State Minister for ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak says that 10,500 women entrepreneurs have been created in 21 districts through the ‘She’ Power project. About 2 lakh women have been trained under the Learning and Earning Development Project.
Palak said these things while participating in a panel session titled ‘ICT-Smart Bangladesh The Next Frontier’ on Wednesday, the first day of the conference.
The two-day International Women Entrepreneurs’ Summit (IWES) 2022 has started at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka, a joint initiative of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh-India Business Council (BIBC). This international entrepreneurship Summit is being held on November 23 and 24 through different arrangements for the first time.
On the first day of the Summit on Wednesday, November 23, the Honorable State Minister for the ICT Division Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak MP was the chief guest of a panel session titled “ICT-Smart Bangladesh the Next Frontier” of the summit.
In the speech of the chief guest, the state minister highlighted the empowerment of women all over the world and the role of women in the society. He sheds light on the contribution of women in today’s society. State Minister Mr. Palak said that the world’s best teacher and economist is “Mother”. Referring to his childhood, he says that he himself grew up in a matriarchal family. As his mother used to take family decisions, now his wife plays an important role in the family. He also said that the role of women in the family is immense. We should prioritize and respect women in all places of office, court, workplace, etc.
The Minister of State discussed the participation and success of women in the information and technology sector. She said that women’s empowerment is one of the keys to economic development, political stability and social change. She inspires women entrepreneurs saying our greatest strength is the courage to take risks. He said that a person who is talented, thrifty, progressive is a smart person.
State Minister Mr. Palak also highlighted that the Honorable Prime Minister has adopted and implemented different programs aimed at increasing financial self-sufficiency and capacity building for the empowerment of women. The state minister also said that 10,500 women entrepreneurs have been created in 21 districts through the She Power project. The state minister also said that nearly 2 lakh women have been trained under the Learning and Earning Development Project.
State Minister Palak said that BDT 10 lakh has already been given to 345 entrepreneurs through the iDEA project of ICT Division for entrepreneurs. Besides, different facilities including co-working space, mentoring, training, legal support are being provided to the startups.
On the occasion, the State Minister learned about the initiative of a marginalized woman entrepreneur named “NittoXpress” and assured her of a grant from the IDEA project, recognizing her talent, patience, honesty and hard work.
Finally, the State Minister expressed his sincere thanks to the organizing authorities for organizing such a wonderful conference in Bangladesh.
The session was also attended by Basis President Mr. Russell T. Ahmed, E-CAB President Ms. Shomi Kaiser, Managing Director of Nagad Mr. Tanveer A Mishuk, Managing Director of Oracle Bangladesh Ms. Rubaba Dowla Matin, Co-founder & CEO of Chaldal Limited Mr. Waseem Alim, CEO Dun & Bradstreet Ms. Zara Mahbub, BACCO General Secretary Towhid Hossain and the Chief Operating Officer of QonBay Ms. Anina Ho.
It should be noted that eminent persons, well-known entrepreneurs and corporate leaders from different countries are participating in the summit. The IWES 2022 is an excellent event for businesswomen and entrepreneurs to increase networking opportunities, learn from and collaborate with others from around the world. It is an amazing platform to help expose local entrepreneurs and women leaders of Bangladesh to the global business community. The organizing authorities believe that it will be possible to attract domestic and foreign investment in the women-leaded business sector.