WEAB-Activities

Ongoing recruitment for UN Women Rohingya Capacity building project in Cox' Bazar

Career Opportunity:

1. Regional Project Manager

2. Project Accounts and Logistics Officer

3. Office Assistant

Apply with CV and Cover Letter addressing to Project Director

A “HELP DESK” has been set up by the WEAB to include its members in the "Stimulus Grand Scheme" package announced by the government to help women entrepreneurs affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. Those who want to avail of loan facilities or other business benefits can contact WEAB. WEAB members will be assisted in taking this incentive with various banks through the joint collaboration of WEAB and FBCCI.

WEAB members will be assisted in taking this incentive with various banks through the joint collaboration of WEAB and FBCCI.

COVID-19 Response:

1. WEAB is proceeding a baseline survey to highlight the Challenges/Crisis of mSME/SME Women Entrepreneur & Self Employment Business owners in the different districts of Bangladesh

2. WEAB is supporting the minorities (Hill Tracts - Small Business Owners and their families) by providing foods

3. WEAB is trying to incorporate Ministry of Industry of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Bank to incorporate affected women entrepreneur regarding the Grant Scheme (already declared by the Government of Bangladesh) to support mSME/SME/Cottage Women Entrepreneur

4. In the Post Pandemic response of COVID-19, WEAB will promote and sell the products of affected women from remote areas through SHEUTI with an objective to sustain their business

5. In the Post Pandemic response of COVID-19, WEAB is preparing an action plan to provide training/workshops on Health awareness issues and Skill Development with an objective to ensure a protective working environment and reduction of poverty.

6. WEAB is trying to incorporate affected Women Entrepreneur to sell their products in different Online Marketing Portal

November 26-30, 2019 (Training on Making of Diversified Jute Products & its Marketing in Sherpur

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony held on 23 May 2019 (Thursday) at 12 PM in Sheuti Training Institute between Women Entrepreneur Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) & LINKUS. The signatory representatives were Ms. Nasreen Fatema Awal, Founder President, Women Entrepreneur Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) and Mr. Ye Liang, Chairperson, LINKUS. The objective of this MOU is supporting women entrepreneur to access the local market by using digital platform, product promotion through live video, digital marketing & sales, networking, live covering of all events and access to global market. Women entrepreneur need to use the LINKUS App for all services.
Beneficiaries of this MOU are women entrepreneur from different districts and upozilla who can sell their products by using this LINKUS digital platform. They can show their products demo to the customers, display their products globally, and will encourage them to being business owners. It will help SME women to mitigate the middlemen interruption with proper revenue and will help to increase the number of entrepreneurs which will put impact on income generation and overall economy of the nation.
Shahruk Rahman, President, Salma Masud, Former 1st Vice President, and Nazma Akhter, Secretary along with nembers of the association were also seen on the occasion

Nasreen Fatema Awal, Founder President of Women Entrepreneur Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) addresses a press conference titled “Proposal for national budget 2019-20” organized by WEAB in the capital on 16th May, 2019. Shahruk Rahman, President, Asfa Hossain, 1st Vice President, and Rehana Ashraf, 2nd Vice President along with nembers of the association were also seen on the occasion

Was invited as a panel speaker for the FCEM world Committee meeting organized by Armenian Young Women’s Association (AYWA), Women Entrepreneurs Network in Armenia (WENA) and World Association of Women Entrepreneurs (FCEM) in Yerevan, Armenia held from 25th to 28th April, 2019. The meeting was launched by the Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Nikol Pashinyan. Also present in the meeting was the Minister of Economy Development and Investment, Mr. Tigran Khachatryan, and Maria Christine Oghly, FCEM World President. The topic was Environmental and Social Business for women entrepreneurs and we discussed on what are the new opportunities for women entrepreneurs in this field, challenges and how it can be overcome.

Boishakhi Mela 1426 fair at Sheuti organized by Women Entrepreneur Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) from 8th to 10th April 2019

Activities

Response on COVID-19 crisis: Women Entrepreneur Association of Bangladesh (WEAB)

Background:

In Bangladesh, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Particularly Women entrepreneur are facing a big loss because of this pandemic effect. 84% SME entrepreneur’s shutdown their businesses, rest 16% are in very much vulnerable state. Since the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the supply chain, about 76% produced goods of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) valued at Tk 6.75 lakh each revenue has dropped by 67% in 2020 compared to the previous year. However, the average reduction of revenue for all SMEs is 66% in 2020 compared to 2019. 84% goods produced by the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) entrepreneurs remain unsold and the value of unsold goods is around Tk7 lakh each. While only 16% of SMEs were open.

It was 38.24% in cases of handicrafts and rural SMEs were opened by 11.40%, the report showed. On an economically viable optimal length of lockdown from SME point of view, enterprises can sustain about a month paying all bills, while most of the workers are not sure if they will be paid after one month of shutdown. 230 SME respondents from all over Bangladesh covering industries involving Trading & Production (48.4%) that includes Perishable & Grains, Poultry, Dairy, Fisheries, Jute Diversified Products, and Retail Store; and Service Industry (51.6%) that includes food catering, electrician services, laundry, beauty salon, MFS agent, and restaurants, 28% SMEs have seen revenue drop by at least 50%, while 52% SMEs have locks hung over their businesses generating no revenue at all.

Bangladesh Government declared ‘Stimulus Grant Package’ of 20,000 CR. BDT for helping the SME Sector to survive this pandemic situation.

Response on COVID-19 crisis by Women Entrepreneur Association of Bangladesh (WEAB)

1. WEAB has conducted a baseline survey to highlight the Challenges/Crisis of mSME/SME Women Entrepreneur & Self Employment Business owners in the different districts of Bangladesh

Medium of survey: In this context of survey, WEAB has conducted Online Video Calling and Telephonic discussions with women entrepreneur to find out the actual picture of suffering occurred by COVID-19

Outcomes:

Around 80% Business enterprises are shut down
20% business enterprises are in survival state

Reason:

No sales due to lockdown
Loss of investment
Damage of inventory goods
Breaking of supply chain
Lack of knowledge & facilities on Online Marketing

Consequence:

Financial Crisis
Job Insecurity & Job Less
Huge amount of dues to reimburse (Loan/Mortgage/Installment)

South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF), Women Entrepreneur Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) in partnership with ICIMOD has conducted a Regional Survey on Impact Assessment of COVID-19 on Women Entrepreneurs in all SAARC Countries

Medium of survey: In this context of survey, WEAB has conducted an online survey in Bangladesh particularly in Agro, Tourism, and Handicrafts sectors. In total 100 women entrepreneur has attended the same survey from WEAB network in Bangladesh.

Outcomes:

Around 75% Business enterprises are shut down
25% business enterprises are in survival state

Reason:
No sales due to lockdown
Damage of inventory goods
Breaking of supply chain
Lack of knowledge & facilities on Online Marketing
No shipment
Loss of buyers
Loss of investment

Consequence:

Shut down of businesses
Changes of Marketing strategies
Less hour of business activities
Financial Crisis
Job Insecurity & Job Less
Huge amount of dues to reimburse (Loan/Mortgage/Installment)

3. WEAB has supported the minorities (Hill Tracts women entrepreneur - Small Business Owners and their families respectively in Bandarban, Khagrachori, Lalmatia) by providing relief foods and cash

4. WEAB has supported the vulnerable groups of women entrepreneur in Bangladesh by providing relief food, cash, and materials respectively in Gazipur, Tongi, Narayanganj, Narshingdi, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Rongpur, Chittagong, Cumilla, Dhaka, Sherpur, Dinajpur, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Khulna, and Jashor

5. WEAB is trying to incorporate vulnerable women entrepreneur with Bangladesh Bank/Private Banks/Financial institute in accessing to finance by including in the Grant Scheme which has declared by the Government of Bangladesh to support mSME/SME/Cottage sector in Bangladesh.

6. WEAB has introduced COVID-19 Help Desk to support women entrepreneur in such tough time by liaison with government officials/Banks in access to finance and other facilities. Through this Help Desk already 10 women entrepreneur in Rajshahi Division already access the Grant Scheme Support loan from Shonali Bank and EBL others are in process. The access amount of loan is minimum 3 LAC BDT to 15 LAC BDT

7. WEAB is promoting and sells the products of affected women from remote areas through SHEUTI in the capital city of Dhaka with an objective to sustain their business

8. WEAB is providing online counseling on Health awareness issues to ensure a protective working environment for women entrepreneur

9. WEAB is trying to incorporate affected Women Entrepreneur to sell their products in different Online Marketing Portal such as Linkus

10. WEAB is arranging online meeting/workshop to create awareness building among vulnerable groups of women entrepreneur

a. Most Common Challenges faced by MSME/SME Women Entrepreneur in Bangladesh by the outbreak of COVID-19

Relief packages by Women Entrepreneur Association of Bangladesh (WEAB):

The Outbreak of COVID-19 affects sturdily to the CMSME Sector in Bangladesh. Around 80% CMSME women owned businesses got shut down and rest are in very vulnerable state. In the response of COVID-19 crisis, Women Entrepreneur Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) is supporting women and women CMSME sector in Bangladesh by given Food Relief, Financial aid and Sewing Machine to the vulnerable women entrepreneurs.

Caption: Donation of Sewing Machine to the CMSME Women Entrepreneur respective in Sherpur, Jessore, Rajshahi, Narayangonj, Dinajpur, Jamalpur, Cox’s Bazar, Rongpur, Joypurhat, Mymensingh

Acid Burn Victims:

WEAB always has agenda to work with Acid Victims women, previously we helped acid victim's women to regain her life and shelter and this renovation program is still in process.

Sidr:

In sidr disaster, WEAB have helped the victim women. WEAB have helped those who has lost their Husbands and House, WEAB helped them by build 20 houses, and also helped the fishermen by distributing Fishing Net.

Rana Plaza Collapse:

WEAB is working to protect the suffering families and women by given job and shelter.

Stop Early Marriage:

WEAB is giving full support to make awareness to stop early marriage and the marriage age of girls should be above 18.

Violence against Women:

WEAB always stand against the violence of women, we are doing awareness building campaign and rally to protect women against rape, torture.

Widow:

WEAB also working to develop the Entrepreneurship of Widow Women to make them Solvent.

Business Barriers:

Resolving the regulatory barriers through advocacy and technical suggestions in VAT, TAX, DUTIES, and TERRIF.

CHANCE WORKSHOP-MARKETING THROUGH THE INTERNET

The SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council(SCWEC) hosted a Workshop entitled “Businesswomen’s Associations-Marketing through the Internet” , on the 2^nd -3^rd October 2010 at Dhaka, in collaboration with InWEnt, an organization based in Bonn, Germany.The aim of this Workshop was to demystify the Internet and provide information on how the Internet can be used for marketing. The participants were mainly from Bangladesh and a few from the other SAARC countries, all leaders of Businesswomen’s Associations.

Awards Presented by WEAB

21^th February 2010: WEAB executive Member Sufia Pashari Parul arranged a cultural event at the Sufia Kamal Auditorium at the Bangladesh National Museum Shahid Hannan-Mannan Sriti

WEAB President Mrs. Rehana Rahman and executive member Sultana Azad were awarded at this ceremony. The Chief Guest was Nasreen Awal Mintoo.

Special Awards for WEAB members:

The Business Express awarded WEAB President Rehana Rahman and Founder President Nasreen Awal Mintoo as the Best Women Entrepreneur of the Year 2009.

The Celibest Magazine awarded Nasreen Awal Mintoo as the Special Woman Entrepreneur.

31^th March 2010: WEAB Adviser and Founder President Nasreen Awal Mintoo was awarded by the Sylhet City Corporation for special contribution to the development of Women Entrepreneurs in the Sylhet region.

Participation in Fairs in Bangladesh and abroad.

11^th-14^th April 2010: Expo-Net organized Women Festival Fair at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel that was attended by Mrs. Gulnahar Begum, Mrs. Sufia Pashari Parul, Mrs Ruby Ali Damal and Marium Kabir.

25^th-28^th May 2010: Bangladesh Single Country Trade Fair in Toronto, Canada was attended by Executive Member Sharmin Akhter.

6^th-10^th June 2010: China's Kunming Fair was attended by Kohinoor Begum, Sharmin Akhter, Farida Begum, Eliza Parveen, and Lucky.

6^th-19^th June 2010: "China Commodity Fair" in Kunming, China was attended by Mrs. Farida Begum, Mrs Salina Akter Banu, Mrs. Israth Jahan Ratna and Mrs Yeasmin Chowdhury.

2nd-10^th June 2009: Mrs Sharmin Akhter and Mrs Hasna Begum participated in the "Made in Bangladesh" Fair held in the USA on behalf of WEAB.

July 2009: WEAB member Mrs. Farida Begum received the Moulana Bhasani Gold Award for Best Women Entrepreneur of 2009.

20^th August 2009: Arthokontho Bangladesh Limited organized 2008 Best Women Entrepreneur Award Ceremony at the Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka. The award for Best Women Entrepreneur 2008 was given to WEAB General Secretary Mrs. Hena Khan Ponni and member Mrs Farida Begum.

11^th-14^th September 2009: Seminar held at 9th SAARC meeting in Thimphu, Bhutan was attended by General Secretary Mrs. Hena Khan Ponni and the Trade Fair was attended by Mrs Rokeya Rizvi

9^th-10^th October 2009: Former President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo was present at the "Leaders in India Business Forum" in Mumbai.

New Members

Mrs Nahid Osman, Art Club Bangladesh, Mrs Ruksana Ameer, M/s Padma Group and Mrs Rumana Yasmin were awarded membership.

Activities by date

25th^th September 2010: Eid reunion and executive committee meeting of WEAB was held on 25th September 2010. The event took place at Progati tower, PRP tower karwan bazaar, Dhaka. The meeting was presided by Rehana Rahman. Election date and the name of nominee were announced in the meeting.

4^th January 2010: Current President of WEAB Mrs. Rehana Rahman, former President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, Jahanara Ansari, Hena Khan Ponni, Sultana Azad, Farida Begum, Sharmin Akhter and Sufia Pashari Parul met with the Chairperson of SME Foundation Mr. Aftabul Islam. Issues like training for women entrepreneurs and SME loan services were discussed. A recommendation of proposals on Women Entrepreneur’s Development was placed in the meeting by WEAB members

8^th February 2010: Federation organized “Strengthening of FBCCI Research Base Agricultural Products and Agro Processing" that was attended by Veena Ahmed.

13^th February 2010: A meeting was held in honour of H.E. Mr Abdullah Gul President of the Republic of Turkey and Members of the Business Delegation and arranged by the FBCCI was attended by current WEAB President Mrs. Rehana Rahman and former President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo .

28^th February 2010: In accordance with Section 28 of the Constitution of the Federation, a general meeting was arranged for Constitutional Amendment at the Diploma Engineering Institute at Kakrail, Dhaka at 3 pm and attended by current WEAB President Mrs. Rehana Rahman and former President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo.

8^th March 2010: On the eve of the 100th International Women Day, Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo lit a candle on behalf of WEAB at the first light of dawn as a mark of the promise to break the darkness surrounding each woman. This occasion was arranged by Amrai Pari Paribarik Nirjaton Pratirodh Jote.

10^th March 2010: The Federation arranged an event to distribute articles among the poor with a view to encourage “Self-sufficiency through Entrepreneurship” at the Diploma Engineering Institute at Kakrail, Dhaka at 3 pm. Sufia Pashari Parul attended the ceremony on behalf of WEAB.

10^th April 2010: The 10^th Annual General Meeting of WEAB was held at Gulshan Ladies Club, Dhaka with Mrs Rehana Rahman as the chair. A total of 41 members were present from Dhaka and outside Dhaka.

17^th April 2010: WEAB President Mrs. Rehana Rahman was present at the event arranged by the Federation on the budget for the fiscal year 2010-2011.

20^th April 2010: 5 members from WEAB were elected by the Federation for the list of general members. They were Mrs Rehana Rahman, Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, Mrs. Shahruk Rahman, Mrs. Sultana Azad and Mrs. Parveen Momtaz Shabnam.

2nd May 2010: The Commerce Ministry arranged a meeting for the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on the restored National Task Force at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Conference Room. It was presided by the press secretary and attended by Mrs. Rehana Rahman.

25^th May 2010: Export Promotion Bureau organized a training and seminar (NTP) on Access to Export Trade by Women Entrepreneurs that was attended by Marium Kabir and Shamima Akhter.

2nd June 2010: A seminar was held on Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries sponsored BICF Business Confidence Survey. Participants included Farhana Sharmin and Veena Ahmed.

13^th - 17^th June 2010: Dhaka Chamber of Commerce organized the DCCI-WIPO Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop on Intellectual Property and Business Development that was attended by Shamima Akhter and Sufia Pashari Parul.

15^th January 2009: The AGM and the election held at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel. 21 new members of the executive committee took over from the old committee. A dinner was arranged where all the members of the old and new committee were present. Honourable Commerce Minister Lt Col (Retd) Faruk Khan was in attendance as the chief guest.

24^th February 2009: On 24^th February, Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, the former president of WEAB, along with 21 executive members met the Honourable Minster, Ministry of Industries, Mr. Dilip Barua and discussed several key activities of WEAB.

8^th March 2009: President of WEAB, Mrs. Rehana Rahman, former President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, first Vice President Mrs. Shahruk Rahman, and second vice President Mrs. Jahanara Ansar, Mrs Hena khan Ponni and some executive members met general secretary of FBCCI, Mr Arefin and discussed several issues regarding WEAB and SCWEC.

12^th March 2009: President of WEAB, Mrs. Rehana Rahman, former President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, first Vice President Mrs. Shahruk Rahman, and second vice President Mrs. Jahanara Ansar, Editor, Mrs. Hena Khan Ponni and some executive members met Honourable Trade minister and discussed activities of WEAB.

11^th April 2009: On 11^th April 2009, an open discussion meeting was held at Anchor Tower with the representatives from outside Dhaka. The meeting was conducted by former President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo. General Secretary Mrs. Hena Khan Ponni and Treasurer Mrs. Sultana Azad also attended the meeting. Mrs. Anjuman Ara Lipi, Mrs Shahida Begum, Mrs. Zeba Parvin, Mrs. Farida Begum, Mrs. Anita Dasgupta, Mrs. Hosne Ara Begum and Mrs. Khurshid Ara Haq joined the meeting as representatives from outside Dhaka.

20^th April 2009: Mrs. Hena Khan Ponni, Mrs. Selina Akhter, Mrs. Razia Jaher and Mrs. Nafisa Akbar of WEAB attended a seminar organised by Trade Promotion Bureau regarding 'Entry to Trade Fair for Women Entrepreneurs'.

24^th-28^th May 2009: SME Fair organised by FBCCI at China-Bangladesh Friendship Hall. At the closing ceremony, women entrepreneurs were given SME award. WEAB member from Bagura, Zakia Sultana, and from Dhaka Nahida Sharmin were honoured by the award.

30^th May 2009: WEAB and America Bar Association organised a round table meeting on abusement of woman in their family in Bangladesh.

18^th June 2009: A round table discussion was held at the BIAM Auditorium, Dhaka. The topic for discussion was the need to improve the rights of women entrepreneurs. At the meeting Industries Minister Mr. Dilip Barua, former finance adviser Mirza Azizul Islam and Member of Parliament Mrs. Rasheda Begum Hira were in attendance. Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, the former president of WEAB, General Secretary Mrs. Hena Khan Ponni, Mrs. Farida Begum and Mrs Sharmin Akhter represented WEAB. The relevant aspects of the budget were discussed.

23^th july 2009: A workshop jointly organized by SME Foundation and Mutual Trust Bank Ltd. was held to encourage women entrepreneurs engaged in the SME industries to take SME loans. The main objectives for the event were to generate awareness among women entrepreneurs about the process of obtaining SME loans and to encourage the use of these loans to expand their business activities. WEAB members Mrs. Nazma Akhter and Mrs. Zayeda Begum were in attendance.

27^th August 2009: On 27^th August 2009, WEAB President Mrs. Rehana Rahman, former President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, first Vice President Mrs. Shahruk Rahman, second Vice President Mrs. Jahanara Ansar, General Secretary Mrs. Hena Khan Ponni and other members met Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus at Grameen Bank Office and discussed various activities of WEAB.

11^th-13^th October 2009: Mrs. Nazma Akhter and Mrs. Salma Khatun attended a 3-day long workshop on “Entrepreneurship Development Training Course” organized by Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC).

12^thNovember 2009: Mrs Melanne Verveer from USA, Saba Gori, Office of Women’s Issues, US Department of State, Ambassador (ret) Lauren Moriarty, Heather Variava and Alexander Gazis of the US Embassy, and various WEAB members along with guests Mrs. Geetiara Safia Chowdhury, Mrs. Rasheda K Chowdhury, Barrister Tania Amir and Mrs. Laila Kabir attended a meeting at the Ridas Centre. Mrs Melanne Verveer was the chief guest while Heather Variava was the special guest for the meeting.

7^thDecember 2009: A workshop titled "SME Financing for Women Entrepreneurs" was organised by the SME Foundation at the Bangladesh Bank Auditorium at Mirpur-2, Dhaka. 14 WEAB members participated in the event.

7^th-8^thDecember 2009: SME Foundation and DCCI jointly organised the SME Financing Fair 2009 at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel. The fair was inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Executive members and other members of WEAB were present at the inauguration ceremony.

9^thDecember 2009: A training programme on COP of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) BEI Conference was attended by second Vice President Mrs. Jahanara Ansar, General Secretary Mrs. Hena Khan Ponni and Mrs. Selina Akhter.

12^thDecember 2009: On the occasion of "World Human Rights Day 2009" Bangladesh Manabadhikar Bastabayan Shangstha organized an event on the "Need for the State to be held Responsible to the Citizens for the Preservation of Human Rights". First Vice President of WEAB Mrs. Shahruk Rahman was present as the Special Guest.

24^thDecember 2009: Alliance for Women Workers' Rights organized Consultation Meeting on Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace at the CWCS Seminar Room. In attendance were WEAB members Mrs Sufia Pashari Parul, Mrs Ruby Ali Damal and Mrs Mahfil Ara Shaheli and Executive Officer Mrs Rokeya Khatun.

22^th-25^th Feb 2008 : Four day long training Workshop on”Marketing and Sales Promotion Organized by WEAB & SCITI supported by TA SMESDP Project,Ministry of Industries held in Dinajpur. Dinajpur Chamber Of Commerce and Industry ‘s Vice President was present as Chief Guest in the Closing Session.

19^th-21^th Feb 2008 : Three day long training Workshop on Export Marketing For SME jointly organized by WEAB and BIM supported by TA SMESDP Project Ministry of Industries in Rajshahi. Where Vice President of Rajshahi Chamber Of Commerce &Industry was present as Chief Guest in the Closing Ceremony.

14^th-29^th Feb 2008 : Around 8 WEAB Members has participated SME Women Entrepreneur’s Fair organized by SME Foundation in Bashundhara City. Wide variety of products manufactured by women entrepreneur like fabrics embroided ladies, gents and Children’s clothes, bangles, bags, cushions, herbal cosmetics, home décor etc are selling and exhibiting in the fair. Secretary of Ministry of Industries Mr. Nurul Amin inaugurated the fair as Chief Guest.Where WEAB President Ms Nasreen Awal Mintoo was present as Guest of Honour.

13^th February 2008: WEAB and SCWEC Members Ms Shahruk Rahman, Ms Naaz Farhana Ahmed, Ms Sajeda Minhaz Mukul and Ms Sharif Sene Shembil participated the Seminar on “Globalization –A Boon for women’s Integration “in New Delhi organized by SCWEC.

13^th February 2008: Around 96 WEAB members from 18 district and 6 division attended “2nd National SME Women Entrepreneur Conference-2008-Empowering Women Entrepreneur Towards a Share Economic Growth.” in Sonargaon Hotel organized by SME Foundation. Hon’ble Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed was present as Chief Guest and WEAB President Ms. Nasreen Awal Mintoo was present as Guest of Honour and delivered her speech on Working Session of Access to Finance - challenges and opportunities for Women Entrepreneur under this conference.

8^th February 2008: WEAB Dinajpur's Yearly Planning Meeting held where WEAB President Ms Nasreen Awal Mintoo was present as Chief Guest, Chairman, Municipality and Vice President, Dinajpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry were present as Special Guest.

3rd-6^th February 2008: Four day long technical and business management training on poultry in Sylhet organized by WEAB supported by SEDF.

29^thth-31^th December 2007: Three day long training workshop on Export Marketing for SME in Cox’s Bazar jointly organized by WEAB and BIM supported by TASMESDP project Ministry of Industries.

15^th-18^th December 2007: Three day long training workshop on Export Marketing for SME in Sylhet organized by WEAB and BIM supported by TA SMESDP project of Ministry of Industries and also WEAB Sylhet and BSCIC jointly organized by Bijoy Dibosh Mela in Sylhet.

13^th December 2007: WEAB President Ms. Nasreen Awal Mintoo distributed fishing net, blanket and dry food among 600 SIDOR hit families of Baliatari Village in Borguna District .WEAB EC members Kohinoor Chowdhury, Sultana Azad, Amatun Noor Shilpi, Technical Adviser Momtaz Faruqui Chowdhury, Barisal WEAB's Chief Coordinator Ms. Shaheda Begum, Secretary Rabeka Sultana and Treasurer Ms. Monoprova participated and also built 20 houses in same village.

15^th-18^th November 2007: Four day long technical and business management training on poultry in Rajshahi organized by WEAB supported by SEDF.

4^th-7^th November 2007: Four day long technical and business management training on poultry in Rajbari organized by WEAB supported by SEDF.

1^th-^5thNovember 2007: Five days long training workshop on “Snacks Production and Marketing” organized by WEAB, supported by TA SMESDP Project by Ministry of Industries.

27_th-31^th October 2007: 5-day long training workshop on ‘New Business Creation” organized by WEAB and SCITI, supported by TA SMESDP Project, Ministry of Industries, in Bramonbaria

23-27 September 2007: 5-day long training workshop on “Jam jelly Production and Marketing” in Barisal organized by WEAB supported by TA SMESDP Project Ministry of Industries. In 23rd September, WEAB Barisal Chapter has inaugurated.

8-10 September 2007: WEAB, Sylhet organized 3-day long training workshop on “Financial Management for SME” under TASMESDP project, Ministry of Industries.

2nd September 2007: WEAB Members distributed flood relief among 100 families in Shipahibagh.

1-3 September 2007:¦3-day long training workshop on “Financial Management for SME” organized by WEAB and SCITI supported by TA SMESDP project under Ministry of Industries.

19-23 August 2007: 5-Day long training workshop on “ SME Product Costing and Pricing” organized by WEAB and SCITI supported by TA SMESDP Project, Ministry of Industries in Dhaka.

11 August 2007: The Ministry of Industries has launched an SME helpline Centre in the Head Office of WEAB under a TA project of the Asian Development Bank(ADB) titled SME Sector Development Program (SMESDP).

27 May 2007: WEAB and SCWEC jointly organized a seminar on SAARC Economic Connectivity-Post Delhi Declaration Perspectives. Hon’ble Barrister Mainul Hosein, Former Adviser of the Caretaker Government present as Chief Guest, former Advisers Mr. Shafi Sami and Ms. Sultana Kamala and First Secretary Head of Political, Trade, Economic, Press & Information Section of European Union Mr. Charles Whiteley from the European Union present as Special Guests. Welcome speech given by Ms Nasreen Awal Mintoo.. Ms. Indira Dutt, SCWEC’s Current Chairperson, present the key note paper.

13 April 2007: WEAB organized a Baishakhi Mela on Car Parking of Anchor Tower.

19 February 2007: Weab Rajshahi President Ms Anjumen Ara Pervin participated a conference in Bangkok organized by APO.

16 February 2007: WEAB President Ms. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, Vice President Ms. Naz Farhana Ahmed , Second Vice President Ms Sajeda Minhaz Mukul and SCWEC Secretary Coordinator Ms Shahruk Rahman has participated 2nd SAARC Business Leader Conclave at Mumbai organized by SCCI in collaboration with FPCCI & FICCI. Hon’ble Minister for external Affairs Government of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Conclave.

17 February 2007: WEAB President Mrs Nasreen Awal Mintoo, Vice President Ms Naaz Farhana Ahmed , Second Vice President Ms Sajeda Minhaz Mukul and SCWEC Secretary Coordinator Ms Shahruk Rahman has participated the 4th Executive Committee Meeting of SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council(SCWEC) in Mumbai.

27 May, 2007, SCWEC – WEAB Dialogue on SAARC Economic Connectivity: Post Delhi Declaration Perspectives: Born out of the 14th SAARC Summit the seminar discussed and assessed the various aspects of economic connectivity within the SAARC Countries. As guests WEAB welcomed Hon’ble Barrister Mainul Hosein, Adviser of the Caretaker Government as well as the former Advisers Mr. Shafi Sami and Ms. Sultana Kamal. Further guest was Charles Whiteley from the European Union.

22 April, 2007 SEDF – IFC and WEAB signed an agreement to provide support for women farmers and entrepreneur in the poultry sector. In focus on their roles to promote the private sector and to provide services for women entrepreneur. IFC and WEAB work together to smooth the way for a competitive and sustainable poultry farming in Bangladesh.

27-28 February, 2007 WEAB President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, Vice President Mrs. Naz Farhana Ahmed, Second Vice President Mrs. Sajeda Minhaz Mukul and SCWEC Secretary Coordinator Mrs. Shahruk Rahman has participated the 2nd SAARC Business Leader Conclave in Mumbai organized by SCCI in collaboration with FPCCI & FICCI. Hon’ble Minister for external Affairs Govt. of India Mr. Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Conclave.

16 February, 2007 WEAB President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, Vice President Mrs. Naz Farhana Ahmed , Second Vice President Mrs. Sajeda Minhaz Mukul and SCWEC Secretary Coordinator Mrs. Shahruk Rahman has participated in the 4th Executive Committee Meeting of SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council(SCWEC) in Mumbai.

5, July 2006 Inauguration ceremony of SAARC Chamber Village outlet in Kathmandu, Nepal. This outlet where women from all SAARC countries can display their goods and present information about themselves. This type of outlet will open in other SAARC countries very soon.

5, May 2006 WEAB and Katalyest have recently signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on certain areas to address gender issues at macro level.

25-27, April 2006: SCWEC—3rd Executive Meeting of SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council and Maldives Women Entrepreneur Council Trade fair were held on 25-27 April 2006 in Male, Maldives.

23 July, 2006: WEAB members participated the “English language and computer training course” organized by Ministry of Industry to focus on strategic support to SME sector, training and capacity Building.

6 – 10 June , 2006: WEAB Member Farida Begum, Ishrat Jahan, Jahanara Anser, Shirin Akhter, Nafisa Akbar participate China Kunming import and export commodity fair.

14 – 21 May, 2006: WEAB Member – Naaz Farhana Ahmed (Vice President), Ruby Ali Damal, Taslima Siddiqui participate Training Programme for Women Entreprenerus among OIC member Countries under the Malaysian Technical co-operation Programme (MTCP) Kualalumpur, Malaysia.

10 – 14 May , 2006: WEAB Member Rashida Shermin participated the 3rd Malaysian International Halah Showcase (MIHAS-2006) at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

10 – 13 May, 2006: WEAB Member – Mrs. Veena Ahmed and Ms. Fauzia Amin Neena, participated the D8 Trade Exhibition in Bali, Indonesia.

18 April, 2006: WEAB and EBL jointly organized a day long workshop on “Development of SMES and Access to Finance” at Gulshan Club. Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, Managing Director of PKSF as Chief Guest. Mr. K. Mahmood Sattar, Managing Director and CEO of Eastern Bank Limited as Special Guest were present. Women Entrepreneur from Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Barishal, Gazipur, Hill Tract, Rajbari, Rajshahi more then 60 entrepreneur attended the workshop.

15 April, 2006: Annual General Meeting of WEAB 2005 was held at Anchor Tower.

14 March, 2006: Gala Award Night organized by Women Entrepreneur Association of Bangladesh in celebration of the International women’s day. The Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Barrister Moudud Ahmed as Chief guest and Mr. Mir Shahabuddin Mohammad, Vice Chairman, EPB, Pioneer educationist Rokeya Mannan were present as special guest in this mega event. Among the discussants High Commissioner of India, H.E. Veena Sikri, High Commissioner of Canada, H. E. Barbara Rechardson, Editor of Anannya, Mrs. Tasmima Hossain, Founder and Executive Director of Democracy Watch, Mrs. Taleya Rehman, Team Leader of Manusher Jonno, Mrs. Shahin Anam were also present. WEAB recognized eight successful entrepreneur for their accomplishment. They are --

Shahnaz Parvin                         Rajshahi

Musammat Shahida Begum    Barisal

Anjuman Ara Begum                 Narayanganj

Naieu Prue Marma                   Rangamati

Shagufta Sultana                    Rajbari

Khurshed Ara Haque              Cox’sBazar

Ashrafun Siddiqui                  Dhaka

Joya Pati                                Special Achievement

22nd March 2006: President of WEAB, Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo attended a meeting of Indian business leaders in Tajmahal Hotel New Delhi, India as a female business delegate of hon’ble Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to address Bangladeshi concerns in the growing trade gap between the neighboring countries.

19 March 2006: Gala Award Night for successful Women Entrepreneur on the occasion of International Nare Dibash in Gulshan Club, Dhaka.

12 – 14 February 2006: Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, President of WEAB, ATM Alamgir, Chairman of Bangladesh Commerce Bank, Raja Javed Ali Bhatti, Azhar Sultan distributing relief goods among the earthquake victims in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

30 December 2005: Women Handicraft Fair – 2005, organized by WEAB Rajshahi.

12 December 2005: Round table discussion on “Constrains of Export from the Perspective of Women Entrepreneur and its Way out”, with Chief Guest Begum Khurshid Zahan Haque (H.E. Minister for Women and Children Affairs), organized by WEAB.

27 November 2005: Members of WEAB and SWEC were greeting the newly elected Chairperson of SAARC Summit, Begum Khaleda Zia (H.E. Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh).

02 – 04 June 2005: Second Executive Regional Conference of SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council (SCWEC) in Kathmandu, Nepal.

27 April 2005: Discussion Meeting with Dr. Selina Ahsan, Chairman of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) on “How Women Entrepreneur could improve their Empowerment and Self-Confidence”, in the WEAB Head Office, Dhaka.

14 April 2005: WEAB organized Pohela Boishakh.

01 – 04 March 2005: A delegation of women entrepreneur of WEAB attended the First Forum of Business Women in OIC countries, organized by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) at Sharjah, UAE.

2005: Donation of relief goods among the flood victim of Hobigonj.

22 August 2004: Executive Committee Meeting of SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council (SCWEC) in Delhi, India.

14 – 16 June 2004: WEAB stall at Bangladesh Trade Show Toronto, Canada.

2 March 2004: Award giving ceremony for the best Women Entrepreneur from the SAARC Countries and from all regional parts of Bangladesh, who inspired other women as a role model. The ceremony was jointly organized by WEAB and SWEC.

22 – 24 March 2004: Inauguration ceremony of Regional Conference of SAARC Women Entrepreneur Council (SWEC) and SAARC Village Fair.

22 June 2003: Information session on ASIA Invest Program 2003 of European Union Commission, organized by WEAB.

05 June 2003: WEAB organized Meahdi Usab.

20 – 23 March 2003: Bangladesh Trade Fair, Myanmar.

22 November 2001: International Women Entrepreneur meet and conference (Consortium Women Entrepreneur of India, CWEI).

14 November 2001: Inauguration ceremony of WEAB, Shilpa Mela.

10 November 2001: Inauguration ceremony of WEAB Sales and Display Center.

Activities in regional offices

16. February 2006: Inauguration Ceremony of WEAB, Rajsbari.

30. November 2004: Opening ceremony of WEAB Rajshahi regional office.

22. May 2002: Inauguration ceremony of WEAB, Gazipur.

22. April 2002: Inauguration ceremony of WEAB, Sheripur Branch.

30. October 2001: Inauguration ceremony of WEAB, Chittagong.

Training / Workshop activities

2^nd-3^rd October 2010: The SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council(SCWEC) hosted a Workshop entitled “Businesswomen’s Associations-Marketing through the Internet” , on the 2^nd -3^rd October 2010 at Dhaka, in collaboration with InWEnt, an organization based in Bonn, Germany dedicated to international human resource development. The aim of this Workshop was to demystify the Internet and provide information on how the Internet can be used for marketing. The participants were mainly from Bangladesh and a few from the other SAARC countries, all leaders of Businesswomen’s Associations. It is expected that the participants will in turn transfer the knowledge gained at the Workshop to other women entrepreneurs, thereby enabling many more women to understand the Internet and benefit from it.

4^th January 2010: SME Foundation organized the day long Gender Sensitizing Training for Bankers in Bogra. 5 WEAB members took part in the training.

26^th-30^th January 2010: WEAB, in association with SME Foundation, organized Training on Making bags, dolls and flowers from Jute and Jute products at Moulvi Bazar. Panel Mayor Kama Siddiqui was the Chief Guest at the Inauguration Ceremony.

28^thFebruary 2010: WEAB Computer Centre in Sylhet was inaugurated by former President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo. Prottoy Director Mr Abu Zafar, Computer students, Journalists and WEAB Cox’s Bazaar’s President and Vice President were present during the ceremony. WEAB Centres were opened in Saint Martin and Madaripur.

7^th-11^thMarch 2010: Training on Fashion Design at Cox’s Bazar.

14^th-18^thMarch 2010: Training on Fashion Design in Rajshahi.

20^th-31^thMarch 2010: day long Training on Jute Product Processing and Marketing was held at Sylhet. Closing Ceremony and Certificate distribution was attended by WEAB President Mrs. Rehana Rahman, first Vice President Mrs. Shahruk Rahman and former President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo.

24^th-28^thMarch 2010: Training at Dinajpur on Jute and Jute Products. The event was graced by the presence of the Honourable Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Industries.

27^th-31^thMarch 2010: Training on Fashion Design in Moulvi Bazar.

31^thMarch 2010: WEAB Computer Centre in Sylhet was inaugurated. The ceremony was attended by WEAB President Mrs. Rehana Rahman, former President Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, first Vice President Mrs. Shahruk Rahman and Rakibul Islam from the SME Foundation. Sylhet City Corporation's Panel Mayor Mr Shahjahan Ali, Counsellor and Sylhet Lawyers' Association President and local people were also present.

19^thSME Foundation organized the 9 day long SME Banking Training on Bankable Business Plan. The training was attended by Taifiqur Nessa Lucky, Yeasmin Chowdhury, Marium Kabir, Hashi and Farida Begum.

22^th-26^thJune 2010: Training on Fashion Design in Rajbari. Inauguration of WEAB Computer Centre. WEAB Training Centre at College Road in the centre of Dagonbhuiyan, Feni was inaugurated by Founder President and Adviser Mrs. Nasreen Awal Mintoo, WEAB Dagonbhuiyan President Shamsunnahar Farida and WEAB Executive Member Nazma Akhter. Also present were American national Suzanna, American Bar Association member Barrister Cynthia, Advocate Dilruba Khatun, Daily Feni’s News Editor Mr Shahadat Hossain and local men, women and school children.

5^th-15^thFebruary 2009: Rajbari Jute and Jute Production Process Training was organized by WEAB, in association with JDP. Chief Guest at the event was BSCIC Assistant Director Mehedi Hassan.

23^th-27^thFebruary 2009: WEAB, in association with JDPC, organized a 5 day long Training on Producing and Marketing Necklaces and other products from Coconut Husks at the Khulna Women Association Hall. It was inaugurated by Khulna City Corporation‘s Panel Mayor Mrs Ruma Khatun.

26^th-30^thMay 2009: WEAB Sylhet organized the Food Processing and Business Planning Training Ceremony. The closing ceremony was held at the Sylhet City Corporation Auditorium. The President of Sylhet Chamber of Commerce attended the ceremony.

01. – 07. February 2006: WEAB members were participating a Workshop on “Strategic Design Intervention for Developing Economies” organized by the international renowned National Institute of Design (NID). The workshop took place in Ahmedabad, India.

07. – 13. March 2005: Training Workshop on “Financial Management for Non-Finacial Management” jointly organized by WEAB and SEDF in Dhaka.

17. – 21. January 2005: WEAB members were participating a international program on “Strategic Design Intervention for Developing Economies” organized by the international renowned National Institute of Design. The workshop took place in Ahmedabad, India.

June 2004: WEAB and KATALYST jointly organized a Seminar on “Accounting and Finance Consultancy (AF).

24. March 2004: Seminar on “SAFTA – Women Entrepreneur for Poverty Reduction”, organized by WEAB and SWEC (SAARC Women Entrepreneur Council).

July 2003: Training Workshop on “Market Readiness for Exporting Handicraft to USA” organized by WEAB and SEDF

08. January 2003: Seminar on “How to prepare a Bankable Project Proposal” organized by DCCI and WEAB.

27. May – 27. July 2002: WEAB and Agrobased Industries and Technology Development Project (ATDP) jointly organized a 3 month lasting Workshop on “Fruit and vegetable processing”

27. October 2001: Seminar on “Policy induced constrains on Women Entrepreneur ship Development” organized by WEAB and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

General activities

WEAB regularly prints journals, essays and guideline papers containing valuable data for the benefit of its member entrepreneur.

Catalogues and brochures are regularly printed by WEAB for disseminating information.

We have established a website www.weab.org where each member is listed with description and photographs of their products.

WEAB has linked donor agencies with member entrepreneur to help generate funds and to organize training and workshops.

WEAB has facilitated member entrepreneur’s participation in national and international trade fairs and exhibitions. Some of the countries WEAB members visited were Canada, France, Great Britain, India, Italy, Nepal and Pakistan.

WEAB provides help to all women suffering from any kind off victimization or injustice by bringing it to the notice of the relevant authorities.

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