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Speakers at a roundtable discussion on women's empowerment emphasised that changing the mindsets of both men and women is key to achieving gender equality in the country.
They highlighted the need for policy reforms and collective efforts to close gender gaps across various industries, with a particular focus on mentorship, financial literacy, and policy advocacy to break down barriers for women in business and leadership.
The Financial Express, the country's first financial daily, hosted the event titled "Empowering Women: Driving Equality for a Sustainable Future" at the Westin Dhaka in the capital on Tuesday, marking International Women's Day, which is observed on March 8.
Dr Halida Hanum Akhtar, member of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, as the chief guest at the event, called upon women to stand firm regarding their rights.
"Women should not beg for favours from society or the country," she said.
"They must acquire the necessary qualifications and strength to thrive and secure their positions across all sectors," she added.
She also emphasised that Women's Day should not be confined to just one day a year, stating, "Every day is women's day."
Dr Akhtar further pointed out that the state has a responsibility to ensure women's rights and urged women to pursue quality education and research to secure their rights.
Kakoli Jahan Ahmed, executive eirector of Bangladesh Bank, called upon both men and women to collaborate in ensuring that women's rights are recognised as human rights.
She stressed the need for organisation-based counseling platforms and inter-organisational forums to address the barriers women face in their workplaces.
Shamsul Huq Zahid, Editor of The Financial Express and session chair, noted that a silent revolution occurred in the 1980s with women's employment in the ready-made garment industry.
"The empowerment you're talking about started the days when rural and impoverished girls joined the garment industry," he said.
He emphasised that these women are both vulnerable and powerful, highlighting how they rise up in the face of deprivation without waiting for leadership.
He called for educational and poverty alleviation initiatives to help them grow.
In her keynote address, Hosne Ara Loma, human resources director at Nestlé Bangladesh, said women in Bangladesh still have a long way to go in achieving equal representation in policymaking positions.
She stressed that gender equality is unattainable without the participation of all.
Mohammad Abdul Qaium Khan, managing director (CC) of Community Bank Bangladesh, pointed out that digitisation in the financial sector has ensured equal access to finance.
He also noted that women, being less prone to loan defaults, should receive an increasing share of loans.
Adil Raihan, deputy managing director of Mercantile Bank, called for greater financial literacy for women and stressed the need for policy initiatives to increase the number of female entrepreneurs.
Professor Dr Eaysmin Ara Lekha, vice-chancellor of Uttara University, emphasised the importance of creating a favourable ecosystem for women.
She urged young women to consider entrepreneurship instead of traditional jobs, noting that women-run enterprises would have a deeper understanding of women's rights.
Md Shakawath Hossain, CEO of Unique Hotel and Resorts, encouraged women leaders to raise awareness to encourage more women to join the hospitality sector.
He warned that if the prevailing taboos against women in hospitality are not broken, women from other countries may fill these roles.
Tamanna Rabbani, vice-president of Ananta Real Estate Ltd, noted that women have more opportunities in the real estate sector.
Mushfika Nishat, co-founder of Sombhabona Foundation, said that providing employment for single mothers could reduce the number of street children.
Priti Chakraborty, chairman of Universal Medical College, stressed the need for more women graduates in the health sector, citing the global demand for women health professionals.
She also stressed that more women should participate in leadership training.
Bitopi Das Chowdhury, country head (Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing) at Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh, asserted that empowering women requires a societal shift, particularly in changing the mindset of men.
"Changing the mindset of women alone will not suffice; societal change is crucial," she stated.
Doulot Akter Mala, president of the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) and Special Correspondent at The Financial Express, advocated for large corporations to allocate funds for media sensitisation on women and gender issues.
She also called for increased access to funding for women.
Naaz Farhana Ahmed, president of the Dhaka Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DWCCI), highlighted that the non-participation of women in the workforce hampers the country's growth.
Sharif Mostafa Helal, executive director of the Bangladesh Women's Health Coalition, called for support from the government and corporate sectors for their efforts focused on women's health.
Shashwatee Biplob, associate director of BRAC's Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Programme, urged the government to immediately ensure the safety and security of women, calling for proactive measures by law enforcement agencies.
Munima Sultana, special correspondent at The Financial Express, stressed that the number of women in the workplace is a critical factor in the policy decisions of organidations.
The discussion was moderated by Shiabur Rahman Shihab, online in-charge at The Financial Express.