Banks urged to disburse 10pc of loan portfolio to women entrepreneurs

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FE Report Women entrepreneurs have called upon banks to channel 10 per cent of their total loan portfolio to women-led projects as per the central bank directive. They have also underscored need for simplifying the lending system and make the loan available without collateral. The call came at a speed debate programme between the Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) members and women business leaders, organised by the NCCI Tuesday in the city. Rokia Afzal Rahman, president of Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs, said many banks do not follow the rule, although the Bangladesh Bank has asked all banks to disburse 10 per cent of their total loan for women entrepreneurs. "After finishing a lengthy process to obtain a loan from a bank, women actually do not get loan because of collateral," Ms Rahman alleged. "Though women entrepreneurs are recognised as good borrowers and have shown their acumen in business, they are still stuck at a certain level. Also they are only found mostly in the cities whom we want to see allover the country," she said. Ms Rahman underlined the need for capacity building of women organisations so that female entrepreneurs can be trained through those organisations. She also emphasised on learning the use of technology by women entrepreneurs. The event was attended among others by Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, state minister for women and children affairs, Norwegian ambassador Ragne Birte Lund, Swedish ambassador Anneli Lindahl Kenny, Danish ambassador Svend Olling, vice-president of Telenor Asia Hilde Tonne, Farhana Naaz Ahmed, president of Dhaka Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prof Dr Hosne Ara Begum, executive director of TMSS, Angela Gomes, founder of Bachte Shekha, Dr Fahmida Khatun, head of research at Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Per-Henrik Nielsen, managing director of Ericsson Bangladesh, leading entrepreneurs, business professionals and bankers. The programme was also attended by NCCI members supported by the Norwegian Embassy. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said it's necessary to ensure access of women entrepreneurs in social media and increase their knowledge. "But social media should be more attractive and accessible," she added. She said women still need to work hard for getting recognition and equal footing in workplace due to the "patriarchal attitude" towards working women. "We need to go beyond lending by focussing attention to other issues of working women and women entrepreneurs like trade license, health facilities, dormitories, food and daycare support," Ms Chaudhury said. She said Bangladeshi women possess competence and skill and are capable of changing the corporate and business landscape of the country. The speed debate was split into three sessions, each focused on four key topics related to women affairs and business.