Investing in women accelerates progress
When a woman builds a business, the returns reach far beyond her balance sheet — into families, teams and whole communities. Here is why backing women founders is one of the smartest investments we can make.
Whenever I am asked what drives my work, my answer is the same: more women at the head of the table. Not as a slogan, but as a practical strategy for growth. When women have access to capital, knowledge and networks, the benefits multiply — for their families, their employees and the economy around them.
Why women-led businesses matter
Women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh run everything from home-based food and fashion brands to IT firms and export businesses. Many of them start small, with their own savings, and grow carefully. That discipline is a strength. What is often missing is not ambition or skill — it is access.
- Access to finance: many women founders have never had a formal banking relationship or prepared a business plan for a lender.
- Access to knowledge: tax, VAT, licensing and bookkeeping can feel intimidating without someone to explain them simply.
- Access to networks: chambers, associations and industry bodies open doors to customers, mentors and partners.
What real support looks like
Support works best when it is practical. Training that ends with a registered business, a clean set of accounts or a first investment plan is worth more than any number of inspiring speeches. That is why so much of our work focuses on hands-on sessions — finance fundamentals, compliance and planning for growth.
Memberships matter too. Organisations such as the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the BASIS Standing Committee on Women in IT give women a collective voice, and a place to learn from those a few steps ahead.
Invest in women and you accelerate the progress of everyone around them.
What you can do
- If you lead a company, buy from women-owned businesses and mentor at least one woman founder.
- If you are a woman with an idea, write down the first three steps and share them with someone you trust.
- If you are part of an association, make room at the table — and keep the door open behind you.
Recognition such as the WonderWoman Award at MSME Honours is a privilege, but the real reward is seeing more women step forward. If you would like to work together on mentoring or training, see how I can help.
Written by
Sabina Yesmin Shimu
Entrepreneur and finance professional with over fifteen years of experience. Founder Chairperson of Aimer Merchants Ltd. and Infosystem Technology Ltd., Director at EduQuest, and an advocate for women in business and IT.
