Involvement of female entrepreneurs in flourishing SME sector stressed

RANGPUR, Nov 9 (BSS): Involvement of more women and female entrepreneurs in flourishing local small and medium enterprise (SME) sector has been emphasised to accelerate national development through enhancing economic growth and poverty alleviation.

Mayor of Rangpur City Corporation (RCC) Alhaj Sarfuddin Ahmed Jhantu said this while inaugurating as the chief guest a two-day 'Gender Fair- 2014' organised by 'Oporajita', an organisation of the successful women entrepreneurs and women leaders, to promote SME products of the female entrepreneurs at Public Library ground in the city on Saturday.

The chief guest said that sustainable national development would not be attained excluding the women, half of the country's total population.

He said there is no alternative to ensure equal socioeconomic, political and human rights of the women like the men and their enhanced participation in every sphere of life to bring an end to gender discriminations for developing the nation.

He urged the men to come forward with a changed mindset to work unitedly with the women to erase all gender discriminations in turning Bangladesh into a developed nation ensuring equal participation of women, their rights and empowerment.

With President of District Nari Unnayan Forum Munsefa Khatun in the chair, President of Rangpur Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry Anwar Ferdousi Poly and President of Unnoto Paribar Gathon Mohila Sangstha Marhamatunnesa attended the inaugural function as the special guests.

Executive Director of Gano Kallyan Sangstha Golam Mehedi delivered welcome address narrating objectives of the fair.

Small and medium scale women entrepreneurs, NGOs and women organisations have set up 23 stalls in the fair displaying handicrafts, jute-made products, bags, and 'paposh', clothes for people of all ages, saree, handloom garments, boutiques and household goods.