Women entrepreneurs stress resilience, support for sustainable business

Women entrepreneurs have underscored the importance of resilience, institutional backing, and family support in overcoming barriers and sustaining their businesses.
They were speaking at a one-day CMSME Market Readiness Workshop organised by the Micro Industries Development Assistance and Services (MIDAS) at the MIDAS Centre in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, on Wednesday. The CMSME fair will be held over three days, from March 5 to March 7.
The workshop aims to strengthen the market readiness of Cottage, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (CMSMEs), with a particular focus on youth and women entrepreneurs, artisans, and small business owners.
The inaugural session was attended by distinguished guests of honour, including Parveer Mahmud, Chairman of MIDAS; Zahida Ispahani and Dr SM Akbar, directors of MIDAS Board; and M. Khairul Bashar, Managing Director of MIDAS. The event was also attended by officials of MIDAS, along with representatives from the government and private sectors.
The workshop was coordinated by Taposhi Afrin Islam, Consultant-Innovation and Entrepreneurship of MIDAS.
Participants received practical, hands-on guidance on key aspects of business development, including product presentation, pricing strategy, packaging enhancement, understanding customer needs, and delivering confident business pitches.
Through interactive exercises and expert mentoring, the workshop sought to enhance entrepreneurial capabilities, improve market competitiveness, and support sustainable business growth.
Speaking about her entrepreneurial journey at the workshop, Ayesha Siddiqa emphasised that family support plays a crucial role in becoming a successful entrepreneur.
"Without family support, it becomes very difficult for a woman to focus fully on business," she noted, adding that she never initially imagined herself becoming a businesswoman. Over time, however, with encouragement and determination, she was able to build her enterprise and strengthen her position in the market.
Sharing a story of resilience, Yeasmin Ahmed said she entered business following the death of her husband. For the past 15 years, she has been running her enterprise independently.
"After my husband passed away, I had to take responsibility," she said. "Since then, I have continued my business journey for the last 15 years."
Ahmed also expressed her gratitude to MIDAS for organising the upcoming fair, saying such initiatives create opportunities for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products, expand networks, and access new markets.
Another entrepreneur, Maliha Wadud Chadni, expressed enthusiasm about the fair and highlighted MIDAS's contribution to enhancing the skills of SME women entrepreneurs.
"MIDAS has played a significant role in developing our skills and confidence," she said. "These kinds of platforms help women entrepreneurs grow and connect with wider markets."
Chadni also shared that she left her career in journalism to pursue entrepreneurship. She said the transition was challenging but rewarding, and she is progressing steadily in her business. "Every day is a learning experience. I am moving forward step by step," she said.
The entrepreneurs also spoke about the current challenges they face, including access to finance, market competition, and rising operational costs.
However, they expressed optimism about the future, noting that increasing awareness, institutional support, and networking opportunities are creating new possibilities for women-led enterprises.
They emphasised that family encouragement, skill development, and supportive organisations like MIDAS remain key factors in strengthening women's participation in the SME sector.
This initiative reflects MIDAS's continued commitment to fostering inclusive economic development and empowering emerging entrepreneurs across Bangladesh.

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