Women-led businesses in Bangladesh that are transforming industries with innovation.
Women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh are driving transformative change across various industries, pioneering innovative business models that cater to evolving market demands. These enterprises are not just breaking barriers but also redefining industry standards with sustainable, customer-centric, and tech-driven approaches. Companies like CholPori, Gootipa, Praava Health, Foodpanda Bangladesh, and Gala Makeover Studio exemplify this process, offering solutions that address local challenges, all the while positioning Bangladesh as a hub for forward-thinking entrepreneurship.
CholPori: Ensuring Educational Resources for Children
Founded by chartered accountant Zareen Mahmud Hosein in 2020, CholPori is an e-learning platform designed to enhance the grade competency of primary school children in Bangladesh. The platform utilises engaging animations and illustrative content to make learning enjoyable and effective. Zareen Hosein’s inspiration for CholPori stemmed from her prior work in women’s empowerment and storytelling through the HerStory Foundation. Recognising a gap in educational resources that promote diverse role models and interactive learning, she launched CholPori to provide accessible, quality education for children across the nation.
In 2023, CholPori secured pre-seed funding from the SAJIDA Foundation to expand its reach. This investment aims to provide primary school students and teachers with interactive educational tools, ensuring children attain grade-level competencies and develop essential skills for the future. CholPori’s affordable materials can be used both at home and as supplementary classroom resources, bridging educational gaps and fostering a love for learning among young students.
Additionally, CholPori has been proactive in promoting blended learning approaches. In 2024, the platform hosted a roundtable discussion titled ‘Scaling Blended Learning for Smart Bangladesh,’ bringing together stakeholders from government bodies, educational institutions, NGOs, and the tech sector. The discussion focused on integrating digital tools into traditional education to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for a rapidly evolving world.
Through its innovative approach and collaborations, CholPori is redefining education in Bangladesh, ensuring that children nationwide have access to proper educational resources and opportunities for holistic development.
Gootipa: Championing Sustainable and Ethical Fashion
Established in 2016 by entrepreneur Taslima Miji, Gootipa is a Bangladeshi brand specialising in handcrafted leather goods. As a women-owned business and a guaranteed member of the World Fair Trade Organization, Gootipa is committed to ethical production and sustainability. The brand sources local materials, including leather, handmade fabrics, and jute, to create products that reflect both quality and cultural heritage.
Gootipa’s business model focuses on empowering local artisans by providing fair wages and fostering a healthy work environment. The company marries traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs, appealing to both domestic and international markets. By exporting to fair trade brands in Europe and other regions, Gootipa contributes to the global appreciation of Bangladeshi craftsmanship while promoting sustainable fashion practices.
Praava Health: Integrating Digital and In-Person Healthcare
Founded by Sylvana Quader Sinha in 2018, Praava Health offers high-quality in-clinic primary and specialist care, supported by its own diagnostic laboratories, imaging, and pharmacy services. This ‘brick-and-click’ model combines traditional healthcare services with digital health solutions, enhancing accessibility and patient engagement. The flagship facility in Dhaka serves as a central hub, providing comprehensive services, while satellite outpatient clinics extend primary care and pharmacy services throughout the city. This structure ensures scalable and accessible healthcare, meeting patients where they are.
Praava emphasises patient-centred care by offering extended 15-minute consultations to foster meaningful doctor-patient relationships. The integration of technology streamlines operations and improves patient outcomes, setting a new standard for healthcare delivery in emerging markets.
Foodpanda Bangladesh: Revolutionising the Food Delivery Landscape
Co-founded by Syeda Ambareen Reza and Zubair BA Siddiky in December 2013, foodpanda Bangladesh began with a modest team of four members. As a subsidiary of Delivery Hero, a global leader in the food delivery industry, Foodpanda has expanded its operations to become a significant player in Bangladesh’s digital ecosystem. The company offers a platform connecting customers with a wide array of restaurants and SMEs, facilitating quick-commerce (q-commerce) and ensuring fast deliveries at the tap of a button. This model not only provides convenience for consumers but also creates income opportunities for thousands of youths across the country.
Foodpanda’s commitment to innovation and inclusion is evident in its workplace culture, which fosters collaboration and empowers employees to contribute to the company’s growth. The organisation highlights professional development, allowing team members to engage in creative problem-solving and challenge established norms. This approach has been instrumental in driving the company’s success and maintaining its competitive edge in the market.
In recognition of its contributions to the digital transformation of Bangladesh, Foodpanda received the prestigious ‘Digital Bangladesh Award 2022.’ This accolade underscores the company’s role in facilitating the country’s digital growth and its impact on the economy.
Gala Makeover Studio: Transforming the Beauty Industry
Founded by makeup artist Navin Ahmed in 2011, Gala Makeover Studio & Salon has redefined beauty standards in Bangladesh by introducing natural and contemporary makeup styles. Navin Ahmed’s approach emphasises enhancing natural features, moving away from traditional heavy makeup to a fresh, dewy look that appeals to modern brides. This shift has set new trends in the local beauty industry, promoting a more natural aesthetic.
Balancing her roles as an entrepreneur and a mother, Navin credits her family’s support, particularly her mother and mother-in-law, who are also her business partners at Gala. This familial collaboration has been instrumental in managing both her professional commitments and family responsibilities. Navin’s dedication to her craft and her ability to juggle multiple roles have made her a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s beauty industry.
The success stories of these companies underscore the transformative impact of women-led businesses in Bangladesh. Through visionary leadership and innovative business models, these enterprises are a crash course on how women can make it big, if only they dare to dream.
