Since its inception we have been working in the BWCCI to help facilitate the greater emergence of female entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.
Selima Ahmad is a renowned business personality. As a successful businesswoman with longstanding experience in the private sector, Selima took the initiative to form the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce (BWCCI) devoted exclusively to facilitating the advancement of women entrepreneurs. She is also the Managing Director of Nalita & Company Ltd., the Vice Chairperson of the Nitol Niloy Group of Industries and the Global Ambassador of the International Alliance for Women (TIAW). She is the recipient of numerous accolades which include the 6th CACCI Local Chamber Award 2014, the Jean J. Kirkpatrick Award 2013, and the 2010 TIAW World of Difference 100 Award.
What was the driving force that propelled your involvement in business?
I was continuously involved with the mainstream of the business world. I was elected the director of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) twice but I resigned during my second term to organize a chamber of commerce and industry for women, the BWCCI. After obtaining a temporary license for seven years, we grew into an organization of 6,000 members from all sectors with offices in seven divisions. Since its inception we have been working in the BWCCI to help facilitate the greater emergence of female entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.
From your years of experience in the field, how has the progression of women developed? How are you contributing to their development?
Our state has given equal rights to men and women and in the future this will lead to greater facilities for the latter. The constitutional laws for women are helping the cause for equality but there is still a great deal of ethical progress that needs to occur. The external pressures that are imposed by our society and backdated mindsets hamper the equality of women as contributors to our society. A women’s development into an entrepreneur and leader starts with education. I am currently working to build academies in Gazipur and my hometown, Comilla to help with the development of women.
What are some of the requirements for women to advance?
In our country there is a lack of safety and security. A simple example of this is the fact that women are wearing veils for protection as opposed to religious purposes. There needs to be greater implementation of laws which help women in these regards along with the proper punishments being applied to the offenders. The incidences of torturing women and claiming dowry are still matters of great concern and these practices must be eradicated. We must realize the economic contribution that women can create if they are given equal opportunity. In the next three years, we will ensure that 9,000 female entrepreneurs will know their rights and responsibilities. The Prime Minister and the government have taken the initiative and now it is time for women to raise their own voices.
You are working on creating better democratic rights. What is the status of this field? How are you working for this cause?
Democratic rights and development go hand in hand. Business development is a significant component in this. We need to develop human resources in order to progress a society. I am currently working on the methods through which the private sectors can contribute to society. I also believe that we must raise awareness of the rights that have been given to women. They are unaware of the laws that are in their favor and their fundamental rights. We are also working on sources of that are environmentally friendly and sources of renewable energy. In Haiti, we have built environmental facilities through which women are making traditional products to market in the mainstream. These projects need to expand throughout the world especially in developing nations.
