Bangladesh’s largest international trade fair is taking place in Dhaka and features the work of many entrepreneurs, including of Joyeeta Foundation.
Joyeeta Foundation—an initiative to support women’s ventures and financially empower women—has set up 31 stalls in pavilion No 6, where female entrepreneurs are selling their products including: three-piece sets, dresses, handicrafts, pickles, sweets, etc.
The Dhaka Tribune reporter spoke with the small-business entrepreneurs to find out about their challenges and struggles.
The entrepreneurs said they lack financial support and have to get bank loans and funds, despite being well-trained by the Department of Women Affairs under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
A female entrepreneur named Nargis Masud said: “It was obviously a challenge for me in 1992, to start this work without security and support, but I have given and am giving my best effort to be successful.
“A few of my entrepreneur colleagues have given up on their efforts to overcome their problems.“
Another female entrepreneur, Rahela Zakir, stated: “We face social and economic problems. I came here from outside of Dhaka city. Many of the Joyeeta sellers are homeless, property-less, divorced, or widowed.
“Joyeeta has given us a new life and strong platform to do something better in society and contribute on a national level.”
One Shirin Akhter visited the pavilion with her daughter and observed: “It is [Joyeeta Foundation’s] a good initiative to employ women. If it expands to other sectors of our society, I hope that it will remedy the harassment of women and increase women’s empowerment."
Entrepreneurs Junaki, Anju, and Shahnaj Salma Farjana Arefin, said: “The Joyeeta Foundation has given us a huge opportunity to reach all classes of people in our society safely and securely. It was not possible to do this alone.”
Anjuman Nahar, another entrepreneur, advised: “New women entrepreneurs may face obstacles and financial constraints for start up. They will receive proper guidance and experience from here [Joyeeta Foundation]. I invite the women of our country not to despair; keep trying and success will come, a new day is waiting for you.”
Junaki and Anju said women entrepreneurs have often been deprived of various benefits of the market. However, now-a-days the number of female entrepreneurs is increasing and women do not face problems like before.
They said those who dare to become entrepreneurs should be encouraged and inspired by all.
The want to meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to share their stories of struggle, problems, and demands, the female entrepreneurs said.
Rafiqa Sultana, assistant manager of Joyeeta Foundation, which started its journey on November 16, 2011, said: “Around 7,000 to 8,000 women are now engaged in this foundation. We give three months of training to new entrepreneurs. Now, 180 associations are working under the Department of Women Affairs in 64 districts.”
