‘80% of those displaced by climate change are women’

Nari Maitree, a leading non-profit organization committed to women’s empowerment, hosted an engaging networking event at the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation in the capital’s Agargaon on Sunday (March 31).

The event brought together industry experts, financial institutions, 70 women entrepreneurs from diverse industries and sectors, and relevant stakeholders to exchange insights, address challenges, and share expertise in empowering women entrepreneurs to tackle the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental challenges.

Chaired by Masuma Alam, President of Nari Maitree, the event brought together esteemed guests, including Meher Afroz Chumki MP, former State Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Members of the Standing Committee on Ministry of Public Administration, Shabnam Jahan Shila MP, Members of the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Social Welfare, Saidur Rahman, Director General, NGO Affairs Bureau, Prime Minister’s Office, Khadija Mariam, Head of Women Entrepreneur Cell, SME Banking Division, BRAC Bank, and Nazeem Hassan Sattar, General Manager, SME Foundation. Additionally, 70 micro and small women entrepreneurs attended the meeting, with an entrepreneur fair.

The main presentation was delivered by Khaled Bin Yousuf, Program Coordinator, who detailed the Catalyzing Women’s Entrepreneurship (CWE) program implemented in Bangladesh by Nari Maitree, funded under UNESCAP’s Catalyzing Women’s Entrepreneurship (CWE) program, supported by Global Affairs Canada. 

The program has already supported 300 women-led MSEs, empowering women business owners to build resilience against climate change risks and support them in growing their businesses.

The discussion underscored the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, citing United Nations statistics showing that 80 percent of those displaced by climate-related disasters are women. Panelists stressed the pressing need to confront the distinct challenges faced by women, such as displacement, livelihood loss, and heightened vulnerability to gender-based violence. 

Additionally, a Facebook networking platform called the “Women Entrepreneurs Platform of Bangladesh” (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556101746640)  was inaugurated, aiming to unite over 10,000 women-led MSEs in a space where they can engage in discussions and share innovative ideas.

Shaheen Akter Dolly, Executive Director of Nari Maitree, underscored the organization’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs in small and medium industries. She stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for women to thrive in business and contribute to sustainable development.

Masuma Alam, President of Nari Maitree, expressed optimism about the role of women entrepreneurs in driving positive change. She emphasized the need for greater support and recognition of women’s contributions to society and called for collective efforts to empower women economically and socially.

Meher Afroz Chumki commended the resilience and determination of today’s women entrepreneurs, likening them to the sun rising with unstoppable force. She urged stakeholders to prioritize the inclusion of rural women in development initiatives to ensure no one is left behind.

The event concluded with a commitment from all participants to work collaboratively towards empowering women entrepreneurs and building a more resilient and inclusive society.