50 women entrepreneurs with disabilities receive training

Access Bangladesh Foundation with the support of EMK Center of the US embassy arranged a residential training programme on July 25-30 for women entrepreneurs with disabilities to engage them in the e-commerce platform, said a press release.

Selected 50 women entrepreneurs with disabilities from 17 districts under seven divisions received training in two batches.

Prof Imran Rahman, vice chancellor of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, attended the first batch training inauguration as the chief guest.

He stated that this is the ideal time to use technology to improve the lives of socially disadvantaged persons.

In her remarks as a special guest, Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), highlighted the need to discover the capabilities of women entrepreneurs with disabilities to change negative societal perceptions.

The 2nd batch training programme's chief guest, Manik Mahmood, head of Social Innovation and Operation Cluster, a2i, said the government is working to promote entrepreneurs.

Nasima Akter Nisa, founder and president of Women and e-commerce (WE), who was present as special guest, stated that they will provide support to women entrepreneurs with disabilities so that they can participate easily in the WE platform.

Nazrana Yeasmin Hira of MJF said by getting proper support women with disabilities can become self-reliant.

Iffat Zahan Pithia of a2i; Masiur Rahman, senior executive of CSR and sustainable development of corporate affairs; Md Ibrahim Kholil, executive acquisition-commercial of Daraz; and Dr Salma Parvin, director of the working committee of WE, provided a detailed presentation on the ways of engaging with their e-commerce platform.

Besides, Monowarol Islam Mamun, Litan Baruri and Md Shohel Rana also facilitated different sessions on enterprise, marketing strategy and online communication.

According to Albert Mollah, co-founder and executive director of Access Bangladesh Foundation, the major challenges faced by women entrepreneurs with disabilities include the difficulty to sell their products.

Its chairperson Mohua Paul also spoke on the occasion.