Innovative use of information and communication technology (ICT) can facilitate the women entrepreneurs to expand the country’s economy and development, said speakers at an ICT-based seminar in Dhaka University yesterday.
Titled “Connecting Women Entrepreneurs through Innovative use of Information and Communication Technology,” the seminar was organised by The Asia Foundation, Centre on Budget and Policy of Dhaka University, Banglalink Digital Communications Ltd and District Women’s Business Forum at the university’s Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate building.
The aim of the seminar was to discuss how to connect women entrepreneurs in the districts, especially at the grassroots level, by creating mobile phone network and delivering ICT-based business tools and service.
Speakers at the seminar emphasised on providing accurate and innovative information and modern electronic business system through latest networking opportunities, mobile technology and other communicative devices to aid women entrepreneurs both at district and national levels.
Speaking at the occasion, State Minister of Finance M A Mannan said women were already playing pivotal role in the country’s development by participating in various activities. “But their participation can be expanded in every sector of our country’s development if we can provide them with modern information and communication technologies, which will be very helpful for the village entrepreneurs who have yet to enjoy such facilities,” he said.
He urged women to participate in every sector, including political and economic, for the country’s development and help take it forward.
Rokia Afzal Rahman, former adviser to the caretaker government and president of Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed on the importance of technological knowledge to the women entrepreneurs.
“Access to market, finance and information sectors will be easier for women, mainly in the rural areas, if the ICT facilities are more developed,” she said.
“The desire of our countrymen to build Digital Bangladesh and establish an affluent economy will never be met if the technological advancement does not take place and women do not get more involved in the use of modern technology,” she added.
Bibi Russell, famous fashion designer and entrepreneur, said: “The majority of our population lives in the rural parts of our country and they are playing the most important role in our economy. So if we want to achieve development, we have to facilitate the rural people, providing the knowledge of modern technology to those who lack it.”
Solaiman Alam, marketing director of Banglalink, said: “Enhancing and expanding ICT facilities will play a vital role in removing barriers for women entrepreneurs in our society. With proper access to information, training and the market at large, Bangladeshi women, urban or rural, may do their part in the progress of our society.”
