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Women entrepreneurship suffers from orthodox mindset

Say businesswomen

Star Business Report
The prevailing social mindset is the foremost roadblock to the success of women entrepreneurship, leading businesswomen said yesterday.
An absence of capacity building and easy access to financial services are two other major barriers, they told the launching of the Women's National Business Agenda (WNBA) at the Institute of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka. The event was organised by the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI).
BWCCI President Selima Ahmad said financial institutions, commercial banks and government offices treat women entrepreneurs differently and make business difficult for them. Banks decline to sanction loans without collateral, despite Bangladesh Bank (BB) directives.
Women entrepreneurs contribute towards 10 percent of the country's total business, although the figure should be 25 percent for a vibrant economy, she pointed out.
The businesswomen called upon the government to make policy decisions and implement the existing laws and policies to remove impediments to women entrepreneurship.
BB Governor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said a woman entrepreneur is entitled to a Tk 25 lakh loan without collateral, but the move has not been practised accordingly.
He called upon the financial institutions to comply with the BB decision and asked woman entrepreneurs to inform the BB general managers of any non-compliance by the banks.
Terming small and medium enterprises (SME) and women entrepreneurship as vital to the country's internal economic growth, the governor said the central bank has instituted a Tk 800 crore fund to provide 'inclusive financial services', of which Tk 105 crore has been earmarked for women entrepreneurs.
He said women entrepreneurship could help offset the impact of the global recession through job creation.
Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhit was present as the chief guest and launched the WNBA. He said he would consider how business loan without collateral could further be made available for women, without making any specific commitment.
He advised women entrepreneurs to further assimilate in mainstream business.
A total of 180 women-run business organisations, from six divisions, were involved in formulating the WNBA. The BWCCI, which started its journey in 2001, will submit the agenda to the government.
Home Minister Shahara Khatun was present as'special guest at the event. A good number of distinguished women entrepreneurs, economists and foreign dignitaries were also present. Selima Ahmad chaired theevent.