About
Bangladesh has experienced remarkable paradigm shifts across various development areas over the last decade. Defining features of this progress have been: self-sufficiency in food production, consistent GDP growth, stable public policies, and impressive improvements in social indicators including gender parity in education. Bangladesh has excelled in numerous social benchmarks in comparison to neighboring countries.
Increased participation of women in the economy, particularly in export-oriented industries, has been one significant contributor to these achievements. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that women’s representation in leadership and entrepreneurial positions reaches desired levels.
Mousumi Islam established the Association of Grassroots Women Entrepreneurs, Bangladesh (AGWEB) with the goal of enhancing women’s rights and improving their circumstances by bridging gaps in women’s participation in employment-generating activities and improving their knowledge and skills. Over time, AGWEB has expanded its network throughout the country and is playing a significant role in improving the business environment for women, offering support as and where needed. The association facilitates networking and information sharing, and organizes stakeholder meetings and industry-specific awards for its members. AGWEB empowers self-employed women in MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), and unemployed women aspiring to engage in business, through training, workshops, and seminars conducted in both urban centers and remote areas.
Owing to the sustained efforts of AGWEB, a large number of women beneficiaries have become productive and self-reliant, with some successfully transforming into small-scale entrepreneurs. They transitioned from employees to being employers themselves.
AGWEB's vision includes establishing a "Women Trade Center," a comprehensive solution for women entrepreneurs. This center would provide state-of-the-art facilities, allowing women entrepreneurs to interact globally with buyers and suppliers, showcase their products and services, receive advocacy and documentation support, as well as guidance on banking and other essential services.
The association earned praise for its awareness-raising programs on food and nutrition for pregnant women and newborns. Encouraged by this success, AGWEB has extended its support to assist HIV-positive patients, sex workers, and marginalized communities.
In alignment with the millennial and sustainable development goals, AGWEB has developed "Know about Business" (KAB), a practical tool addressing challenges faced by youth and proposing remedial measures. This app serves as a real-life problem-solving simulator for unemployed youths.
Looking ahead, there is strong confidence in the ability of Bangladeshi women to achieve gender equality in all spheres of life within the foreseeable future.