In the budget of 2009- 2010, the government has allocated 1000 crore taka (69.70 = 1$) for the SME sector. In fact it was the same also in the last budget but there was nothing for women SMEs. We expressed our demands in the Women’s National Business Agenda launch and also in our prebudget seminar, and in this budget 15% from this 1000 crore for women SMEs has been allocated.

This is another success of BWCCI.

Selima Ahmad
President, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry

We submitted the Women’s National Business Agenda draft to Hon’bl President of the Government of Bangladesh. It was the first time our news was in the national television headlines. The President was happy to see the WNBA draft and he mentioned that it will hep the Govt. to promote women’s entrepreneurship as it has wide information and specific recommendations.

Read the story in the Daily Star: “President Suggests Women’s Chamber in Every District” (May 25, 2009)

Selima Ahmad
President, BWCCI

The Honorable Finance Minister, the Honorable Home Minister and the Honorable Governor of Bangladesh Bank promised immediate action and cooperation with the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) in implementing the policy changes outlined in its Women’s National Business Agenda. An unprecedented effort in Bangladesh, the agenda will serve as a powerful advocacy tool for the private sector and shows that the women’s business community is determined to play a positive role in Bangladesh’s democratic and economic development.

Read the press release.

Top Ten Priorities of the Women’s National Business Agenda

Best,
Selima Ahmad
President, BWCCI

I am very happy to inform you that the Women’s National Business Agenda was launched by the finance minister and home minister and Bangladesh Bank governor as well. A special supplementary was published in the two national dailies. 700 participants–mostly women entrepreneurs from all over Bangladesh and even from remote Sidr-affected areas–participated in the event. All our members were the pillar for the success of this project and BWCCI is happy that we could bring all issues from the grassroots. I learned TV channels and print media already covered our event. I am attaching the online news.

Newspaper supplement about the Women’s National Business Agenda

“PROGRESSIVE WOMEN, PROSPEROUS BANGLADESH”

Best, Selima

The Bangladesh Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) is going to launch the first Women’s National Business Agenda (WNBA) on 26th February.  Chief Guest: Finance Minister. Special guest: Home Minister (first woman to be home minister in the subcontinent, maybe in Asia too). Distinguished guest: President FBCCI (apex Trade Body).

180 organisations who are coalition members and 500 women entrepreneurs will participate. BWCCI also made a theme song for WNBA and will have a special supplement in daily newspaper.
Best, Selima

For details contact BWCCI:  +880-2-9861526

Read Selima Ahmad’s story and vision in the news article “Formidable Businesses of Women.” Also by Selima: “Women entrepreneurs need something more than lip-service.”