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Women have to tread beyond the boundaries to make their presence vibrant in unconventional business sectors in a bid to empower Bangladesh forward, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said on Monday.
The parliament speaker said the government has kept funding opportunities for the women in businesses but its utilisation is poor due to multiple hindrances.
She was speaking as the chief guest at a luncheon meeting styled 'Women in Business: Empowering Bangladesh Forward' hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at a city hotel.
Helen LaFave, deputy chief of mission, US Embassy Dhaka, attended the programme as the guest of honour.
AmCham president Syed Ershad Ahmed chaired a panel discussion, moderated by Rubaba Dowla, Oracle country managing director-Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.
Meherun N Islam, president and group managing director of CEMS Ltd, and Ms LaFave participated in the session as designated discussants.
Ms LaFave said technology can ensure an equal opportunity for women in business. She laid emphasis on inclusive growth of Bangladesh by creating more employment opportunities for women.
Ms Rubaba said negative mindset is a major impediment to women's empowerment in the country.
"In my company, I wanted to recruit more women but I hardly got 20 per cent skilled women in ICT," she added.
Meanwhile, Ms Meherun said social as well as state support is necessary to help women move forward.
"Being a single mother with three children, I didn't think of starting conventional business before 30 years," she cited.
Many women gave up their career even after completion of doctorate degrees being disappointed with several obstacles including concerns of childcare, she added. The CEMS president suggested that the government bridge the digital divide by extending support to women.
In an open discussion, speakers stressed the need for encouraging women's footprint in blue economy.
Mr Ershad called for working together to break the barriers that hold women back. He also urged to create an inclusive society to inspire more women pursue their growth across the country.
"At Amcham, we believe in creating Gender Policy Council with public and private stakeholders to advance gender equity across Bangladesh," said the AmCham chief.
AmCham vice-president Syed Mohammad Kamal, who is also MasterCard Bangladesh country manager, coordinated the event and offered a vote of thanks.
Former AmCham presidents and current executive committee members, foreign dignitaries, business leaders, media representatives and other distinguished guests attended the meeting.