Publications

At the 2nd National Women Entrepreneurs Conference 2008, organized by the SME Foundation under the Ministry of Industries, a pivotal research presentation titled “Current Policy Regulations: Challenges and Opportunities for Women SMEs in Bangladesh” was delivered by the researcher and keynote presenter. The study offered a critical review of the policy and regulatory environment impacting women-led small and medium enterprises, identifying both enabling provisions and systemic barriers that shape their entrepreneurial journeys. Grounded in policy analysis and field-level evidence, the research highlighted key constraints faced by women entrepreneurs, including limited access to finance, complex registration and licensing procedures, low representation in trade bodies, and gaps in policy implementation. At the same time, it acknowledged emerging opportunities in the form of targeted SME policies, donor-backed capacity-building programs, and growing recognition of women’s role in inclusive economic growth. The keynote emphasized the need for a more coherent, gender-sensitive policy framework that bridges the gap between formal regulatory intentions and real-world practices. It called for institutional reforms, cross-agency coordination, and sustained investment in women’s enterprise development. This landmark contribution helped shape the national discourse on gender and enterprise, reinforcing the strategic importance of supporting women SMEs as a catalyst for Bangladesh’s economic transformation.

 

Author: Syeda Farzana Morshed