Investing in women, strengthening Bangladesh

Every year on 8 March, the world pauses to celebrate International Women's Day; not only to honour the achievements of women, but to reflect on how far we have come and how far we still must go. This year's theme, "Give to Gain," carries a powerful and timely message. It reminds us that progress does not come at someone else's expense. When we give - whether through knowledge, opportunity, mentorship, policy support, investment, or simple solidarity - we do not lose. We multiply.
At its heart, "Give to Gain" is about reciprocity. It is about understanding that when we invest in women, we are investing in families, businesses, communities, and nations. When women thrive, economies grow. When women are safe, societies stabilize. When women lead, innovation expands.
In Bangladesh, women continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and potential. They are entrepreneurs in vibrant markets, innovators in digital spaces, executives in corporate boardrooms, and changemakers within communities. Yet, despite progress, structural barriers remain. Women's labor force participation still lags behind men. Access to finance remains uneven. Informal women workers often lack recognition and protection. The digital divide continues to limit economic expansion for many aspiring entrepreneurs.
This is precisely why the principle of "Give to Gain" must move beyond symbolism and become strategy.
Since its establishment in 2010, Dhaka Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DWCCI) has been guided by this very philosophy. We believe that empowering women economically is not charity, it is nation-building. Over the past 15 years, the Chamber has worked tirelessly to create platforms where women can access training, mentorship, innovation support, export facilitation, and international market linkages. We have supported women in transforming ideas into enterprises, enterprises into employment, and employment into sustainable economic independence.
Over the years, Dhaka Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry has brought women entrepreneurs together around shared goals aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening women's economic leadership at local, regional, and global platforms. The Chamber has actively engaged in policy dialogue with government institutions, collaborated with community-based organizations, and facilitated international trade and market exposure. These efforts have helped position women entrepreneurs not only as participants in economic activity, but as contributors to policy formation and national development.
As President, I remain committed to advancing initiatives that promote women's empowerment, economic participation, and inclusive growth. Leadership, to me, is measured not only by progress achieved, but by opportunities created for others.
"Give to Gain" challenges institutions, policymakers, and private sector leaders to reflect honestly: What are we prepared to contribute so that women can advance more confidently and more sustainably?
Giving does not always mean financial contribution. It may mean expanding access to markets and technology. It may mean providing visibility to women-led enterprises. It may mean offering mentorship and leadership guidance. It may mean ensuring safe and enabling work environments. It may mean creating policy space where women's voices are heard and respected.
At Dhaka Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry, we have witnessed how targeted support can create transformative outcomes. A woman trained in digital bookkeeping gains confidence to manage her own enterprise. A market trader provided with advocacy support gains a secure space to conduct business without harassment. A young entrepreneur introduced to export networks gains international customers. These examples demonstrate how deliberate investment multiplies opportunity.
Bangladesh stands at a critical economic juncture. As we progress toward higher-income status, inclusive growth is not optional; it is essential. Women's entrepreneurship and leadership must be central to this transformation.
The theme "Give to Gain" also reminds us of shared responsibility. Government institutions must continue strengthening gender-responsive policies. Financial institutions must expand access to credit for women-led businesses. The private sector must foster inclusive hiring and procurement practices. Civil society must continue advocating for safe and equitable environments. And women themselves must continue supporting one another, because collective advancement accelerates progress.
The organisation remains steadfast in our commitment to expanding women's economic participation, strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, and building partnerships that create lasting impact. We will continue advocating for policy reforms, facilitating capacity-building programs, and connecting Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs to global opportunities.
On this International Women's Day 2026, let us reflect not on what women must prove, but on what systems must improve. Because when women advance, Bangladesh advances - and the gains are shared across generations.
Naaz Farhana is President
Dhaka Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DWCCI)