As a developing country, Bangladesh has been making significant progress in various sectors, especially in the development of the economic sector. A major attribute of this development is credited to the empowerment of women in Bangladesh. Women in Bangladesh are breaking barriers not only in the social context but in the economic context too, having a major contribution to the Economic Development of Bangladesh through e-commerce.
Women’s Empowerment in Bangladesh
Women are a vital part of Bangladeshi society. They have played crucial roles within their families and communities- handling family, bringing up kids, doing household chores, and much more.
However, societal norms often limited their opportunities for economic freedom. But the times have changed and now because of the initiatives taken by the government and many other NGOs, women in Bangladesh are not only receiving better education but they are more conscious about their rights and are actively participating in the workforce.
The Rise of E-commerce
E-commerce, or electronic trade, is preeminent these days. E-commerce is about doing online business, buying and selling goods and services with just a few clicks. E-commerce is changing lives in Bangladesh as entrepreneurs are transitioning from traditional markets to online platforms such as websites, and social media like Facebook, Instagram etc.
E-commerce in Bangladesh
The e-commerce industry in Bangladesh has experienced substantial growth lately. This shift to digital platforms has provided women with new opportunities to become entrepreneurs and achieve financial independence.
As online marketplaces become more popular and e-commerce websites being user-friendly, women entrepreneurs are showcasing their skills and products to a global audience.
Empowering Change
E-commerce has simplified entrepreneurship for women in Bangladesh, where their skills and determination are vital for the growth of the digital commerce sector.
In Bangladesh, hundreds of thousands of women own businesses that use technology to become self-sufficient and create jobs for others, especially other women. Along with managing their companies, they support local goods and work to ensure that makers of handmade items receive proper compensation.
The Power of Social Media
Social media has been a driving force behind the success of women-owned businesses in Bangladesh. It has enabled more women in the capital city to launch their own businesses and connect with customers from not only the country but also from all over the world.
Success Stories of Bangladeshi Women in E-commerce
Now, let’s introduce with some remarkable women who have carved a niche for themselves in the world of e-commerce:
Nashid Andalib Nikita’s story of quitting her corporate job to establish Kabbo Konna and Farhana Akter Lucky’s venture, Farhana’s Dream, are both inspiring examples of women entrepreneurs finding success in the world of online business. Here’s a summary of both stories:
- Nashid Andalib Nikita (Kabbo Konna):
Niki quit her business job to follow her dream of being an entrepreneur. She started Kabbo Konna, a fashion brand on Facebook.
She started Kabbo Konna as a hobby at first, but it was hard for her to balance her professional job with the online fashion business. She kept going even though her family didn’t like the idea of her selling clothes online at first.
Now, Kabbo Konna makes about 3 lakh rupees in sales every month, and 10 lakh rupees during Eid.
- Farhana Akter Lucky (Farhana’s Dream):
Farhana Akter Lucky got the idea for her Facebook business, Farhana’s Dream, from the Women and e-Commerce Trust, which is a community store on Facebook for women business owners. It is a traditional quilt from Bangladesh called nakshi kantha.
By the end of 2021, her sales started to go up, which showed that her business was growing and succeeding.
She has successfully sent Nakshi Kantha goods to nine different countries, which shows that her business is known all over the world.
Both of these stories highlight the significance of determination and entrepreneurship. They also show how online sites like Facebook can help people, especially women, start and grow their businesses. It’s inspiring to see these women deal with problems at the start of their businesses and eventually succeed, which helps them become financially independent and spreads traditional crafts around the world.
In short, e-commerce is changing the way people do business in Bangladesh, and women are leading the way in this change. That if they work hard, know how to use technology, and find the right site, they can not only make a living but also make the world a better place.
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Writer
Jannatul Afia Priya
Intern at Content Writing Department
YSSE