater interest in the issue and thus create greater job opportunities for the people
of Bangladesh.

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CHAPTER – 31

31.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

31.1 CONCLUSION

Bangladesh, as a developing nation, has dwelt on and framed policies focusing on solving various
problems confronting it. Poverty, over-population, hazards of natural calamities and other crises have
influenced the adoption of various policies and programs for the socio-economic development of the
nation. A landmark initiative in this regard has been the formulation of SME Policy Strategies in 2005
and the establishment of the SME Foundation in 2007, which has not only created enormous business
and employment opportunities for entrepreneurs amongst both women and men, but also opened up
enormous marketing prospects and openings. The greatest achievement is SME development by
women entrepreneurs, who have taken tremendous risks in spite of the impediments to their out-house
activities and also overcome numerous constraints to women’s empowerment in this country.

Sustained efforts are needed to enhance the capability of these women entrepreneurs as well as to
create conditions for entrepreneurship to succeed in terms of setting up and maintaining productive
operations. Many organizations have assisted women entrepreneurs in running business by providing
different facilities for meeting their marketing and training requirements and many women entrepreneurs
have emerged as successful manufacturers, exporters, importers, business agents and order suppliers
by taking up challenging tasks previously unknown to them and initially posing as risky, uncertain and
perilous.

The study entitled “Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective”, through the extensive
survey conducted in the 33 districts of Bangladesh, clearly portrays the excellent position of women
entrepreneurs in the country despite all the barriers confronting them at all levels of their activity in the
society. It is encouraging to note that women have taken to entrepreneurship and a large number of
women have become successful in their ventures. Social barriers are going down and a greater number
of women are becoming educated. More opportunities are coming to them for their socio-economic
development. Women as entrepreneurs have turned successful manufacturers, exporters, order
suppliers, boutique owners and also product designers. Their status in life has increased and they are
now given importance as entrepreneurs. Today women entrepreneurs are contributing much to the
financial status of the family and also participating in the socio-economic development of the society.

Women entrepreneurs face various problems in business including lack of capital, insufficient
experience, unavailability of raw materials, lack of marketing opportunities, difficulties in attainment of
skilled workers and problems of accounts keeping. To solve these problems both government and non-
government organizations have lent a helping hand through various programs. The most important of
them is the skill development and business management training provided through institutions and
organizations, including associations and chambers. Women are now becoming increasingly conscious
of the importance of training and asking for training in the latest technology in order to enter the world of
new trends and modern business opportunities.

Marketing opportunities are increasing and women’s participation both in the domestic and international
market is showing an upward trend. Many women have become successful exporters. Their display of
Bangladeshi products in the international arena has increased the image of Bangladesh outside the
country.

The attitudes of the financial institutions towards women entrepreneurs are changing for the better.
However, it is noticed both from the survey and also from the Focus Group Discussions that in the
districts outside Dhaka women hardly get loans from the Small Enterprise Fund of the Bangladesh
Bank. The majority of Bank officials are reluctant to give loans to women in the outlying districts and
many have not heard of the Refinancing Scheme introduced for women entrepreneurs. In many areas
the husbands refuse to become guarantors for their wives seeking loans.

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Many women manufacturers have built up their own show-rooms and are providing employment to both
females and males. The quality of their products has increased and they are quite conscious of the
importance of design development.

any women are lacking in knowledge concerning trade license, TIN number, VAT registration number
and the process of paying income tax and VAT. Labour laws and environment protection are also
matters not well-known to them. City Corporations of many districts have introduced various
programmes for encouraging women entrepreneurs to get their Trade Licence and Vat registration.
Business Chambers have also motivated them to pay their income tax and get their TIN numbers.

It is clear from the survey analysis that women are not always viewed as agents for development in the
development programs, even though there is a marked change in gender policies and gender
development objectives of the government. The issue of women’s development remains greatly welfare-
oriented and the national budget of Bangladesh targets only poor and distressed women who have little
potential for undertaking business venture. The planners often identify women as poor, distressed and
destitute when they take up women’s development issues. Women issues should be treated with care
and on priority basis. Only then can women get their due legal and professional protection.

The SME Foundation has the greatest potential to develop the women entrepreneurs of Bangladesh. It
has already undertaken various programmes related to women’s development as entrepreneurs. For
greater involvement of women in SMEs, it may take up effective programs to provide information,
training and also advocacy with the government to help women entrepreneurs stride ahead. The SME
Foundation may play an important role in building Digital Bangladesh, giving priority for women’s
promotion in entrepreneurship development.

Women have to bear the burdens of their families, and cross the hurdles raised by the society to
achieve their socio-economic development. Many women are found to have overcome the different
barriers and emerge as successful women entrepreneurs of the country. Their contribution towards their
families and the society is a testimony to their inherent strength in tackling any situations which may
arise before them. They have paved the way for their sisters to rise from the drudgeries of life and the
bane of superstitious attitudes of the males. Today a silver lining in the dark clouds is visible as women
entrepreneurs are gradually climbing the ladder of success through their socio-economic development.
Nothing will push them back again, for they have learnt how to face the challenges of life. They are not
only stronger and more courageous, but also more efficient, conscious, competent and well-organized.
Women entrepreneurs are making their contribution to the national economy and it is they who will play
their role in making Bangladesh a strong and prosperous nation.

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31.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

Women entrepreneurship development in SMEs has to be focused initially in Bangladesh, but its future
growth depends on a wider perspective reaching to regional and international arenas, involving
marketing, technology transfer, skill development, raw material procurement and the various other
requirements necessary for stronger enterprise development and wider publicity. The
Recommendations provided have been divided into three areas, the Domestic, the Regional and the
International.

1. Domestic Level Recommendations

Recommendations provided by the women entrepreneurs in the Focus Group Discussions and the
Planning Workshops organized in the six divisional headquarters of Bangladesh, namely Dhaka,
Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet have been presented in this Chapter for future
implementation. Detailed identification of problems, possible solutions and related recommendations
have been provided in the Annexure 7-12. Moreover, the answers by the respondents to the relevant
questions of the questionnaires of the survey conducted in the 34 districts of Bangladesh, have assisted
in the formulation of the following measures and strategies recommended for the development of
women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh.

The main recommendations have been extracted from the discussions held and finally 56
recommendations have been provided for implementation by the SME Foundation, the Government and
also the Non-government organizations as Chambers, Associations, Training Institutes and NGOs
working for women’s development.

a) The Recommendations specially directed for the development of women

entrepreneurship by the SME Foundation have been provided below:

1. SME Foundation should offer courses on women entrepreneurship in order to train women on
the subject.

2 SME Foundation should develop a Data-base and Information Centre for the development of
women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh.

3. SME Foundation should develop a Research Cell for the promotion of women
entrepreneurship

4. SME Foundation should develop a Library on Entrepreneurship in order to provide necessary

information to researchers, academicians, students, development practitioners and other
persons in need of information, especially on women entrepreneurship.

5. SME Foundation should publish a Directory on Women Entrepreneurs. This would not only
help women entrepreneurs know each other but also assist exporters and importers in general
with information of products made by women entrepreneurs.

6. SME Foundation should organize workshops and seminars for women, both at national level
and at district level to popularize SME and disseminate information relating thereto.

7. SME Foundation should publish a quarterly bulletin where the activities of women
entrepreneurs and their special achievements may be flashed.

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8. SME Foundation should offer Annual Awards for Best Women Entrepreneurs, Best Women’s
Enterprises and Innovative Women’s Products. Rural Women’s Achievements should also be
accorded due recognition.

9. SME Foundation should set up a Central Display Centre for women’s products.

10. SME Foundation should develop a Design Centre for SME products. This would enable
women entrepreneurs to manufacture quality goods capable of competing in the international
market.

11. SME Foundation should create a separate wing for the development of the products of the
indigenous people. The Monipuri women have requested SME Foundation to take necessary
steps for the protection and preservation of their products and their indigenous skills.

12. SME Foundation should arrange study tours to foreign countries by women entrepreneurs for
exchange of their ideas and designs.

13. SME Foundation should protect and develop the typical products of various regions/districts in
order to preserve the heritage of the country.

14. SME Foundation should organize Trade Fairs, Seasonal Melas and Special Women’s Products
Displays in order to attract tourists and develop tourism in Bangladesh.

15. SME Foundation should declare and arrange an annual SME Day for the development and
promotion of SME in Bangladesh. Rallies may be arranged on the occasion in various districts.

b) Recommendations provided for implementation by the Government:

1. A uniform definition of SME has to be developed for the proper implementation of all the
programmes of SME. The Bangladesh Bank, Bureau of Statistics, and SME Foundation have
different definitions of SMEs. Government may take necessary initiatives to make it uniform.

2. Entrepreneurial potential of women should be recognized and given proper place in various
policy papers of the Government.

3. A Women Entrepreneurship Development Fund in the light of the Entrepreneur Equity Fund
(EEF) may be set up by the Government. Through this Fund the government may provide
equity in the enterprises started up by women. This Fund may also be used to give women
entrepreneurs low cost and hassle free loans. The government can use existing taxation policy
to create such a fund. A National surcharge on goods and services can be levied to come up
with such a fund.

4. A block grant for female entrepreneurs also may be made in the national budget to give
collateral free large loans to women, with donor’s contribution if necessary.

5. The Government through the Bangladesh Bank should change the existing practice of taking
the husband’s signature as one of the Guarantors. This system should be abolished and the
only the women entrepreneur’s signature should be considered as sufficient for taking loans.

6. Various tax break or tax holiday facilities to enterprises operated and owned by women should
be provided.

7. Various custom duties on both import and export should be reduced for women entrepreneurs.

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8. Various tax break or tax holiday facility should be provided to enterprises that are engaged in
developing entrepreneurial skills of women

9. Appropriate fiscal measures should be taken to channel resources to women for

entrepreneurial growth

10. The existing system of taxing loan amounting to more than Tk. 50,000 received from informal
sources should be abolished in case of enterprises owned and operated by women

11. Affirmative Action should be taken in Trade and Tariff policy.

12 Issuing of TIN certificate should be made simple.

13. Affirmative monetary measures should be adopted to facilitate women’s access to resources

14. More women-focused development projects should be undertaken both in the direct and
indirect growth-oriented sectors for entrepreneurial development.

15. Development programs should focus on empowering women in such a way that they may
easily undertake business activities, which are highly productive

16. Development programs should be undertaken to enable women to set up agro-based

industries.

17. Development programs should be undertaken to provide industrial plots to women

entrepreneurs especially through BSCIC.

18. A development program should be undertaken to supply gas and electricity to rural areas.
Women entrepreneurs in rural areas would benefit from this program.

19. Women’s access to training on high skill, information technology (IT) and consulting should be
facilitated.

20 Policies should be adopted to increase women’s enrolment in the higher education institutions
to encourage women entrepreneurship.

21. Development program should be undertaken to facilitate women entrepreneurs’ access to

telecommunication and market information.

22. Steps should be taken to extend marketing assistance to women entrepreneurs.

23. Women’s access to media for entrepreneurial development should be made easier.

24. Increased allocation in the annual budget should be made to provide budgetary incentive to the
private sector to provide safe secure and affordable transport service to women entrepreneurs

25. Women entrepreneurship in the transport and communication sector should be encouraged
through budgetary incentives

26. A credit Program should be undertaken in the development budget to give collateral free loan
to retrenched garment workers who are willing to set up home-based enterprise for
manufacturing garment accessories

27. Provision for garment workers to participate in equity ownership in the garment industry should
be made and financial support for this purpose should be provided.

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28. Gender-sensitive Development Programs must have Fixed Target for Women Entrepreneurs.

29. Local governments should be encouraged to develop women entrepreneurs

30. Technical Assistance programs should be undertaken in the development budget for skill
development.

31. Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MWCA) should be allocated more budgetary
resources to act as a catalyst in the development of women entrepreneurship

32 There is hardly any change in the budgetary policy regarding women. Hence, to make the
national budget a powerful instrument to develop women entrepreneurship, budgetary policy
towards women should be changed.

33 To develop women entrepreneurship, women’s agency role should be recognized in each and
every policy document and this policy should be followed in preparing development programs
under the national budget. In addition, entrepreneurship development potential of women
should be recognized in undertaking both development projects and fiscal measures in the
national budget.

34 Women as a whole should be targeted instead of targeting them only as distressed and poor
persons. For this purpose, the mindset of the budget-makers needs to be changed for
reorientation of their attitude towards women’s role in development.

35 Affirmative fiscal measures should be undertaken to develop women entrepreneurship

36. Fiscal measure is a powerful instrument to develop entrepreneurship. Since independence in

1971, the Gob has been using this instrument in various ways to develop entrepreneurship in
Bangladesh. But women could not avail of these fiscal facilities, because compared to men,
they have far less access to productive resources, whereas a minimum level of resource base
is necessary to avail of the fiscal incentive. It has been observed from the present study that no
women specific fiscal measure has been adopted by the GoB to develop women
entrepreneurship, whereas section 28(8) of the Constitution of Bangladesh states that nothing
can desist the Government to take any step for the sake of development of any backward
community. In the spirit of this constitutional provision the GoB can undertake various fiscal
measures in the national budget to develop women entrepreneurship.

c) Recommendations provided for the non-government organizations as Chambers,

Associations, various trade bodies, Training Institutes and NGOs working for women’s
development:

1. Training institutes should offer courses on women entrepreneurship development providing the
necessary information on the career prospects of women.

2. Training on Business Development should be provided to women in order to attract them

towards entrepreneurship.

3. The importance of women entrepreneurship should be included in the text books of children in
order to acquaint them with women’s entrepreneurship development.

4. Departments of colleges and universities should impart education and offer courses on
women’s entrepreneurship in order to acquaint the female students with the subject.

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5. The syllabus of various entrepreneurship oriented subjects should include the topic on women
entrepreneurship development especially regarding SME.

1. Regional Level Recommendations

1. Women Entrepreneurs of Bangladesh should be assisted to organize SME trade fairs in the
SAARC region.

2. Women Entrepreneurs should exchange technological and other information from various
regions in order to upgrade their products and also to produce innovative products with creative
designs and ideas.

3. Training programmes with SME organizations of the SAARC region could be undertaken for the
development of entrepreneurship among the women.

4. International Level Recommendations

1. Participation in international trade fairs and single country fairs would enhance the business of
the Bangladeshi women.

2. Manufacture of quality products for international market should be given priority in order to
highlight the image of Bangladesh through its products.

3. Women entrepreneurs should be given training by EPB for export development.

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York, USA.
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Medium Enterprises (CSME) in Bangladesh. Report prepared for Federation of Bangladesh
Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
26. Khondker, Mubina (1992). “Entrepreneurship Development and Economic Growth.: The
Bangladesh Case.” Journal of Business Studies, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
27. Momen, Mohammad, S.A. and Rahman, Sayma,(1990). “Factors of Entrepreneurship
Development in Bangladesh.” The Dhaka University Studies, Part C, Vol XI, No.1. Dhaka,
Bangladesh.
28. Moyeen, Abdul and Haq, Afreen, (1994). “A Preliminary Investigation of Urban Female
Entrepreneurs: A Study of Female Entrepreneurship of Dhaka Metropolitan Area.” Journal
of Business Administration Vol 20, No. 3. Dhaka, Bangladesh.
29. Saleh, Abu, (1995). “A Profile of the Women Entrepreneurs of Bangladesh,” Journal of
Business Studies, University of Dhaka, Vol 16, No. 1, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
30. Rahman, Sajjadur 2009. Half of Banks lag in SME Loans. Daily Star (21.12.2009). Dhaka
Bangladesh.
31. SME Cell, Ministry of Industries, GOB. 2005. “Policy Strategies for Development of Small &
Medium Enterprises (SME)”. Dhaka, Bangladesh.
32. UN Platform for Action Committee Manitoba (UNPAC), 60, Maryland St. Winnipeg, MB
Canada R3G 1K7 (204) 772-7876. project@unpac.ca www.unpac.ca

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 239

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

ANNEXURE -1
List of Participants in FGD and Planning Workshop in Dhaka Division

Sl Name of Participants Designation Name of Cell No.

No. Organization
1 Nazma Akhter Proprietor ZEREEN 01552390561
2 Sitara Ahsanullah Proprietor of Shilpo Bitan WISE 0191260111
3 Rokeya Rahman Proprietor of Shucharu WISE 01717000385
4 Sultana Rahman Director AYON CRAFT
5 Naima Islam Proprietor Karigor 01716544762
6 Tania Wahab CEO WISE 01717585830
7 Meherun Nesa Proprietor of SHE - 01732944113
8 Roushan Ara Mahmud Proprietor of Delicia - 01715011889
9 Laila Jalal Proprietor of SRIJONI Shuchini 01711402758
10 Selina Begum Proprietor - 01556631627
11 Masuda Islam Proprietor - 01715499390
12 Afsana Ahmed Proprietor Delcenia 01711724076
13 Shamima Khan Director Saat Rong 01819501481
14 Taslima MIji Chief Executive Tech Mania 01195041131
15 Bartha Giti Baroi Director 01780024060

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 240

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

ANNEXURE -2
List of Participants in FGD and Planning Workshop in Chittagong Division

Sl Name Designation Name of Organization Cell No.

No.
1 Rahima Mahmud Proprietor Rimotas ago & Boutique
2 Rokeya Khanom Proprietor Keya Handicrafts 01819867990
3 Monoara Hakim Ali Chairman Genatice 01199700247
4 Mohassana Qurashi Director PINON 653626,
01815921965
5 Tajmina Begum Member Looks Herbal Raisana 01199229611
Textile
6 Roselen Pentario Member Linum Boutique 01199267977
7 Lutfa Sanjida Member ANINDA 01554316293
8 Zebun Nahar Director Promise Fashion -
9 Khaleda Akter Member Sistry Boutique -
10 Razia Begum Executive Director Banaful Social Welfare -
Orgnization
11 Samsun Nahar Lucky Director Lehenga Boutique 01554317901
12 Afroza Islam Director Cat Work 01710999838
13 Rokeya Begum Beautician - 01190574322
Chowdhury
14 Sufia Begum Proprietor - 01819634767
15 Parvin Akter Beautician - 01723820334
16 Member - 01733002480
17 Md. Fauzul Azim AGM & Head of Cittagong MIDAS Financing Limited -
Branch
18 Dilara Begum - Aid Home Service 01711818808,
01811526275
19 Khaleda A. Awal Senior Vice President Chittagong Chamber of 01711790083
Commerce & Industry
20 Jahan Ara Abedin Member Chittagong Chamber of 01711948378
Commerce & Industry
21 Umme Fatema Proprietor - 01556497840
22 Sitara Rahman Proprietor Rahman Enterprise 01711367721

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 241

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

ANNEXURE -3
List of Participants in FGD and Planning Workshop in Rajshahi Division

Sl Name Designation Name of Organization Cell No.

No.
1 Nawreen Neha - Jononi Handicraft 01614700055
2 Shamima Nasrin - Ontoroma Handicraft 01716635153
3 Nafisa Ferdous - Jononi Handicraft 01719476358
4 Dilara Rahman - Disha Fashion 0171844989
5 Ayesha Akter Lija - Priva Ladies Tailors & Boutique 01712296052
Shop
6 Sumaia Nafisa - Orpita Hostoshilpo 01191822252
7 Kaji Shormi Akter - Shomahar Tailor 017124180937
8 Rowshan Ara Huda - Surma Bohumukhi Mahila 01718909378
Shongstha
9 Iffat Ara - Angona Mahila Shamitee 01710632015
10 Sufia Haq - Ummek Mahila Shamitee 01915964222
11 Helen Nilufar Director Jitas Fashion 01711359592
12 Soiyoda Iffat Ara Entrepreneur Jitas Fashion 01711359592
13 Nargis Ara Begum Director Jononi Handicraft 01711479065
14 Shahanaj Parvin Director Orpita Hostoshilpo 01195192095
15 Sabera Ferdous Chairperson Mia Para Dustho Mahila Shomaj 01712657508
Kalyan Shamitee
16 Shahanaj Parvin Chief Executive Lofs 01819015794
17 Rashida Parvin Director Rimjhim Boutique 01716303306
18 Jolly Begum - Sonar Bangla Mahila Shamitee -
19 Begum Sobura Sarder Chairperson Nowhata Mahila Shawnirvor Oalli -
Unnayan Shongstha
20 Ms. Parvin Badhon Bidhan Hostoshilpa 01722029987
21 Mrs. Mahbuba Begum Director Narimukti Shongstha 01911565276
22 Nilufa Yasmin Director S.N. Fashion 01745560787
23 Md. Harun Ali Chief Officer Jatio Mahila Shongstha 01713991307
24 Khandokar Hafijur Vice President Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce 01711340600
Rahman
25 Binoy Kumer Sikder Vice President & National Bank -
Manager
26 Razia Sultana Dress Designer Rimjhim Boutique 01914369662

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 242

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

ANNEXURE -4
List of Participants in FGD and Planning Workshop in Khulna Division

Sl Name Designation Name of Organization Cell No.

No.
1 Meherun Nesa Proprietor Uddomy Federation 01911836551
2 Ismat Jahan Proprietor Uddomy Federation 01911836551
3 Sondharani Biswash Proprietor Uddomy Federation 01912458360
4 Begum Wasia Rahman Proprietor Uddomy Federation 01712963215
5 Tania Parvin Lucky Proprietor Uddomy Federation 01735858564
6 Nasrin Akter (Bina) Proprietor Uddomy Federation 01815444879
7 Sharmin Hasan Bony Proprietor Uddomy Federation 01719922221
8 Jesmin Ara Haq Proprietor Uddomy Federation -
9 Fouzia Kader Proprietor - 01714006300
10 Nadira Parvin Proprietor Uddomy Federation 01925423977
11 Sheuli Proprietor - 01917148432
12 Sonia Goswami ADOBE 01712125650
13 Hashiara Hashi Proprietor Jatio Mahila Shongstha 01920492974
14 Rowshon Selim Proprietor Uddomy Federation 729414
15 Soiyoda Moushumi Mobin Proprietor Uddomy Federation 01914780989
16 Nuhin Akter Proprietor Uddomy Federation 01912462183
17 Mahira khatun Popy Proprietor Uddomy Federation 01718102068
18 Shekh Amena Halim Baby Entrepreneur & Jatio Mahila Shongstha 01911079825
Counsellor
19 Afroza Begum Jatio Mahila Shongstha -
20 Salma khanom Entrepreneur - 01912905702
21 Nipa - - 01917621531
22 Md. Iftekhar Ali Chairman - -
23 Shekh Monirul Alam Senior Manager - -

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 243

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

ANNEXURE -5
List of Participants in FGD and Planning Workshop in Barisal Division

Sl Name Designation Name of Organization Cell No.

No.
1 Mursheda Zakir Proprietor Rashana 01191198584
2 Abida Afrin Proprietor - 01913543489
3 Naznin Akter Proprietor - 01913340980
4 Afroza Bulbul Proprietor Baby Tailors 01729361433
5 Bilkis Akter Proprietor Krikon Boutique 01723830521
6 Sumaia Akter (Sumi) Proprietor Krikon Boutique 01724496718
7 Mrs. Sahida Begum Proprietor Liberty Chains 01718503937
8 Anjuman Ara Proprietor Samrat Poultry Firm 01715275580
9 Tanjila Alam (Bintu) Proprietor Shelai Prokolpo 01713195150
10 Monoprova Odhikari Proprietor Nirman Karu Hostoshilpa 01712344788
11 Kohinur Begum Counselor B.C.C 01718693482
12 Hasina Begum Proprietor Omi Fast Food 01812055023
13 Mahabuba Zaman Proprietor K.R Crafts 01717256293
14 Naznin Akter Counsellor - 01711905154
15 Salma Akter (Shila) Counsellor Bikash Shomobay Shamitee 01712130107
16 Nazma Akter (Ruma) - Bikash Coaching Centre 01731199871
17 Suma Begum Director Rupal Food & Ballpen 01919849105
18 Aleya Begum - Nursery -
19 Nur Mohammad Zilla Officer Jatio Mahila Shongstha 01716405999
20 Madhobi Akter - Badhon Boutiques 01711076473
21 Sumona Akter - Badhon Boutiques 01911220872
22 Zakia Islam - Shelai Prokolpo 01717844163

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 244

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

ANNEXURE -6
List of Participants in FGD and Planning Workshop in Sylhet Division

Sl Name Designation Name of Organization Cell No.

No.
1 Anjona Debi Proprietor - 01739454978
2 Ramala Debi Proprietor - 01735164014
3 Anita Proprietor -
4 Koina Tombi Proprietor -
5 Uma Debi Proprietor -
6 Monju Debi Proprietor - 01674225920
7 Nirola Mukharjee Proprietor - 017141001996
8 Binodini Debi Proprietor -
9 Aruna Sinha Proprietor -
10 Jumnam Mousumi Proprietor - 01913857764
11 Shontona Singho Proprietor Shantona Cottage 0182367292
12 Minara Begum Proprietor Saj Beauty Parlour 01711238063
13 Sufia Akter Proprietor - 01729433195
14 Jaheda Akter Proprietor - 01729433195
15 Juheli Akter (Juli) Proprietor 01717896584
16 Md. Mohidul Islam Chairman NASIB 01552425095
17 Dhiren Singho Advisors NASIB 01558323192, Ph:
0821711588
18 Ruhina Akter Proprietor - 01737481652
19 Mosaddek Ahmed Assistant Professor Shahjalal Science & Technology 01713300240
Chowdhury University
20 Samina Begum Proprietor - 01731294377

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 245

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

ANNEXURE - 7
Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 1)
Dhaka Division

BARRIERS TO ENTRPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

1. Lack of customized Training Facility for the Increase provision for improving skill of SMEF/GO/NGO/Donor SMEF should have a specialized training
Women entrepreneurs the labour through establishment of institute at the HQ and Provide training as per
Separate Training Institute and offering need of the Women Entrepreneurs for offering
customized/ appropriate training appropriate Training Courses in the sector.
courses.
2. Lack of finance for business Provision of collateral free credit at low SME/Banks/GO SME foundation should immediately give
rate of interest for Women instruction to all relevant Banks to the effect
entrepreneurs should be provided by that the bank should provide credit to the
the Banks. illegible women entrepreneurs as per circular
of the SME Loan under refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank and SMEF should monitor
progress of the credit delivery and recovery
position on regular basis.
3. Stop selling Bangladeshi products in the To stop the illegal branding of the SME Foundation /Banks / GO To stop the illegal branding of the products
name of foreign brand (Identity crisis). products Chittagong Women Chamber / NGO, FBCCI, Chamber of Women Assocations should arrange various
of Commerce and industry (BWCC) commerce and various training courses, awareness program for
can arrange various training courses, international and local training raising voice against illegal branding /
awareness program for raising voice institutions. marketing of the products of women
against illegal branding marketing of entrepreneurs and organise various trade fair
the products of women entrepreneurs and establish more stall, display centres and
and organise various trade fair and show rooms in the important market place and
establish more stall, display centres in SMEF premise for building stronger
and show rooms in the important marketing network for Bangladeshi products
market place and in SMEF premise for on sustainable basis. .
building stronger marketing network for
Bangladeshi products on sustainable
basis.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 246


Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions
4. Lack of quality packaging Women Chamber, FBCCI, SME
Foundation and various national and
international design centres can be
approached to have appropriate type of
quality durable materials finished pack
and make show of the various
packages and its process.
5. Separate Desk for Business Women for VAT SME Foundation can make special
Collection arrangement with NBR to have special
window for collection of VAT from
Business Women at reduced rate of
5% instead of 15%.
6. Easy access to National and International SME Foundation, FBCCI, NASIB,
trade Fair Bangladesh Women Chamber and
MIDAS can coordinate each other and
ensure increased participation of the
Business Women in various
International trade Faire.
7. Information Gap between ; Supplier- SMEF may create ICT Desk and
Customer- other business opportunities increase co-ordination with retailers
and support to Women Entrepreneurs
through Media Partners of GOB for
exploring wider Market and trade
volume.
8. Lack of design service for the women SMEF can create provision design
Entrepreneurs service and BISIC can provide the
service for all women entrepreneurs.
9. Lack of Government policy support for SMEF on behalf of women
growing business of Women Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs can prepare appropriate
policy guidelines and advise
Government to framing women
entrepreneur’s friendly business rules
and acts immediately.
Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 247
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SME Foundation, M/O SME foundation should immediately prepare
Industries, FBCCI, BISIC, and call upon the dedicated packaging
Chamber of Commerce, industry for arranging a discussion on
Association of packaging problems and prospects of Packaging of
Industries, Advertising various industrial raw and finish products,
organizations, handicrafts, fashion, batik, textile and
engineering goods.
SME Foundation, NBR and SMEF should make special arrangement with
GOB. NBR to have special window for collection of
from Business Women and convince
Government to reduce present VAT rate from
15% to 5% for Women Entrepreneurs. .
SMEF, FBCCI, NASIB, SME Foundation, FBCCI, NASIB, Women
Women Assocaitions and Associations and MIDAS should have
other relevant export oriented coordination with each other to ensure regular
organization. participation of the Business Women in
various National and International trade Faire.
SMEF, GOB, M/O ICT, Mass SMEF GOB, M/O ICT and Various Mass
Media Communication. Media Communication should increase
support to Women Entrepreneurs and their
products through Media Partners for
exploration of wider Market and trade volume.
SMEF, BISC,GO and NGO SMEF Should create provision for design
service and BISIC should extend design
service for all women entrepreneurs.
SMEF, M/O industry, SMEF on behalf of women Entrepreneurs
Commerce/ EPB, BSTI and should take responsibility to prepare
NGOs. appropriate policy guidelines and advise
Government for framing women
entrepreneur’s friendly business rules and
acts immediately.

ISSUES RELATED TO INCREASE ACCESS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
Sl.No Existing Problems
1. Lack of collateral free loan for Business
2. Lack of Provision of Bank loan on easy terms
and condition and at low rate of interest.
3. Lack of Social Recognition: The Women
Entrepreneurs and their individual products
are not properly valued, honoured or
recognised by different business community,
organizations and people as a result they do
not get real price of their products.
4. Lack of Proper Marketing facilities
Prepared by: MIDAS
Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 2)
Dhaka Division
Strategies for Solutions of the
problems
Access to easy Loan from the Bank as
well as from SMRF Sources,
particularly Loan from refinancing
scheme of Bangladesh Bank.
Easy Loan from the Bank as well as
from SMRF Sources, particularly Loan
from refinancing scheme
Bangladesh Bank
SMEF/GOVT should introduce more
awards of recognition/prizes for the
business Women and fix proper price
of their products as well as to increase
dignity, prestige and honour by the
concerned people in SME business.
Bangladesh Women Chamber of
Commerce and industry can facilitate
various training courses for raising
marketing skill of the women
entrepreneurs and organise various
trade fair and establish more stall,
display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF
premise for building stronger marketing
network on sustainable basis.
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SMEF, Bank Provide necessary support for ensuring credit
from the Bank and from Banks involved in
SME loan under refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank.
SMEF, Bank
of
SMEF,GOVT, and SMEF/GOVT should introduce more awards
Banks of recognition/prizes to increase dignity,
prestige and honour by the concerned people
in SME business for the business Women,
and fix proper price of their products as well
as
SME Foundation /Banks / SME Foundation should arrange collaborative
GO / NGO, FBCCI, / foreign and local training courses on
Chamber of commerce marketing as well as on other business
and various international development / product development training
and local training for the employees /owners of the women
institutions. entrepreneurs on regular basis.
Page - 248
 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 3)

Dhaka Division

DIRECTIONS NEEDED TO PROMOTE AND STRENGTHEN POTENTIALITY OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Sl.No Direction Needed Authority for Strategies for Direction Recommendation/ Suggestions
Direction
1. Direction for getting easy Loan for SMEF, GOB, SMEF in collaboration with Bangladesh SMEF in collaboration with Bangladesh
genuine Business Women. Bangladesh Bank, Government will formulate, publicise Government should review bottlenecks in the
Mass Media. necessary Policy Direction providing easy loan existing rules and laws and make necessary Policy
to genuine Women Entrepreneurs through changes and provide Direction all concerned for
Mass Media. providing easy loan to genuine Women
Entrepreneurs.
2. Direction for creating investment SMEF, FBCCI, SMEF in association with FBCCI, Chamber of SMEF in association with FBCCI, Chamber of
environment for Women Chamber of Commerce, Women Chamber, M/O Industry, Commerce, Women Chamber, M/O Industry,
Entrepreneurs. Commerce, Women Commerce Home, EPB, M/O FWC, M/O will Commerce Home, EPB, M/O FWC, M/O will take
Chamber, M/O review rules and regulation in order to take necessary decision for creating women business
Industry, Commerce necessary decision for creating women friendly Environment by changing exiting laws,
Home, EPB, M/O business friendly Environment by changing rules, regulation and issue direction as necessary
FWC. exiting laws, rules, regulation as necessary for for promoting business of the Women
promoting business of the Women Entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs.
3. Direction for useful Communication Net SMEF,’ GOB, Women SMEF, GOB, Women Chamber, M/O Industry, SMEF, GOB, Women Chamber, M/O Industry,
Work. Chamber, M/O Commerce DOM, Home, EPB, M/O FWC, M/O Commerce DOM, Home, EPB, M/O FWC, M/O
Industry, Commerce Environment can establish link exchange Environment should establish link exchange
Home, EPB, M/O programs for market related information. programs catering to the needs of the Women
FWC, M/O Entrepreneur’s market information.
Environment.
4. Direction for making raw materials SMEF, GOB, Women Chamber, M/O Industry, To facilitate supply of quality raw materials at
available to the Women Entrepreneurs Commerce can facilitate supply of quality raw whole sale price, SMEF, GOB, Women Chamber,
for promoting business. materials at whole sale price. M/O Industry, Commerce and various associations
should play role and ensure supply of raw
materials for the Women Entrepreneurs for
business promotion.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 249


Sl.No Direction Needed
5. Direction for making marketing Data
Base for promoting Women Business.
6. Direction for providing uninterrupted
electricity supply to ensure production
process of the Women entrepreneurs.
Prepared by: MIDAS
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Authority for Strategies for Direction Recommendation/ Suggestions
Direction
SMEF, GOB, DOM, Women Chamber, M/O SMEF, GOB, DOM, Women Chamber, M/O
Industry, Commerce can be asked to publish Industry, Commerce should publish regular News
regular News Bulletin, leaflet, display Bulletin, leaflet to inform all business and market
related data for the Women Entrepreneurs.
M/O Power, REB can be persuaded by SMEF M/O Power and REB can be persuaded by SMEF
for uninterrupted electricity supply for running for uninterrupted electricity supply to run Women
Women Business enterprises smoothly. Business enterprises smoothly.
Page - 250
 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 4)

Dhaka Division

CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN’S BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS FOR STRENGTHENING WOMEN’S POSITION IN BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Sl.No Contributions Strategy for improving Women’s Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

position
1. Assist Empowerment of the women Keep on contact with all relevant WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women assocations should
organizations for drawing program for BWCC, SMEF, GOB keep on contact with all relevant organizations
women empowerment. for drawing women empowerment program.
2. Assist for taking initiative for Organizing the Take initiative for Strengthening WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women assocations should
women in Common Platform organizational strength into power BWCC, SMEF, GOB prepare comprehensive plan in order to
strengthen organizational capability into
power.
3. Assist in Making Common List of trade and Make a common Directory for all WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women assocations should
skill for business women. business women and their own BWCC, SMEF, GOB prepare own business profile for business
business profile. women for making a common Directory.
4. Find some uncommon business and trade line Identify list of uncommon products and WEA, WISE, WEAB, To expand marketing network SMEF, GOB,
and make use of the interested business location map for marketing. BWCC, SMEF, GOB Women associations prepare uncommon
women to do that business. products list and location map for marketing
those products.
5. Provide skill training as per need of the Organise training courses as per need WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women assocations should
business women and their involvement. of the business and technology BWCC, SMEF, GOB organise training courses as per need and
requirement. technology requirement of the business
women.
6. Identify training Need for business Women Conduct training need assessment for WEA, WISE, WEAB, Conduct training need assessment for
through Tanning Need Assessment. identification newer scope of BWCC, SMEF, GOB identification newer Production Technology on
regular basis.
7. Create new marketing channels for selling Develop website and programs for WEA, WISE, WEAB, of the business should develop website and
products of the women entrepreneurs. marketing channels. BWCC, SMEF, GOB programs to help business women for
marketing channels.
8. Provide loan to business women who Prepare priority list for needy WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women assocations should
frantically needs it. entrepreneurs. BWCC, SMEF, GOB prepare priority comprehensive list for needy
entrepreneurs for assistance.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Contributions Strategy for improving Women’s Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

position
9. Assist in improving A level skill of the women Establish a permanent Training WEA, WISE, WEAB,
through Training for global standardization. Institute at SMEF head Quarter for BWCC, SMEF, GOB
offering A grade Training to Women
Entrepreneurs.
SMEF should establish a permanent Training
Institute at SMEF head Quarter for offering A
grade Training to Women Entrepreneurs.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 252

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 5)

Dhaka Division

RESEARCH ON ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY FEMALE ENTERPRISE OWNERS

Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

1. Research on environment friendly new Create laboratory facilities for testing SMEF, BSTD and DOE SMEF in collaboration with relevant
products of the women entrepreneurs standard of the products of the women organization should create facilities for testing
entrepreneurs. standardization products of the women
entrepreneurs
2. Research on barriers of credit supply to the Carry out research on credit supply to SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and SMEF should nominate three member
Women Entrepreneurs women entrepreneurs and its any other Research committee, taking one or two eminent women
constraints. organization or researchers in the field during research award
researchers and evaluation of the research quality.
3. Research on problem of equity loan for Carry out research on performance of SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and SMEF, IBM, MIDAS should sponsor research
women entrepreneurs. equity loan and compared any other Research on performance of equity loan and compared
performance with micro-finance organization or performance with micro-finance in some
researchers. selected areas,
4. Research on system of price fixation of the SMEF, price control commission and SMEF, M/O Finance, SMEF, Price Control Commission and M/O
products produced by Women Entrepreneurs M/O finance can Formulate policy FBCCI, Price control finance should allocate grant for conducting
guidelines for fixing prices of the commission. survey on existing prices of the Women
products produced by Women Entrepreneurs before Policy Formulisation
Entrepreneurs. and guidelines for fixing prices of the products
produced by Women Entrepreneurs.
5. Research on contribution of women SMEF, BWCC, M/O Finance or a SMEF, M/O Finance, SMEF, M/O Finance or a separate committee
entrepreneurs towards Gender Empowerment separate committee taking members FBCCI, Various taking members from various women’s
from various women’s organization can women’s organizations in organization should identify research topics
identify research topics for Gender the country for Gender Empowerment and indicate
Empowerment. sources of fund for research allocation.
6. Research on criteria for selecting Genuine SMEF, BWCC, FBCCI, and M/o SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o Women Affairs
women entrepreneurs for awards and Women Affairs can intensive study on Women Affairs. Should undertake intensive study on
recognition contribution of selected women contribution of selected women entrepreneurs
entrepreneurs to measure criteria for to measure criteria for award and their real
award and their real contribution in the contribution in the economy and allocate fund
economy. for study.

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 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

7. Research on problems and prospect of Bangladesh Women Chamber of
marketing the product of the women Commerce and industry (BWCC) can
Entrepreneur. undertake various training and
research programs for raising
marketing skill of the women
entrepreneurs and identify role of
various trade fair making networks and
problems of establishing more stall,
display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF
premise for building strong marketing
network on sustainable basis.
8. Conduct Research and Development (R&D)
for innovative technology for productions,
management and Entrepreneurs
Development.
SMEF /Banks / GO / Concerned organizations should undertake
NGO, FBCCI, Chamber various training and research programs for
of commerce and various raising marketing skill of the women
international and local entrepreneurs and identify role of various
research and training trade fairs, making networks and should
institutions. identify problems of establishing more stall,
display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF premise
for building strong marketing network on
sustainable basis

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 254

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

ANNEXURE -8
Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 1)
Chittagong Division

BARRIERS TO ENTRPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

1. Lack of skilled Labourers Increase provision for improving skill of SMEF/GO/NGO/Donor
the labour through establishment of
Separate Training Institute and offering
appropriate courses.
2. Lack of Land/building for business / Procure Land/building/ Showroom
production centre
3. Lack of Raw Materials and its availability Chittagong Women Chamber can
procure bulk of the raw materials and
supply to the individual women
entrepreneurs
4. Lack of capital for business Provision of collateral free credit at low
rate of interest for Women
entrepreneurs should be provided by
the Banks.
SMEF should have a specialized training
institute at the HQ and Provide training as per
need of the Women Entrepreneurs through
offering appropriate Training Courses in the
sector
Chittagong Women Chamber/ Chittagong Women Chamber should contact
SME Foundation and GO the relevant authority and play a coordinating
role for procuring land, building and place for
business centre.
Chittagong Women Chamber (CWCCI) should have a procurement cell
of Commerce and Industry which on the basis of demand of specific raw
(CWCCI) materials of the Women enterpriser can
operate and charge certain amount as service
charge.
SME/Banks/GO SME foundation should immediately give
instruction to all relevant Banks to the effect
that the bank should provide credit to the
illegible women entrepreneurs as per circular
of the SME Loan under refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank, and SMEF should monitor
progress of the credit delivery and recovery
position on regular basis.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 255


Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions
5. Lack of Marketing net work for sales and Chittagong Women Chamber of
production Commerce and industry (CWCCI) can
arrange various training courses for
raising marketing skill of the women
entrepreneurs and organise various
trade fair and establish more stall,
display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF
premise for building stronger marketing
network on sustainable basis.
6. Lack of Modern transport and Communication Ensure women entrepreneurs’
movement in safe and secured State
run / private transports.
7. Lack of quality packaging Women Assocaitions, FBCCI, SME
Foundation and various national and
international design centres can be
approached to have appropriate type of
quality durable materials finished pack
and make show of the various
packages and its process.
8. Separate Desk for Business Women for VAT SME Foundation can make special
Collection arrangement with NBR to have special
window for collection of VAT from
Business Women at reduced rate of
5% instead of 15%.
9. Easy access to National and International SME Foundation, FBCCI, NASIB,
trade Fair MIDAS can coordinate each other and
ensure participation of the Business
Women in various International trade
Faire.
Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 256
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SME Foundation /Banks / GO SME Foundation/ (CWCCI) can arrange
/ NGO, FBCCI, Chamber of collaborative / foreign and local training
commerce and various courses on marketing as well as on other
international and local training business development / product development
institutions. training for the employees /owners of the
women entrepreneurs on regular basis.
State Government /private Organize advocacy program for building
sector transport Company collaborative program for citizen charter and
role of transport company for creating positive
environ for equal privilege women on travel.
SME Foundation, M/O SME foundation should immediately prepare
Industries, FBCCI, BISIC, and call upon the dedicated packaging
Chamber of Commerce, industry for arranging a discussion on
Association of packaging problems and prospects of Packaging of
Industries, Advertising various industrial raw and finish products,
organizations, handicrafts, fashion, batik, textile and
engineering goods.
SME Foundation, NBR and SMEF should make special arrangement with
GOB. NBR to have special window for collection of
from Business Women and convince
Government to reduce present VAT rate from
15% to 5% for Women Entrepreneurs. .
SMEF, FBCCI, NASIB, and SME Foundation, FBCCI, NASIB, Women
other relevant export oriented Associations and MIDAS should have
organization. coordination with each other to ensure regular
participation of the Business Women in
various National and International trade Faire.
 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

10 Lack of Media Support SMEF may create ICT Desk and SMEF, GOB, M/O ICT, Mass SMEF GOB, M/O ICT and Various Mass
increase support to Women Media Communication. Media Communication should increase
Entrepreneurs through Media Partners support to Women Entrepreneurs and their
of GOB for exploration of wider Market products through Media Partners for
and trade volume. exploration of wider Market and trade volume.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 257


ISSUES RELATED TO INCREASE ACCESS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
Sl.No Existing Problems
1. Lack of Sufficient Capital for Business
2. Lack of land/ building ( Accommodation) for
Production centre
3. Lack of Social Recognition: The Women
Entrepreneurs and their individual products
are not properly valued, honoured or
recognised by different business community,
organizations and people as a result they do
not get real price of their products.
4. Lack of Raw Materials
Prepared by: MIDAS
Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 2)
Chittagong Division
Strategies for Solutions of the
problems
Access to easy Loan from the Bank as
well as from SMRF Sources,
particularly Loan from refinancing
scheme of Bangladesh Bank.
SMEF/Govt/ can provide necessary
support to accommodate or procure
land / buildings through setting up
industrial Park for Women
Entrepreneurs or make special
allotment of plot for Women
Entrepreneurs.
SMEF/GOVT should introduce more
awards of recognition/prizes for the
business Women and fix proper price
of their products as well as to increase
dignity, prestige and honour by the
concerned people in SME business.
CWCCI can procure bulk of the raw
materials and supply to the individual
women entrepreneurs
Page - 258
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SMEF, Bank Provide necessary support for ensuring credit
from the Bank and from Banks involved in
SME loan under refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank.
SMEF, GOB, Banks SMEF/Govt/ may provide necessary support
to accommodate or procure land / buildings
to Women entrepreneurs through setting up
industrial Park and or make special allotment
of plot for Women Entrepreneurs.
SMEF,GVVT, CWCCI SMEF/GOVT should introduce more awards
and Banks of recognition/prizes to increase dignity,
prestige and honour by the concerned people
in SME business for the business Women,
and fix proper price of their products as well
as
Chittagong Women (CWCCI) should have a Procurement Cell
Chamber of Commerce which on the basis of demand of specific raw
and Industry (CWCCI) materials placed by the Women
entrepreneurs, can provide raw materials
service to the women entrepreneurs on
commission basis.
 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Existing Problems
5. Lack of Proper Marketing facilities
Strategies for Solutions of the Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
problems
Chittagong Women Chamber of SME Foundation /Banks / SME Foundation/ (CWCCI) should arrange
Commerce and industry (CWCCI) can GO / NGO, FBCCI, collaborative / foreign and local training
facilitate various training courses for Chamber of commerce courses on marketing as well as on other
raising marketing skill of the women and various international business development / product development
entrepreneurs and organise various and local training training for the employees /owners of the
trade fair and establish more stall, institutions. women entrepreneurs on regular basis.
display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF
premise for building stronger marketing
network on sustainable basis.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 259

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 3)

Chittagong Division

DIRECTIONS NEEDED TO PROMOTE AND STRENGTHEN POTENTIALITY OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Sl.No Direction Needed Strategies for Direction Authority for Direction Recommendation/ Suggestions
1. Direction for getting easy Loan for SMEF, GOB, Bangladesh SMEF in collaboration with Bangladesh SMEF in collaboration with Bangladesh Government
genuine Business Women. Bank, Mass Media. Government will formulate, publicise should review bottlenecks in the existing rules and
necessary Policy Direction providing laws and make necessary Policy changes and
easy loan to genuine Women provide Direction all concerned for providing easy
Entrepreneurs through Mass Media. loan to genuine Women Entrepreneurs.
2. Direction for creating investment SMEF, FBCCI, Chamber of SMEF in association with FBCCI, SMEF in association with FBCCI, Women
environment for Women Commerce, Women Women Associations, M/O Industry, Associations, M/O Industry, Commerce, Home, EPB,
Entrepreneurs. Associations, M/O Industry, Commerce Home, EPB, M/O FWC, M/O FWC, M/O will take necessary decision for
Commerce Home, EPB, M/O will review rules and regulation in creating women business friendly Environment by
M/O FWC. order to take necessary decision for changing exiting laws, rules, regulation and issue
creating women business friendly direction as necessary for promoting business of the
Environment by changing exiting laws, Women Entrepreneurs.
rules, regulation as necessary for
promoting business of the Women
Entrepreneurs.
3. Direction for useful Communication SMEF, GOB, Women SMEF, GOB, Women Associations, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations, M/O Industry,
Net Work. Associations, M/O Industry, M/O Industry, Commerce DOM, Home,
Commerce, DOM, Home, EPB, M/O FWC, M/O
Commerce Home, EPB, EPB, M/O FWC, M/O Environment can Environment should establish link exchange
M/O FWC, M/O establish link exchange programs for
programs catering to the needs of the Women
Environment. market related information. Entrepreneur’s market information.
4. Direction for making raw materials SMEF, GOB, Women SMEF, GOB, Women Chamber, M/O To facilitate supply of quality raw materials at whole
available to the Women Associations, M/O Industry, Industry, Commerce can facilitatesale price, SMEF, GOB, Women Chamber, M/O
Entrepreneurs for promoting Commerce and various supply of quality raw materials at whole
Industry, Commerce and various associations should
business. associations. sale price. play role and ensure supply of raw materials for the
Women Entrepreneurs for business promotion.
5. Direction for making marketing Data SMEF, GOB, DOM, Women SMEF, GOB, DOM, Women SMEF, GOB, DOM, Women Associations, M/O
Base for promoting Women Associations, M/O Industry, Associations, M/O Industry, Commerce Industry, Commerce should publish regular News
Business. Commerce can be asked to publish regular News Bulletin, leaflet to inform all business and market
Bulletin, leaflet, display related data for the Women Entrepreneurs.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 260

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Direction Needed Strategies for Direction Authority for Direction Recommendation/ Suggestions
6. Direction for providing uninterrupted M/O Power, REB and M/O Power, REB can be persuaded by M/O Power and REB can be persuaded by SMEF for
electricity supply to ensure SMEF. SMEF for uninterrupted electricity uninterrupted electricity supply to run Women
production process of the Women supply for running Women Business Business enterprises smoothly.
entrepreneurs. enterprises smoothly.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 261

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 4)

Chittagong Division

CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN’S BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS FOR STRENGTHENING WOMEN’S POSITION IN BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Sl.No Contributions Strategy for improving Women’s Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

position
1. Help Empowerment of the women Keep on contact with all relevant CWCC, SMEF, GOB CWCC, SMEF, GOB shall keep on contact
organizations with all relevant organizations
2. Help Organizing the women in Common Strengthen organizational strength into CWCC, SMEF, GOB CWCC, SMEF, GOB should prepare
Platform. power comprehensive plan in order to strengthen
organizational capability into power.
3. Assist to make a Common List of trade and Making a common Directory for all CWCC, SMEF, GOB CWCC, SMEF, GOB should prepare own
skill for business women. business women and their own business profile for business women for
business profile. making a common Directory.
4. Find some uncommon business and trade line Identify list of uncommon products and CWCC, SMEF, GOB To expand marketing network CWCC, SMEF,
and make use of the interested business location map for marketing. GOB prepare uncommon products list and
women to do that business. location map for marketing those products.

5. Provide skill training as per need of the Organise training courses as per need CWCC, SMEF, GOB CWCC, SMEF, GOB should organise training
business women and their involvement. of the business and technology courses as per need and technology
requirement. requirement of the business women.
6. Identify training Need for business Women Conduct training need assessment for CWCC, SMEF, GOB Conduct training need assessment for
through Tanning Need Assessment. identification newer scope of identification newer Production Technology on
regular basis.
7. Create new marketing channels for selling Develop website and programs for CWCC, SMEF, GOB of the business should develop website and
products of the women entrepreneurs. marketing channels. programs to help business women for
marketing channels.
8. Provide loan to business women who Prepare priority list for needy CWCC, SMEF, GOB CWCC, SMEF, GOB should prepare priority
frantically needs it. entrepreneurs. comprehensive list for needy entrepreneurs
for assistance.
9. Help to improve A level of skill of the women Establish a permanent Training CWCC, SMEF, GOB SMEF should establish a permanent Training
in global standard. Institute at SMEF head Quarter for Institute at SMEF head Quarter for offering A
offering A grade Training to Women grade Training to Women Entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 262

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 5)

Chittagong Division

RESEARCH ON ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY FEMALE ENTERPRISE OWNERS

Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

1. Research on environment friendly products of Create laboratory facilities for testing SMEF, BSTD and DOE SMEF in collaboration with relevant
the women entrepreneurs standard of the products of the women organization should create facilities for testing
entrepreneurs. standardization products of the women
entrepreneurs
2. Research on barriers of credit supply to the Carry out research on credit supply to SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and SMEF should nominate three member
Women Entrepreneurs women entrepreneurs and its any other Research committee, taking one or two eminent women
constraints. organization or researchers in the field during research award
researchers and evaluation of the research quality.
3. Research on problem of equity loan for Carry out research on performance of SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and SMEF, IBM, MIDAS should sponsor research
women entrepreneurs. equity loan and compared any other Research on performance of equity loan and compared
performance with micro-finance organization or performance with micro-finance in some
researchers selected areas,

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 263


Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 1)
Rajshahi Division
BARRIERS TO ENTRPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions
1. Lack of financial support for business Provision of collateral free credit at low SMEF/Banks/GO
rate of interest for Women
entrepreneurs can be provided by the
Banks.
2. The women entrepreneurs are often harassed Provide special Identity Card from the
by the members of Law enforcing Agencies inLaw enforcing Agency/ local
the Dhaka bound and other buses and in the administration to the genuine women
various check posts during checking their own
entrepreneurs to stop harassment of
products as Indian branded products. the women entrepreneurs in the check
posts.
3. Lack of quality packaging Women Chamber, FBCCI, SME
Foundation and various national and
international design centres can be
approached to have appropriate type of
quality durable materials finished pack
and make show of the various
packages and its process.
4. Lack of storage Facility for stocks of the SMEF in collaboration with Rajshahi
Women Products Chamber, NASIB can Create storage
house for stocking products of the
women products in the city area.
Prepared by: MIDAS
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
ANNEXURE -9
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SME foundation should immediately give
instruction to all relevant Banks to the effect
that the bank should provide credit to the
illegible women entrepreneurs as per circular
of the SME Loan under refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank and SMEF should monitor
progress of the credit delivery and recovery
position on regular basis.
SMEF, DCS, DIG police, and SMEF, DCS, DIG police, and RAB office.
RAB office. Should provide special Identity Card to the
genuine women entrepreneurs to stop
harassment of the women entrepreneurs in
the check posts.
SME Foundation, M/O
SME foundation should immediately prepare
Industries, FBCCI, BISIC, and call upon the dedicated packaging
Chamber of Commerce, industry for arranging a discussion on
Association of packaging problems and prospects of Packaging of
Industries, Advertising
various industrial raw and finish products,
organizations, handicrafts, fashion, batik, textile and
engineering goods.
SME Foundation, M/O SMEF in collaboration with Rajshahi
Industries, FBCCI, BSCIC, Chamber, NASIB should take steps to build
Chamber of Commerce storage house for stocking products of the
women products in the city area.
Page - 264

Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions
5. Separate Desk for Business Women for VAT SME Foundation can make special
Collection arrangement with NBR to have special
window for collection of VAT from
Business Women at reduced rate of
5% instead of 15%.
6. Easy access to National and International SME Foundation, FBCCI, NASIB,
trade Fair Bangladesh Women Associations and
MIDAS can coordinate each other and
ensure increased participation of the
Business Women in various
International trade Faire.
7. Information Gap between ; Supplier- SMEF may create ICT Desk and
Customer- other business opportunities increase co-ordination with retailers
and support to Women Entrepreneurs
through Media Partners of GOB for
exploring wider Market and trade
volume.
8. Lack of design service for the women SMEF can create provision design
Entrepreneurs service and BSCIC can provide the
service for all women entrepreneurs.
9. Lack of Government policy support for SMEF on behalf of women
growing business of Women Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs can prepare appropriate
policy guidelines and advise
Government to framing women
entrepreneur’s friendly business rules
and acts immediately.
Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 265
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SME Foundation, NBR and SMEF should make special arrangement with
GOB. NBR to have special window for collection of
from Business Women and convince
Government to reduce present VAT rate from
15% to 5% for Women Entrepreneurs. .
SMEF, FBCCI, NASIB, SME Foundation, FBCCI, NASIB, Bangladesh
Women Chamber of Women Associations and MIDAS should have
Bangladesh and other coordination with each other to ensure regular
relevant export oriented participation of the Business Women in
organization. various National and International trade Faire.
SMEF, GOB, M/O ICT, Mass SMEF GOB, M/O ICT and Various Mass
Media Communication. Media Communication should increase
support to Women Entrepreneurs and their
products through Media Partners for
exploration of wider Market and trade volume.
SMEF, BISC,GO and NGO SMEF Should create provision for design
service and BSCIC should extend design
service for all women entrepreneurs.
SMEF, M/O industry, SMEF on behalf of women Entrepreneurs
Commerce/ EPB, BSTI and should take responsibility to prepare
NGOs. appropriate policy guidelines and advise
Government for framing women
entrepreneur’s friendly business rules and
acts immediately.

ISSUES RELATED TO INCREASE ACCESS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
Sl.No Existing Problems
1. Lack of collateral free loan for Business
2. Lack of Provision of Bank loan on easy terms
and condition and at low rate of interest.
3. Lack of Social Recognition: The Women
Entrepreneurs and their individual products
are not properly valued, honoured or
recognised by different business community,
organizations and people and they do not get
real price of their products.
4. Before registration of the organization
provision for compulsory TIN certificate
increases Registration Cost.
5. Lack of skill training as per need of the
business women and their involvement.
Prepared by: MIDAS
Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 2)
Rajshahi Division
Strategies for Solutions of the
problems
Access to easy Loan from the Bank as
well as from SMRF Sources,
particularly Loan from refinancing
scheme of Bangladesh Bank.
Easy Loan from the Bank as well as
from SMRF Sources, particularly Loan
from refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank
SMEF/GOVT should introduce more
awards of recognition/prizes for the
business Women and fix proper price
of their products as well as to increase
dignity, prestige and honour by the
concerned people in SME business.
SMEF, GO and individual City
Corporation can discuss on the matter
and allow women entrepreneurs to
have registration without TIN
Certificate.
Organise training courses as per need
of the business and technology
requirement.
Page - 266
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SMEF, Bank Provide necessary support for ensuring credit
from the Bank and from Banks involved in
SME loan under refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank.
SMEF, Bank
SMEF,GOVT, Women SMEF/GOVT should introduce more awards
Associations, and Banks of recognition/prizes to increase dignity,
prestige and honour by the concerned people
in SME business for the business Women,
and fix proper price of their products as well
as
SMEF, GOVT, Women SNEF, GO and individual City Corporation
Associations, City can discuss on the matter and allow women
corporations. entrepreneurs to have registration without TIN
Certificate.
SMEF, GOB Women Associations, SMEF, GOB should
organise training courses as per need and
technology requirement of the business
women.
 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Existing Problems
6. Lack of Proper Marketing facilities
Strategies for Solutions of the
problems
Women Associations can facilitate
various training courses for raising
marketing skill of the women
entrepreneurs and organise various
trade fair and establish more stall,
display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF
premise for building stronger marketing
network on sustainable basis.
Responsibility
SME Foundation /Banks /
GO / NGO, FBCCI,
various international and
local training institutions.
Recommendation/ Suggestions
SME Foundation should arrange collaborative
/ foreign and local training courses on
marketing as well as on other business
development / product development training
for the employees /owners of the women
entrepreneurs on regular basis.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 267

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 3)

Rajshahi Division

DIRECTIONS NEEDED TO PROMOTE AND STRENGTHEN POTENTIALITY OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Sl.No Directions Needed Authority for Strategies for Direction Recommendation/ Suggestions
Direction
1. Direction for getting easy Loan for SMEF, GOB, SMEF in collaboration with Bangladesh SMEF in collaboration with Bangladesh
genuine Business Women. Bangladesh Bank, Government will formulate, publicise Government should review bottlenecks in the
Mass Media. necessary Policy Direction providing easy existing rules and laws and make necessary Policy
loan to genuine Women Entrepreneurs changes and provide Direction all concerned for
through Mass Media. providing easy loan to genuine Women
Entrepreneurs.
2. Direction for creating investment SMEF, FBCCI, SMEF in association with FBCCI, Chamber SMEF in association with FBCCI, Chamber of
environment for Women Entrepreneurs. Women of Commerce, Women Associations, M/O Commerce, Women Associations, M/O Industry,
Associations, M/O Industry, Commerce Home, EPB, M/O Commerce Home, EPB, M/O FWC, M/O will take
Industry, Commerce FWC, M/O will review rules and regulation in necessary decision for creating women business
Home, EPB, M/O order to take necessary decision for creating friendly Environment by changing exiting laws,
FWC. women business friendly Environment by rules, regulation and issue direction as necessary
changing exiting laws, rules, regulation as for promoting business of the Women
necessary for promoting business of the Entrepreneurs.
Women Entrepreneurs.
3. Direction for making a single Rajshahi SMEF, NASIB SMEF, Women forum of Rajshahi can take SMEF, Women forum of Rajshahi, NASIB Rajshahi
based Women forum like Women Rajshahi Chamber steps towards to establish Rajshahi based Chamber of Commerce and Industry should take
Chamber of commerce and industry of Commerce and Women chamber and organize programs for steps towards establishment of Rajshahi based
for useful women to women Industry, women to women Communication towards Women chamber and should organize programs
Communication towards Entrepreneur Entrepreneur Development for women to women Communication towards
Development. Entrepreneur Development

4. Direction for making raw materials SMEF, GOB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations, M/O To facilitate supply of quality raw materials at
available to the Women Entrepreneurs Women Industry, Commerce can facilitate supply of whole sale price, SMEF, GOB, Women Chamber,
for promoting business. Associations, M/O quality raw materials at whole sale price. M/O Industry, Commerce and various association
Industry, Commerce should play role and ensure supply of raw
and various materials for the Women Entrepreneurs for
associations. business promotion.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 268

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Directions Needed Authority for Strategies for Direction Recommendation/ Suggestions
Direction
5. Direction for providing uninterrupted M/O Power, REB M/O Power, REB can be persuaded by M/O Power and REB can be persuaded by SMEF
electricity supply to ensure production and SMEF. SMEF for uninterrupted electricity supply for for uninterrupted electricity supply to run Women
process of the Women entrepreneurs. running Women Business enterprises Business enterprises smoothly.
smoothly.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 269

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 4)

Rajshahi Division

CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN’S BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS FOR STRENGTHENING WOMEN’S POSITION IN BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Sl.No Contributions Strategy for improving Women’s Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

position
1. Assist Empowerment of the women Keep on contact with all relevant WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
organizations for drawing program for BWCC, SMEF, GOB keep on contact with all relevant organizations
women empowerment. for drawing women empowerment program
more.
2. Assist Initiative for Organizing the women in Take initiative for Strengthening WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
Common Platform organizational strength into power BWCC, SMEF, GOB prepare comprehensive plan in order to
strengthen organizational capability into
power.
3. Find some uncommon business and trade line Identify list of uncommon products and WEA, WISE, WEAB, To expand marketing network SMEF, GOB,
and make use of the interested business location map for marketing. BWCC, SMEF, GOB Women Associations prepare uncommon
women to do that business. products list and location map for marketing
those products.
4. Provide skill training as per need of the Organise training courses as per need WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
business women and their involvement. of the business and technology BWCC, SMEF, GOB organise training courses as per need and
requirement. technology requirement of the business
women.
5. Identify training Need for business Women Conduct training need assessment for WEA, WISE, WEAB, Conduct training need assessment for
through Tanning Need Assessment. identification newer scope of BWCC, SMEF, GOB identification newer Production Technology on
regular basis.
6. Create new marketing channels for selling Develop website and programs for WEA, WISE, WEAB, of the business should develop website and
products of the women entrepreneurs. marketing channels. BWCC, SMEF, GOB programs to help business women for
marketing channels.
7. Provide loan to business women who Prepare priority list for needy WEA, WISE, WEAB, BWCC, SMEF, GOB should prepare priority
frantically needs it. entrepreneurs. BWCC, SMEF, GOB comprehensive list for needy entrepreneurs
for assistance.
8. Assist to improve A level skill of the women Establish a permanent Training WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF should establish a permanent Training
through training in global standardization. Institute at SMEF head Quarter for BWCC, SMEF, GOB Institute at SMEF head Quarter for offering A
offering A grade Training to Women grade Training to Women Entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 270

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Contributions Strategy for improving Women’s Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

position
9. Assist and ensure quality raw materials SMEF, GOB, Bangladesh Women SMEF, GOB, Women To facilitate supply of quality raw materials at
available for the Women Entrepreneurs in Associations, M/O Industry, Commerce Associations, M/O whole sale price, SMEF, GOB, Women
promoting business. can facilitate supply of quality raw Industry, Commerce and Chamber, M/O Industry, Commerce and
materials at whole sale price. various associations. various association should play role and
ensure supply of raw materials for the Women
Entrepreneurs for business promotion.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 271

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 5)

Rajshahi Division

RESEARCH ON ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY FEMALE ENTERPRISE OWNERS

Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

1. Research on environment friendly new Create laboratory facilities for testing SMEF, BSTD and DOE SMEF in collaboration with relevant
products of the women entrepreneurs standard of the products of the women organization should create facilities for testing
entrepreneurs. standardization products of the women
entrepreneurs
2. Research on barriers of credit supply to the Carry out research on credit supply to SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and SMEF should nominate three member
Women Entrepreneurs women entrepreneurs and its any other Research committee, taking one or two eminent women
constraints. organization or researchers in the field during research award
researchers and evaluation of the research quality.
3. Research on problem of equity loan for Carry out research on performance of SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and SMEF, IBM, MIDAS should sponsor research
women entrepreneurs. equity loan and compared any other Research on performance of equity loan and compared
performance with micro-finance organization or performance with micro-finance in some
researchers. selected areas,
4. Research on system of price fixation of the SMEF, price control commission and SMEF, M/O Finance, SMEF, Price Control Commission and M/O
products produced by Women Entrepreneurs M/O finance can Formulate policy FBCCI, Price control finance should allocate grant for conducting
guidelines for fixing prices of the commission. survey on existing prices of the Women
products produced by Women Entrepreneurs before Policy Formulisation
Entrepreneurs. and guidelines for fixing prices of the products
produced by Women Entrepreneurs.
5. Research on contribution of women SMEF, Women Associations, M/O SMEF, M/O Finance, SMEF, M/O Finance, Women Associations or
entrepreneurs towards Gender Empowerment Finance or a separate committee FBCCI, Various a separate committee taking members from
taking members from various women’s women’s organizations in various women’s organization should identify
organization can identify research the country research topics for Gender Empowerment and
topics for Gender Empowerment. indicate sources of fund for research
allocation.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 272

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

6. Research on criteria for selecting Genuine SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o Women Affairs SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o Women Affairs,
women entrepreneurs for awards and can intensive study on contribution of Women Affairs. Women Associations Should undertake
recognition selected women entrepreneurs to intensive study on contribution of selected
measure criteria for award and their women entrepreneurs to measure criteria for
real contribution in the economy. award and their real contribution in the
economy and allocate fund for study.
7. Research on problems and prospect of Women Associations can undertake SMEF /Banks / GO / Women Associations should undertake
marketing the product of the women various training and research programs NGO, FBCCI, Chamber various training and research programs for
Entrepreneur. for raising marketing skill of the women of commerce and various raising marketing skill of the women
entrepreneurs and identify role of international and local entrepreneurs and identify role of various
various trade fair making networks and research and training trade fairs, making networks and should
problems of establishing more stall, institutions. identify problems of establishing more stall,
display centres and show rooms in the display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF important market place and in SMEF premise
premise for building strong marketing for building strong marketing network on
network on sustainable basis. sustainable basis
8. Research and Development (R&D) for
innovative technology for productions,
management and Entrepreneurs
Development.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 273

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

ANNEXURE -10
Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 1)
Khulna Division

BARRIERS TO ENTRPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

1. Lack of Capital for business Provision of collateral free credit at SMEF/Banks/GO SME foundation should immediately give
low rate of interest for Women instruction to all relevant Banks to the effect
entrepreneurs can be provided by the that the bank should provide credit to the
Banks. illegible women entrepreneurs as per
circular of the SME Loan under refinancing
scheme of Bangladesh Bank and SMEF
should monitor progress of the credit
delivery and recovery position on regular
basis.
2. Old values of the family as well as society Advocacy for Continuous education SMEF/Banks/GO/NGO/Chambers Increase Advocacy program for Continuous
is a great problem for Women to build positive attitude of the family and FBCCI education to build positive attitude of the
entrepreneurs and society can break the barriers family and society and overcome the
and move women entrepreneurs barriers of women entrepreneurs faster in
faster. business.
3. Information Gap between ; Supplier- SMEF may create ICT Desk and SMEF, GOB, M/O ICT, Mass Media SMEF GOB, M/O ICT and Various Mass
Customer- other business opportunities increase co-ordination with retailers Communication. Media Communication should increase
and support to Women support to Women Entrepreneurs and their
Entrepreneurs through Media products through Media Partners for
Partners of GOB for exploring wider exploration of wider Market and trade
Market and trade volume. volume.
4. Lack of Social Recognition: The Women SMEF/GOVT should introduce more SMEF,GOVT, Women Associations, SMEF/GOVT should introduce more
Entrepreneurs and their individual products awards of recognition/prizes for the and Banks awards of recognition/prizes to increase
are not properly valued, honoured or business Women and fix proper price dignity, prestige and honour by the
recognised by different business of their products as well as to concerned people in SME business for the
community, organizations and people and increase dignity, prestige and honour Women Entrepreneurs, and fix proper price
they do not get real price of their products. by the concerned people in SME of their products as well.
business.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 274


Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions
6. Lack of skill training as per need of the Organise training courses as per SMEF, GOB, Women Associations
business women and their involvement need of the business and technology
requirement.
7. Lack of Marketing facilities Women Associations can facilitate
various training courses for raising
marketing skill of the women
entrepreneurs and organise various
trade fair and establish more stall,
display centres and show rooms in
the important market place and in
SMEF premise for building stronger
marketing network on sustainable
basis.
Prepared by: MIDAS
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
organise training courses as per need and
technology requirement of the business
women.
SME Foundation /Banks / GO / SME Foundation/ Women Associations
NGO, FBCCI, Chamber of should arrange collaborative / foreign and
commerce and various international local training courses on marketing as well
and local training institutions. as on other business development / product
development training for the employees
/owners of the women entrepreneurs on
regular basis.
Page - 275

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 2)
Khulna Division
ISSUES RELATED TO INCREASE ACCESS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
Sl.No Existing Problems Strategies for solution of the
problems
1. Collateral free Bank loan for Business Access to easy Loan from the Bank as
well as from SMEF Sources,
particularly, Loan from refinancing
scheme of Bangladesh Bank.
2. Provision for increasing trade fairs and export SMEF, EPB, M/o Commerce and
facility Industry can create regular trade fair
activity through out the country and
EPB can create provision/facilities for
exporting the products of the Women
Entrepreneurs.
3. Provision of Bank loan on easy terms and Easy Loan from the Bank as well as
condition with low rate of interest. from SMEF Sources, particularly Loan
from refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank
4. Provision for skill training as per need of the Organise training courses as per need
business women and their involvement. of the business and technology
requirement.
5. Proper Marketing facilities business women Women Associations can facilitate
various training courses for raising
marketing skill of the women
entrepreneurs and organise various
trade fair and establish more stall,
display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF
premise for building stronger marketing
network on sustainable basis.
Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 276
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SMEF, Bank Provide necessary support for ensuring credit
from the Bank and from Banks involved in
SME loan under refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank.
SMEF, EPB, M/o SMEF, EPB, M/o Commerce and Industry
Commerce and Industry should create regular trade fair activity
and NGO. through out the country and EPB can create
provision/facilities for exporting the products
of the Women Entrepreneurs to foreign
markets.
SMEF, Bank Women Entrepreneurs should get easy Loan
from the Bank as well as from SMEF Sources,
particularly Loan from refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank.
SMEF, GOB, Women BWCC, SMEF, GOB should organise training
Associations courses as per need and technology
requirement of the business women.
SME Foundation /Banks / SME Foundation/ Women Associations
GO / NGO, FBCCI, should arrange collaborative / foreign and
Chamber of commerce local training courses on marketing as well as
and various international on other business development / product
and local training development training for the employees
institutions. /owners of the women entrepreneurs on
regular basis.
 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 3)

Khulna Division

DIRECTIONS NEEDED TO PROMOTE AND STRENGTHEN POTENTIALITY OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Sl.No Directions Needed Authority for Direction Strategies for Direction
1. Direction for getting easy Loan for SMEF, GOB, SMEF in collaboration with
genuine Business Women. Bangladesh Bank, Mass Bangladesh Government will
Media. formulate, publicise necessary
Policy Direction providing easy
loan to genuine Women
Entrepreneurs through Mass
Media.
2. Direction for creating enabling SMEF, FBCCI, Women SMEF in association with FBCCI,
investment environment for Women Associations, M/O Women Associations, M/O
Entrepreneurs. Industry, Commerce Industry, Commerce Home, EPB,
Home, EPB, M/O FWC. M/O FWC, M/O will review rules
and regulation in order to take
necessary decision for creating
women business friendly
Environment by changing exiting
laws, rules, regulation as
necessary for promoting business
of the Women Entrepreneurs.
3. Direction for making a single Khulna SMEF, NASIB Khulna SMEF, Women forum of Khulna
based Women forum like Women Chamber of Commerce can take steps towards to
Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Industry, establish Khulna based Women
for useful women to women chamber and organize programs
Communication towards Entrepreneur for women to women
Development. Communication towards
Entrepreneur Development
Recommendation/ Suggestions
SMEF in collaboration with Bangladesh Government should
review bottlenecks in the existing rules and laws and make
necessary Policy changes and provide Direction all
concerned for providing easy loan to genuine Women
Entrepreneurs.
SMEF in association with FBCCI, Women Associations, M/O
Industry, Commerce Home, EPB, M/O FWC, M/O will take
necessary decision for creating women business friendly
Environment by changing exiting laws, rules, regulation and
issue direction as necessary for promoting business of the
Women Entrepreneurs.
SMEF, Women forum of Khulna, NASIB Khulna Chamber of
Commerce and Industry should take steps towards
establishment of Khulna based Women chamber and should
organize programs for women to women Communication
towards Entrepreneur Development

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 277

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Sl.No Directions Needed Authority for Direction Strategies for Direction
4. Direction for making raw materials SMEF, GOB, Women SMEF, GOB, Women
available to the Women Entrepreneurs Associations, M/O
Associations, M/O Industry,
for promoting business. Industry, Commerce and
Commerce can facilitate supply of
various associations.
quality raw materials at whole
sale price.
5. Direction for One Stop Trade license M/O Power, REB and SMEF, GOB, Women
service by the city corporation for the SMEF. Associations, M/O Industry,
Women entrepreneurs. Commerce
Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 278
Recommendation/ Suggestions
To facilitate supply of quality raw materials at whole sale
price, SMEF, GOB, Women Chamber, M/O Industry,
Commerce and various association should play role and
ensure supply of raw materials for the Women Entrepreneurs
for business promotion.
M/O Power and REB can be persuaded by SMEF for
uninterrupted electricity supply to run Women Business
enterprises smoothly.
 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 4)

Khulna Division

CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN’S BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS FOR STRENGTHENING WOMEN’S POSITION IN BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Sl.No Contributions Strategy for improving Women’s Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

position
1. Assist Empowerment of the women Keep on contact with all relevant WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
organizations for drawing program for BWCC, SMEF, GOB keep on contact with all relevant organizations
women empowerment. for drawing women empowerment program
more.
2. Assist Initiative for Organizing the women in Take initiative for Strengthening WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
Common Platform organizational strength into power BWCC, SMEF, GOB prepare comprehensive plan in order to
strengthen organizational capability into
power.
3. Find some uncommon business and trade line Identify list of uncommon products and WEA, WISE, WEAB, To expand marketing network SMEF, GOB,
and make use of the interested business location map for marketing. BWCC, SMEF, GOB Women Associations prepare uncommon
women to do that business. products list and location map for marketing
those products.
4. Provide skill training as per need of the Organise training courses as per need WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
business women and their involvement. of the business and technology BWCC, SMEF, GOB organise training courses as per need and
requirement. technology requirement of the business
women.
5. Identify training Need for business Women Conduct training need assessment for WEA, WISE, WEAB, Conduct training need assessment for
through Tanning Need Assessment. identification newer scope of BWCC, SMEF, GOB identification newer Production Technology on
regular basis.
6. Create new marketing channels for selling Develop website and programs for WEA, WISE, WEAB, of the business should develop website and
products of the women entrepreneurs. marketing channels. BWCC, SMEF, GOB programs to help business women for
marketing channels.
7. Provide loan to business women who Prepare priority list for needy WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
frantically needs it. entrepreneurs. BWCC, SMEF, GOB prepare priority comprehensive list for needy
entrepreneurs for assistance.
8. Assist to improve A level skill of the women Establish a permanent Training WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF should establish a permanent Training
through training in global standardization. Institute at SMEF head Quarter for BWCC, SMEF, GOB Institute at SMEF head Quarter for offering A
offering A grade Training to Women grade Training to Women Entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 279

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Contributions Strategy for improving Women’s Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

position
9. Assist and ensure quality raw materials SMEF, GOB, Women Associations, SMEF, GOB, Women To facilitate supply of quality raw materials at
available for the Women Entrepreneurs in M/O Industry, Commerce can facilitate Chamber, M/O Industry, whole sale price, SMEF, GOB, Women
promoting business. supply of quality raw materials at whole Commerce and various Associations M/O Industry, Commerce and
sale price. associations. various association should play role and
ensure supply of raw materials for the Women
Entrepreneurs for business promotion.
10. Assist Women Entrepreneurs to participate in SMEF/ GOB can issue direction to all SMEF, GOB, BSCIC, SMEF/ GOB can issue direction to all trade
the trade fair free (without booking Money). trade fair committees through FBCCI to FBCCI, Various fair committees through FBCCI to allocate 5-
allocate 5-10% of the stall free to the Embassies, Women 10% of the stall free to the Women
Women Entrepreneurs. Chamber, M/O Entrepreneurs.
Commerce and Industry.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 280

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 5)

Khulna Division

RESEARCH ON ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY FEMALE ENTERPRISE OWNERS

Sl.No Research Issues Strategies for Conducting Research Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
1. Research on environment friendly new Create laboratory facilities for testing SMEF, BSTD and DOE SMEF in collaboration with relevant
products of the women entrepreneurs standard of the products of the women organization should create facilities for testing
entrepreneurs. standardization products of the women
entrepreneurs
2. Research on barriers of credit supply to the Carry out research on credit supply to SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and SMEF should nominate three member
Women Entrepreneurs women entrepreneurs and its any other Research committee, taking one or two eminent women
constraints. organization or researchers in the field during research award
researchers and evaluation of the research quality.
3. Research on problem of equity loan for Carry out research on performance of SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and SMEF, IBM, MIDAS should sponsor research
women entrepreneurs. equity loan and compared any other Research on performance of equity loan and compared
performance with micro-finance organization or performance with micro-finance in some
researchers. selected areas,
4. Research on system of price fixation of the SMEF, price control commission and SMEF, M/O Finance, SMEF, Price Control Commission and M/O
products produced by Women Entrepreneurs M/O finance can Formulate policy FBCCI, Price control finance should allocate grant for conducting
guidelines for fixing prices of the commission. survey on existing prices of the Women
products produced by Women Entrepreneurs before Policy Formulisation
Entrepreneurs. and guidelines for fixing prices of the products
produced by Women Entrepreneurs.
5. Research on contribution of women SMEF, M/O Finance, Women SMEF, M/O Finance, SMEF, M/O Finance, Women Associations or
entrepreneurs towards Gender Empowerment Associations or a separate committee FBCCI, Various a separate committee taking members from
taking members from various women’s women’s organizations in various women’s organization should identify
organization can identify research the country research topics for Gender Empowerment and
topics for Gender Empowerment. indicate sources of fund for research
allocation.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 281


Sl.No Research Issues Strategies for Conducting Research
6. Research on criteria for selecting Genuine SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o Women
women entrepreneurs for awards and Affairs, Women Associations can
recognition intensive study on contribution of
selected women entrepreneurs to
measure criteria for award and their
real contribution in the economy.
7. Research on problems and prospect of Women Associations can undertake
marketing the product of the women various training and research programs
Entrepreneur. for raising marketing skill of the women
entrepreneurs and identify role of
various trade fair making networks and
problems of establishing more stall,
display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF
premise for building strong marketing
network on sustainable basis.
8. Research and Development (R&D) for SMEF/GOB and FBCCI can create
innovative technology for productions, fashion separate R&D Cell for innovative
design, local resource management, use of technology for productions, fashion
internet and Entrepreneurs Development. design, local resource management,
use of internet and Entrepreneurs
Development.
Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 282
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o Women Affairs,
Women Affairs. Women Associations Should undertake
intensive study on contribution of selected
women entrepreneurs to measure criteria for
award and their real contribution in the
economy and allocate fund for study.
SMEF /Banks / GO / Women Associations should undertake
NGO, FBCCI, Chamber various training and research programs for
of commerce and various raising marketing skill of the women
international and local entrepreneurs and identify role of various
research and training trade fairs, making networks and should
institutions. identify problems of establishing more stall,
display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF premise
for building strong marketing network on
sustainable basis
SMEF/GOB and FBCCI. SMEF/GOB and FBCCI should create
separate R&D Cell for innovative production
technology, fashion design, local resource
management, use of internet and
Entrepreneurs Development.
 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

ANNEXURE -11
Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 1)
Barisal Division

BARRIERS TO ENTRPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

1. Lack of Capital for business Provision of collateral free credit at SMEF/Banks/GO SME foundation should immediately give
low rate of interest for Women instruction to all relevant Banks to the effect
entrepreneurs can be provided by the that the bank should provide credit to the
Banks. illegible women entrepreneurs as per
circular of the SME Loan under refinancing
scheme of Bangladesh Bank and SMEF
should monitor progress of the credit
delivery and recovery position on regular
basis.
2. Illiteracy, old values of the family as well as Continuous education and positive SMEF/Banks/GO/NGO/Chambers SMEF/Banks/GO/NGO/Chambers and
society is a great problem for Women attitude of the family and society can and FBCCI FBCCI Should increase facilities for
entrepreneurs break the barriers and move women business women in trade fair participation
entrepreneurs faster. and make display centres for women on
regular basis, and organize regular training
courses on women in business.
3. Terrorist activists demand toll from Women GO/Law enforcing Agencies can take SMEF/Banks/GO/NGO/Chambers GO/Law enforcing Agencies should take
entrepreneurs action against the enlisted and new local Administration, and DIGP, regular action against the enlisted and new
terrorist activists of Barisal to create Barisal terrorist activists of Barisal to create safe
safe and secured environment for and secured business environment for the
smooth business operation of the Women entrepreneurs.
Women entrepreneurs.
4. Licensing authority demand bribe for Trade City Corporation can start one stop City Corporation, SMEF, Chamber of City Corporation should immediately start
license and harass them unnecessary. service for women entrepreneurs and Commerce, women’s business one stop service for providing trade license
stop harassment. organization, Associations. to women entrepreneurs on demand and
stop harassment.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 283


Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions
5. Lack of storage Facility for stocks of the SMEF in collaboration with Barisal
Women Products. Chamber, NASIB can Create storage
house for stocking products of the
women products in the city area.
6. Easy access to National and International SME Foundation, FBCCI, NASIB,
trade Fair Women Associations and MIDAS
can coordinate each other and
ensure increased participation of the
Business Women in various
International trade Faire.
7. Information Gap between ; Supplier- SMEF may create ICT Desk and
Customer- other business opportunities increase co-ordination with retailers
and support to Women
Entrepreneurs through Media
Partners of GOB for exploring wider
Market and trade volume.
8. Lack of skill training as per need of the Organise training courses as per
business women and their involvement need of the business and technology
requirement.
9. Lack of Marketing facilities Women Associations of Commerce
and industry can facilitate various
training courses for raising marketing
skill of the women entrepreneurs and
organise various trade fair and
establish more stall, display centres
and show rooms in the important
market place and in SMEF premise
for building stronger marketing
network on sustainable basis.
Prepared by: MIDAS
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SME Foundation, M/O Industries, SMEF in collaboration with Barisal
FBCCI, BSCIC, Chamber of Chamber, NASIB should take steps to build
Commerce storage house for stocking products of the
women products in the city area.
SMEF, FBCCI, NASIB, Women SME Foundation, FBCCI, NASIB, Women
Associations and other relevant Associations and MIDAS should have
export oriented organization. coordination with each other to ensure
regular participation of the Business
Women in various National and
International trade Faire.
SMEF, GOB, M/O ICT, Mass Media SMEF GOB, M/O ICT and Various Mass
Communication. Media Communication should increase
support to Women Entrepreneurs and their
products through Media Partners for
exploration of wider Market and trade
volume.
SMEF, GOB SMEF, GOB should organise training
courses as per need and technology
requirement of the business women.
SME Foundation /Banks / GO / SME Foundation/ Women Associations
NGO, FBCCI, Chamber of should arrange collaborative / foreign and
commerce and various international local training courses on marketing as well
and local training institutions. as on other business development / product
development training for the employees
/owners of the women entrepreneurs on
regular basis.
Page - 284

ISSUES RELATED TO INCREASE ACCESS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
Sl.No Existing Problems
1. Collateral free Bank loan for Business
2. No provision for increasing trade fairs and
export facility
3. Provision of Bank loan on easy terms and
condition with low rate of interest.
4. Lack of Social Recognition: The Women
Entrepreneurs and their individual products
are not properly valued, honoured or
recognised by different business community,
organizations and people and they do not get
real price of their products.
5. Before registration provision for compulsory
TIN certificate increases Registration Cost
and discourages trade license activity.
Prepared by: MIDAS
Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 2)
Barisal Division
Strategies for solution of the
problems
Access to easy Loan from the Bank as
well as from SMEF Sources,
particularly, Loan from refinancing
scheme of Bangladesh Bank.
SMEF, EPB, M/o Commerce and
Industry can create regular trade fair
activity through out the country and
EPB can create provision/facilities for
exporting the products of the Women
Entrepreneurs.
Easy Loan from the Bank as well as
from SMEF Sources, particularly Loan
from refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank
SMEF/GOVT should introduce more
awards of recognition/prizes for the
business Women and fix proper price
of their products as well as to increase
dignity, prestige and honour by the
concerned people in SME business.
SMEF, GO and individual City
Corporation can discuss on the matter
and allow women entrepreneurs to
have registration without TIN
Certificate.
Page - 285
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SMEF, Bank Provide necessary support for ensuring credit
from the Bank and from Banks involved in
SME loan under refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank.
SMEF, EPB, M/o SMEF, EPB, M/o Commerce and Industry
Commerce and Industry should create regular trade fair activity
and NGO. through out the country and EPB can create
provision/facilities for exporting the products
of the Women Entrepreneurs to foreign
markets.
SMEF, Bank Women Entrepreneurs should get easy Loan
from the Bank as well as from SMEF Sources,
particularly Loan from refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank.
SMEF,GOVT, Women SMEF/GOVT should introduce more awards
Associations, and Banks of recognition/prizes to increase dignity,
prestige and honour by the concerned people
in SME business for the business Women,
and fix proper price of their products as well
as
SMEF, GOVT, BWCC, SMEF, GO and individual City Corporation
City corporations. can discuss on the matter and allow women
entrepreneurs to have registration without TIN
Certificate.
 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Existing Problems Strategies for solution of the Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
problems
6. Lack of skill training as per need of the Organise training courses as per need SMEF, GOB SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
business women and their involvement. of the business and technology organise training courses as per need and
requirement. technology requirement of the business
women.
7. Proper Marketing facilities business women Women Associations can facilitate SME Foundation /Banks / SME Foundation/ Women Associations
various training courses for raising GO / NGO, FBCCI, and should arrange collaborative / foreign and
marketing skill of the women various international and local training courses on marketing as well as
entrepreneurs and organise various local training institutions. on other business development / product
trade fair and establish more stall, development training for the employees
display centres and show rooms in the /owners of the women entrepreneurs on
important market place and in SMEF regular basis.
premise for building stronger marketing
network on sustainable basis.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 286

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 3)

Barisal Division

DIRECTIONS NEEDED TO PROMOTE AND STRENGTHEN POTENTIALITY OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Sl.No Directions Needed Authority for Direction Strategies for Direction
1. Direction for getting easy Loan for SMEF, GOB, SMEF in collaboration with
genuine Business Women. Bangladesh Bank, Mass Bangladesh Government will
Media. formulate, publicise necessary
Policy Direction providing easy
loan to genuine Women
Entrepreneurs through Mass
Media.
2. Direction for creating enabling SMEF, FBCCI, Chamber SMEF in association with FBCCI,
investment environment for Women of Commerce, Women Chamber of Commerce, Women
Entrepreneurs. Associations, M/O Associations, M/O Industry,
Industry, Commerce Commerce Home, EPB, M/O
Home, EPB, M/O FWC. FWC, M/O will review rules and
regulation in order to take
necessary decision for creating
women business friendly
Environment by changing exiting
laws, rules, regulation as
necessary for promoting business
of the Women Entrepreneurs.
3. Direction for making a single Barisal SMEF, NASIB Barisal SMEF, Women forum of Barisal
based Women forum like Women Chamber of Commerce can take steps towards to
Chamber of commerce and industry and Industry, establish Barisal based Women
for useful women to women chamber and organize programs
Communication towards Entrepreneur for women to women
Development. Communication towards
Entrepreneur Development
Recommendation/ Suggestions
SMEF in collaboration with Bangladesh Government should
review bottlenecks in the existing rules and laws and make
necessary Policy changes and provide Direction all
concerned for providing easy loan to genuine Women
Entrepreneurs.
SMEF in association with FBCCI, Chamber of Commerce,
Women Associations, M/O Industry, Commerce Home, EPB,
M/O FWC, M/O will take necessary decision for creating
women business friendly Environment by changing exiting
laws, rules, regulation and issue direction as necessary for
promoting business of the Women Entrepreneurs.
SMEF, Women forum of Barisal, NASIB Barisal Chamber of
Commerce and Industry should take steps towards
establishment of Barisal based Women chamber and should
organize programs for women to women Communication
towards Entrepreneur Development

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 287

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Sl.No Directions Needed Authority for Direction Strategies for Direction
4. Direction for making raw materials SMEF, GOB, Women SMEF, GOB, Women
available to the Women Entrepreneurs Associations, M/O
Associations, M/O Industry,
for promoting business. Industry, Commerce and
Commerce can facilitate supply of
various associations.
quality raw materials at whole
sale price.
5. Direction for One Stop Trade license M/O Power, REB and SMEF, GOB, Women
service by the city corporation for the SMEF. Associations, M/O Industry,
Women entrepreneurs. Commerce
Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 288
Recommendation/ Suggestions
To facilitate supply of quality raw materials at whole sale
price, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations, M/O Industry,
Commerce and various association should play role and
ensure supply of raw materials for the Women Entrepreneurs
for business promotion.
M/O Power and REB can be persuaded by SMEF for
uninterrupted electricity supply to run Women Business
enterprises smoothly.
 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 4)

Barisal Division

CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN’S BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS FOR STRENGTHENING WOMEN’S POSITION IN BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Sl.No Contributions Strategy for improving Women’s Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

position
1. Assist Empowerment of the women Keep on contact with all relevant WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
organizations for drawing program for BWCC, SMEF, GOB keep on contact with all relevant organizations
women empowerment. for drawing women empowerment program
more.
2. Assist Initiative for Organizing the women in Take initiative for Strengthening WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
Common Platform organizational strength into power BWCC, SMEF, GOB prepare comprehensive plan in order to
strengthen organizational capability into
power.
3. Find some uncommon business and trade line Identify list of uncommon products and WEA, WISE, WEAB, To expand marketing network BWCC, SMEF,
and make use of the interested business location map for marketing. BWCC, SMEF, GOB GOB prepare uncommon products list and
women to do that business. location map for marketing those products.

4. Provide skill training as per need of the Organise training courses as per need WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
business women and their involvement. of the business and technology BWCC, SMEF, GOB organise training courses as per need and
requirement. technology requirement of the business
women.
5. Identify training Need for business Women Conduct training need assessment for WEA, WISE, WEAB, Conduct training need assessment for
through Tanning Need Assessment. identification newer scope of BWCC, SMEF, GOB identification newer Production Technology on
regular basis.
6. Create new marketing channels for selling Develop website and programs for WEA, WISE, WEAB, of the business should develop website and
products of the women entrepreneurs. marketing channels. BWCC, SMEF, GOB programs to help business women for
marketing channels.
7. Provide loan to business women who Prepare priority list for needy WEA, WISE, WEAB, BWCC, SMEF, GOB should prepare priority
frantically needs it. entrepreneurs. BWCC, SMEF, GOB comprehensive list for needy entrepreneurs
for assistance.
8. Assist to improve A level skill of the women Establish a permanent Training WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF should establish a permanent Training
through training in global standardization. Institute at SMEF head Quarter for BWCC, SMEF, GOB Institute at SMEF head Quarter for offering A
offering A grade Training to Women grade Training to Women Entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 289

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Contributions Strategy for improving Women’s Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

position
9. Assist and ensure quality raw materials SMEF, GOB, Women Associations, SMEF, GOB, Women To facilitate supply of quality raw materials at
available for the Women Entrepreneurs in M/O Industry, Commerce can facilitate Associations, M/O whole sale price, SMEF, GOB, Women
promoting business. supply of quality raw materials at whole Industry, Commerce and Associations, M/O Industry, Commerce and
sale price. various associations. various association should play role and
ensure supply of raw materials for the Women
Entrepreneurs for business promotion.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 290

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 5)

Barisal Division

RESEARCH ON ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY FEMALE ENTERPRISE OWNERS

Sl.No Research Issues Strategies for Conducting Research Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
1. Research on environment friendly new Create laboratory facilities for testing SMEF, BSTD and DOE SMEF in collaboration with relevant
products of the women entrepreneurs standard of the products of the women organization should create facilities for testing
entrepreneurs. standardization products of the women
entrepreneurs
2. Research on barriers of credit supply to the Carry out research on credit supply to SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and SMEF should nominate three member
Women Entrepreneurs women entrepreneurs and its any other Research committee, taking one or two eminent women
constraints. organization or researchers in the field during research award
researchers and evaluation of the research quality.
3. Research on problem of equity loan for Carry out research on performance of SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and SMEF, IBM, MIDAS should sponsor research
women entrepreneurs. equity loan and compared any other Research on performance of equity loan and compared
performance with micro-finance organization or performance with micro-finance in some
researchers. selected areas,
4. Research on system of price fixation of the SMEF, price control commission and SMEF, M/O Finance, SMEF, Price Control Commission and M/O
products produced by Women Entrepreneurs M/O finance can Formulate policy FBCCI, Price control finance should allocate grant for conducting
guidelines for fixing prices of the commission. survey on existing prices of the Women
products produced by Women Entrepreneurs before Policy Formulisation
Entrepreneurs. and guidelines for fixing prices of the products
produced by Women Entrepreneurs.
5. Research on contribution of women SMEF, BWCC, M/O Finance or a SMEF, M/O Finance, SMEF, BWCC, M/O Finance or a separate
entrepreneurs towards Gender Empowerment separate committee taking members FBCCI, Various committee taking members from various
from various women’s organization can women’s organizations in women’s organization should identify research
identify research topics for Gender the country topics for Gender Empowerment and indicate
Empowerment. sources of fund for research allocation.
6. Research on criteria for selecting Genuine SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o Women SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o Women Affairs,
women entrepreneurs for awards and Affairs, Women Associations can Women Affairs, Women Women Associations should undertake
recognition intensive study on contribution of Associations. intensive study on contribution of selected
selected women entrepreneurs to women entrepreneurs to measure criteria for
measure criteria for award and their award and their real contribution in the
real contribution in the economy. economy and allocate fund for study.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 291

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Research Issues Strategies for Conducting Research Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
7. Research on problems and prospect of Women Associations) can undertake SMEF /Banks / GO / Women Associations should undertake
marketing the product of the women various training and research programs NGO, FBCCI, Chamber various training and research programs for
Entrepreneur. for raising marketing skill of the women of commerce and various raising marketing skill of the women
entrepreneurs and identify role of international and local entrepreneurs and identify role of various
various trade fair making networks and research and training trade fairs, making networks and should
problems of establishing more stall, institutions. identify problems of establishing more stall,
display centres and show rooms in the display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF important market place and in SMEF premise
premise for building strong marketing for building strong marketing network on
network on sustainable basis. sustainable basis
8. Research and Development (R&D) for
innovative technology for productions, fashion
design, management and Entrepreneurs
Development.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 292

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

ANNEXURE -12
Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 1)
Sylhet Division

BARRIERS TO ENTRPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

1. Lack of Capital for business Provision of collateral free credit at SMEF/Banks/GO SME foundation should immediately give
low rate of interest for Women instruction to all relevant Banks to the effect
entrepreneurs can be provided by the that the bank should provide credit to the
Banks. illegible women entrepreneurs as per
circular of the SME Loan under refinancing
scheme of Bangladesh Bank and SMEF
should monitor progress of the credit
delivery and recovery position on regular
basis.
2. Illiteracy, old values of the family as well as Continuous education and positive SMEF/Banks/GO/NGO/Chambers SMEF/Banks/GO/NGO/Chambers and
society is a great problem for Women attitude of the family and society can and FBCCI FBCCI Should increase facilities for
entrepreneurs break the barriers and move women business women in trade fair participation
entrepreneurs faster. and make display centres for women on
regular basis, and organize regular training
courses on women in business.
3. Terrorist activists demand toll from Women GO/Law enforcing Agencies can take SMEF/Banks/GO/NGO/Chambers GO/Law enforcing Agencies should take
entrepreneurs action against the enlisted and new local Administration, and DIGP, regular action against the enlisted and new
terrorist activists of Khulna to create Khulna terrorist activists of Khulna to create safe
safe and secured environment for and secured business environment for the
smooth business operation of the Women entrepreneurs.
Women entrepreneurs.
4. Licensing authority demand bribe for Trade City Corporation can start one stop City Corporation, SMEF, Chamber of City Corporation should immediately start
license and harass them unnecessary. service for women entrepreneurs and Commerce, women’s business one stop service for providing trade license
stop harassment. organization, Associations. to women entrepreneurs on demand and
stop harassment.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 293


Sl.No Problems Faced Solutions
5. Lack of storage Facility for stocks of the SMEF in collaboration with Khulna
Women Products. Chamber, NASIB can Create storage
house for stocking products of the
women products in the city area.
6. Easy access to National and International SME Foundation, FBCCI, NASIB,
trade Fair Women Associations and MIDAS
can coordinate each other and
ensure increased participation of the
Business Women in various
International trade Faire.
7. Information Gap between ; Supplier- SMEF may create ICT Desk and
Customer- other business opportunities increase co-ordination with retailers
and support to Women
Entrepreneurs through Media
Partners of GOB for exploring wider
Market and trade volume.
8. Lack of skill training as per need of the Organise training courses as per
business women and their involvement need of the business and technology
requirement.
9. Lack of Marketing facilities Women Associations can facilitate
various training courses for raising
marketing skill of the women
entrepreneurs and organise various
trade fair and establish more stall,
display centres and show rooms in
the important market place and in
SMEF premise for building stronger
marketing network on sustainable
basis.
Prepared by: MIDAS
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SME Foundation, M/O Industries, SMEF in collaboration with Khulna
FBCCI, BSCIC, Chamber of Chamber, NASIB should take steps to build
Commerce storage house for stocking products of the
women products in the city area.
SMEF, FBCCI, NASIB, Women SME Foundation, FBCCI, NASIB, Women
Associations and other relevant Associations and MIDAS should have
export oriented organization. coordination with each other to ensure
regular participation of the Business
Women in various National and
International trade Faire.
SMEF, GOB, M/O ICT, Mass Media SMEF GOB, M/O ICT and Various Mass
Communication. Media Communication should increase
support to Women Entrepreneurs and their
products through Media Partners for
exploration of wider Market and trade
volume.
SMEF, GOB BWCC, SMEF, GOB should organise
training courses as per need and
technology requirement of the business
women.
SME Foundation /Banks / GO / SME Foundation/ Women Associations
NGO, FBCCI, Chamber of should arrange collaborative / foreign and
commerce and various international local training courses on marketing as well
and local training institutions. as on other business development / product
development training for the employees
/owners of the women entrepreneurs on
regular basis.
Page - 294

ISSUES RELATED TO INCREASE ACCESS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
Sl.No Existing Problems
1. Collateral free Bank loan for Business
2. No provision for increasing trade fairs and
export facility
3. Provision of Bank loan on easy terms and
condition with low rate of interest.
4. Lack of Social Recognition: The Women
Entrepreneurs and their individual products
are not properly valued, honoured or
recognised by different business community,
organizations and people and they do not get
real price of their products.
5. Before registration provision for compulsory
TIN certificate increases Registration Cost
and discourages trade license activity.
Prepared by: MIDAS
Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 2)
Sylhet Division
Strategies for solution of the
problems
Access to easy Loan from the Bank as
well as from SMEF Sources,
particularly, Loan from refinancing
scheme of Bangladesh Bank.
SMEF, EPB, M/o Commerce and
Industry can create regular trade fair
activity through out the country and
EPB can create provision/facilities for
exporting the products of the Women
Entrepreneurs.
Easy Loan from the Bank as well as
from SMEF Sources, particularly Loan
from refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank
SMEF/GOVT should introduce more
awards of recognition/prizes for the
business Women and fix proper price
of their products as well as to increase
dignity, prestige and honour by the
concerned people in SME business.
SMEF, GO and individual City
Corporation can discuss on the matter
and allow women entrepreneurs to
have registration without TIN
Certificate.
Page - 295
Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
SMEF, Bank Provide necessary support for ensuring credit
from the Bank and from Banks involved in
SME loan under refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank.
SMEF, EPB, M/o SMEF, EPB, M/o Commerce and Industry
Commerce and Industry should create regular trade fair activity
and NGO. through out the country and EPB can create
provision/facilities for exporting the products
of the Women Entrepreneurs to foreign
markets.
SMEF, Bank Women Entrepreneurs should get easy Loan
from the Bank as well as from SMEF Sources,
particularly Loan from refinancing scheme of
Bangladesh Bank.
SMEF,GOVT, Women SMEF/GOVT should introduce more awards
Associations, and Banks of recognition/prizes to increase dignity,
prestige and honour by the concerned people
in SME business for the business Women,
and fix proper price of their products as well
as
SMEF, GOVT, Women SMEF, GO and individual City Corporation
Associations, City can discuss on the matter and allow women
corporations. entrepreneurs to have registration without TIN
Certificate.
 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Existing Problems Strategies for solution of the Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
problems
6. Lack of skill training as per need of the Organise training courses as per need WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
business women and their involvement. of the business and technology BWCC, SMEF, GOB organise training courses as per need and
requirement. technology requirement of the business
women.
7. Proper Marketing facilities business women Women Associations can facilitate SME Foundation /Banks / SME Foundation/ Women Associations
various training courses for raising GO / NGO, FBCCI, should arrange collaborative / foreign and
marketing skill of the women Chamber of commerce local training courses on marketing as well as
entrepreneurs and organise various and various international on other business development / product
trade fair and establish more stall, and local training development training for the employees
display centres and show rooms in the institutions. /owners of the women entrepreneurs on
important market place and in SMEF regular basis.
premise for building stronger marketing
network on sustainable basis.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 296

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 3)

Sylhet Division

DIRECTIONS NEEDED TO PROMOTE AND STRENGTHEN POTENTIALITY OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Sl.No Directions Needed Authority for Direction Strategies for Direction
1. Direction for getting easy Loan for SMEF, GOB, SMEF in collaboration with
genuine Business Women. Bangladesh Bank, Mass Bangladesh Government will
Media. formulate, publicise necessary
Policy Direction providing easy
loan to genuine Women
Entrepreneurs through Mass
Media.
2. Direction for creating enabling SMEF, FBCCI, Chamber SMEF in association with FBCCI,
investment environment for Women of Commerce, Women Chamber of Commerce Women
Entrepreneurs. Associations, M/O Associations, M/O Industry,
Industry, Commerce Commerce Home, EPB, M/O
Home, EPB, M/O FWC. FWC, M/O will review rules and
regulation in order to take
necessary decision for creating
women business friendly
Environment by changing exiting
laws, rules, regulation as
necessary for promoting business
of the Women Entrepreneurs.
3. Direction for making a single Khulna SMEF, NASIB Khulna SMEF, Women forum of Khulna
based Women forum like Women Chamber of Commerce can take steps towards to
Chamber of commerce and industry and Industry, establish Khulna based Women
for useful women to women chamber and organize programs
Communication towards Entrepreneur for women to women
Development. Communication towards
Entrepreneur Development
Recommendation/ Suggestions
SMEF in collaboration with Bangladesh Government should
review bottlenecks in the existing rules and laws and make
necessary Policy changes and provide Direction all
concerned for providing easy loan to genuine Women
Entrepreneurs.
SMEF in association with FBCCI, Chamber of Commerce,
Women Associations, M/O Industry, Commerce Home, EPB,
M/O FWC, M/O will take necessary decision for creating
women business friendly Environment by changing exiting
laws, rules, regulation and issue direction as necessary for
promoting business of the Women Entrepreneurs.
SMEF, Women forum of Khulna, NASIB Khulna Chamber of
Commerce and Industry should take steps towards
establishment of Khulna based Women chamber and should
organize programs for women to women Communication
towards Entrepreneur Development

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 297

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective
Sl.No Directions Needed Authority for Direction Strategies for Direction
4. Direction for making raw materials SMEF, GOB, Women SMEF, GOB, Women
available to the Women Entrepreneurs Associations, M/O
Associations, M/O Industry,
for promoting business. Industry, Commerce and
Commerce can facilitate supply of
various associations.
quality raw materials at whole
sale price.
5. Direction for One Stop Trade license M/O Power, REB and SMEF, GOB, Women
service by the city corporation for the SMEF. Associations, M/O Industry,
Women entrepreneurs. Commerce
Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 298
Recommendation/ Suggestions
To facilitate supply of quality raw materials at whole sale
price, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations, M/O Industry,
Commerce and various association should play role and
ensure supply of raw materials for the Women Entrepreneurs
for business promotion.
M/O Power and REB can be persuaded by SMEF for
uninterrupted electricity supply to run Women Business
enterprises smoothly.
 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 4)

Sylhet Division

CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN’S BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS FOR STRENGTHENING WOMEN’S POSITION IN BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Sl.No Contributions Strategy for improving Women’s Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

position
1. Assist Empowerment of the women Keep on contact with all relevant WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
organizations for drawing program for BWCC, SMEF, GOB keep on contact with all relevant organizations
women empowerment. for drawing women empowerment program
more.
2. Assist Initiative for Organizing the women in Take initiative for Strengthening WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
Common Platform organizational strength into power BWCC, SMEF, GOB prepare comprehensive plan in order to
strengthen organizational capability into
power.
3. Find some uncommon business and trade line Identify list of uncommon products and WEA, WISE, WEAB, To expand marketing network SMEF, GOB,
and make use of the interested business location map for marketing. BWCC, SMEF, GOB Women Associations prepare uncommon
women to do that business. products list and location map for marketing
those products.
4. Provide skill training as per need of the Organise training courses as per need WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
business women and their involvement. of the business and technology BWCC, SMEF, GOB organise training courses as per need and
requirement. technology requirement of the business
women.
5. Identify training Need for business Women Conduct training need assessment for WEA, WISE, WEAB, Conduct training need assessment for
through Tanning Need Assessment. identification newer scope of BWCC, SMEF, GOB identification newer Production Technology on
regular basis.
6. Create new marketing channels for selling Develop website and programs for WEA, WISE, WEAB, of the business should develop website and
products of the women entrepreneurs. marketing channels. BWCC, SMEF, GOB programs to help business women for
marketing channels.
7. Provide loan to business women who Prepare priority list for needy WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF, GOB, Women Associations should
frantically needs it. entrepreneurs. BWCC, SMEF, GOB prepare priority comprehensive list for needy
entrepreneurs for assistance.
8. Assist to improve A level skill of the women Establish a permanent Training WEA, WISE, WEAB, SMEF should establish a permanent Training
through training in global standardization. Institute at SMEF head Quarter for BWCC, SMEF, GOB Institute at SMEF head Quarter for offering A
offering A grade Training to Women grade Training to Women Entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 299

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Contributions Strategy for improving Women’s Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions

position
9. Assist and ensure quality raw materials SMEF, GOB, Women Associations, SMEF, GOB, Women To facilitate supply of quality raw materials at
available for the Women Entrepreneurs in M/O Industry, Commerce can facilitate Associations, M/O whole sale price, SMEF, GOB, Women
promoting business. supply of quality raw materials at whole Industry, Commerce and Associations, M/O Industry, Commerce and
sale price. various associations. various association should play role and
ensure supply of raw materials for the Women
Entrepreneurs for business promotion.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 300

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Report on Planning Workshop Discussions (Group 5)

Sylhet Division

RESEARCH ON ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS BY FEMALE ENTERPRISE OWNERS

Sl.No Research Issues Strategies for Conducting Research Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
1. Research on environment friendly new Create laboratory facilities for testing SMEF, BSTD and DOE SMEF in collaboration with relevant
products of the women entrepreneurs standard of the products of the women organization should create facilities for testing
entrepreneurs. standardization products of the women
entrepreneurs
2. Research on barriers of credit supply to the Carry out research on credit supply to SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and SMEF should nominate three member
Women Entrepreneurs women entrepreneurs and its any other Research committee, taking one or two eminent women
constraints. organization or researchers in the field during research award
researchers and evaluation of the research quality.
3. Research on problem of equity loan for Carry out research on performance of SMEF, IBM, MIDAS and SMEF, IBM, MIDAS should sponsor research
women entrepreneurs. equity loan and compared any other Research on performance of equity loan and compared
performance with micro-finance organization or performance with micro-finance in some
researchers. selected areas,
4. Research on system of price fixation of the SMEF, price control commission and SMEF, M/O Finance, SMEF, Price Control Commission and M/O
products produced by Women Entrepreneurs M/O finance can Formulate policy FBCCI, Price control finance should allocate grant for conducting
guidelines for fixing prices of the commission. survey on existing prices of the Women
products produced by Women Entrepreneurs before Policy Formulisation
Entrepreneurs. and guidelines for fixing prices of the products
produced by Women Entrepreneurs.
5. Research on contribution of women SMEF, BWCC, M/O Finance or a SMEF, M/O Finance, SMEF, M/O Finance, Women Associations or
entrepreneurs towards Gender Empowerment separate committee taking members FBCCI, Various a separate committee taking members from
from various women’s organization can women’s organizations in various women’s organization should identify
identify research topics for Gender the country research topics for Gender Empowerment and
Empowerment. indicate sources of fund for research
allocation.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 301

 Study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

Sl.No Research Issues Strategies for Conducting Research Responsibility Recommendation/ Suggestions
6. Research on criteria for selecting Genuine SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o Women SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o SMEF, FBCCI, and M/o Women Affairs,
women entrepreneurs for awards and Affairs, Women Associations can Women Affairs. Women Associations Should undertake
recognition intensive study on contribution of intensive study on contribution of selected
selected women entrepreneurs to women entrepreneurs to measure criteria for
measure criteria for award and their award and their real contribution in the
real contribution in the economy. economy and allocate fund for study.
7. Research on problems and prospect of Women Associations can undertake SMEF /Banks / GO / Women Associations should undertake
marketing the product of the women various training and research programs NGO, FBCCI, Chamber various training and research programs for
Entrepreneur. for raising marketing skill of the women of commerce and various raising marketing skill of the women
entrepreneurs and identify role of international and local entrepreneurs and identify role of various
various trade fair making networks and research and training trade fairs, making networks and should
problems of establishing more stall, institutions. identify problems of establishing more stall,
display centres and show rooms in the display centres and show rooms in the
important market place and in SMEF important market place and in SMEF premise
premise for building strong marketing for building strong marketing network on
network on sustainable basis. sustainable basis
8. Research and Development (R&D) for
innovative technology for productions, fashion
design, management and Entrepreneurs
Development.

Prepared by: MIDAS Page - 302

Sponsored by: Conducted by:
SME MIDAS
Foundation