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Ctg women entrepreneurs keen to make a mark

Shahenoor Akther Urmi, Ctg
Women entrepreneurs in the country have been on the rise over the last few years, thanks to women becoming more confident of their potential to contribute to the economy.
Women in Chittagong, the second largest city in Bangladesh, are no different, with the number of women entrepreneurs having increased by manifold in the last five years.
“When I launched my business six years ago, it was the most difficult time of my life. Nobody accepted me as I am a woman. The social system is responsible for that," said Nazma Noushad Mita, owner of FS Logistic and Services.
She said Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CWCCI) is one place in Chittagong where women can talk freely about their problems and limitations, but it is not enough of a support.
“Every wo man faces difficulties in raising capital at the onset of her business," she added.
Mohammad Masum Kamal Bhuiyan, the general manager of Bangladesh Bank's Chittagong office, suggests the contrary.
“Chittagong is a commercial area and women can make a big contribution in our economy and BB helps them in all sectors," Kamal said.
He said the Bangladesh Bank (BB) offers small and enterprises (SME) loans all throughout the country, particularly keeping women entrepreneurs in mind.
BB launched the SME loans service in 2010, with 1118 women receiving loans amounting to Tk 120.58 crorethatyear.
The numbers have been on the rise since: in 2011 4975 women received loan sum increased to Tk 175.13 crore, and in 2012 8791 women obtained loans worthTk 173.05 crore.
“Even a few years ago, women workers did not contribute directly to formal economic activities. But we are witnessing a remarkable change."
Monowara Hakim Ali, CWCCI's president, said: “Chittagong is a
conservative area and it is not easy for women to do business as they want.”
In 1999 Monowara formed an organisation called 'Women Entrepreneurs Chittagong' with the aim to provide training and institutional supportto interested women.
Monowara, also a director of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said although the government has undertaken many schemes to increase women's contribution to the economy, it is important to ensure these schemes are implemented properly and thatwomen are benefitted.
“Government initiatives should be strong and easy for all women so that they may establish themselves as entrepreneurs in Chittagong," Monowara added.
Sajeda Begum, the owner of 'Janani Botique House', said: “I started my business with a capital of three thousand takasome20years ago."
“Now is the time for more women to join in business," she said, while adding that institutional support is imperative for