WE Trust, an online platform for women entrepreneurs, is playing a proactive and energetic role in developing the underprivileged women as entrepreneurs. State Minister for Culture KM Khalid expressed hope that if their enthusiasm continues, they will conquer the world soon.
He said that Women and E-Commerce Forum (WE), the largest organization of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, is working to empower women through entrepreneurship. The membership of this organization, which started in 2017, has crossed 14 lakhs. If this trend continues 6-8 times, imagine what that would be. If this trend continues, it won’t take long for WE to reach the global courtyard.
The two-day long (6-7 October) ‘4th WE Summit 2023’ was organized by the Women and E-Commerce Forum (WE) in collaboration with the Controller of Certifying Authorities of the Information and Communication Technology Department at the Nabaratri Hall of International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital on Friday morning. While speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony, the state minister expressed his optimism about the WE Trust.
President of Women and E-Commerce Forum (WE) Nasima Akhter Nisha presided over the event while the State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak and Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority Managing Director GSM Zafarullah spoke as special guests on the occasion.
While speaking as the chief guest, KM Khalid said that there is no alternative to create more entrepreneurs in the country to build an inclusive sustainable economy through the participation of people from all walks of life. Therefore, the government is determined to create a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs. In this regard ‘WE’ has awakened our women’s society by providing encouragement and stimulation. By preventing conservatism and fundamentalism, women have been given an opportunity to establish themselves in the society.
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak said in a video message that e-commerce is playing an important role in creating self-employment and self-esteem of women. And one of the big e-commerce platforms is ‘WE’.
He also said that e-commerce was the lifeline of our economy during the Covid 19 pandemic. He said that honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is implementing various programs for the empowerment of women. He also said that 10,500 women entrepreneurs have been created in 21 districts through the ‘She Power’ project. 25 thousand more smart women entrepreneurs will be trained through ‘Her Power’ project in remaining 43 districts.
Controller of Certifying Authorities (Joint Secretary) ATM Ziaul Islam delivered a welcome address on the occasion. Gail Martin, Operations Manager of World Bank, Khandakar Tasfeen Alam, Chief Operating Officer of Daraz Bangladesh Limited, Barrister Tasneem Mostafa, Director of Meghna Group of Industries and Kabir Saqib, Advisor of WE, delivered their welcome speeches. Shanta Jahan presented the program.
At the beginning of the program, a documentary titled ‘Mujib Amar Prerona’, made on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was screened. Moreover, activities of Women and E-Commerce Forum (WE) and documentary on ‘Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh’ were screened.
According to the sources, after the inauguration, a panel session followed by a key note presentation has been organized. The first day features six panel discussions, workshops and influencer speeches. Numerous speakers from home and abroad and renowned people from various sectors will participate in these sessions as special speakers. There will also be a networking session for newcomers with e-commerce sector and sector-related veterans. There will be a raffle draw.
On the second day, there will be two workshops, one seminar. Apart from this, as one of the attractions, 10 women who have contributed in various sectors of the country are being awarded. Besides, 10 women entrepreneurs from among the members of WE are being awarded. This special award is being given to women from all over the country who are making an outstanding contribution to promote their products in the national and global markets through e-commerce. On the second day of the summit, the Minister of Education Dr. Deepu Moni will present this award as the chief guest.
DMP Cyber Crime Investigation Division ADC Nazmul Islam of CTTC, DG Mostafa Kamal of Directorate of ICT, Golam Samdani Don of Don Samdani Facilitation Consultation, Ayman Sadiq, Founder of Ten Minute School, COO of Daraz Khandaker Tasfin Alam, Economic Officer of US Embassy James Gardiner, Dr. Sushoma Reza, Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dewan Mohammad Humayun Kabir, a2i Policy Advisor Anir Chowdhury, ownerof Puchi’s Family Taaposee Das, Dan & BrandStreet Data & Analytics CEO Zara Mahbub, SR Venture & Consultancy CEO Saima Rahman, Daily Star Chief Business Officer Tajdin Hasan, Writer And director Sadat Hossain and many others will participate as negotiators in this two-day summit.
Besides, the participation of AJI Group Chairman and MD Ananta Jalil, film actress Afia Nusrat Barsha, Afsana Mimi, Afsana Ara Bindu, Zakia Bari Momo, Runa Khan, Masuma Rahman Nabila and others will add a different dimension to this event.
WE President Nasima Akhter Nisha said the two-day summit will end on Saturday night with a fashion show by WE Entrepreneurs.
Daraz and Fresh Ananya Sanitary Napkin are the platinum sponsors for this event. Besides, bKash as payment partner, Prime Bank as banking partner, Green Delta Insurance as insurance partner, Shakti as nutrition partner. Also Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, Runner Motorcycle, e-Cab, Flora Telecom, Zerocall and Dhaka Live are as live broadcast partners.