Bangladesh ranks seventh among the most affected countries in the world in terms of natural disasters due to climate change. All natural disasters cause temporary or long-term human suffering. We are all aware of the suffering and struggle of the marginalized people due to natural disasters in Bangladesh.
According to the United Nations, 80 percent of people displaced by the climate crisis are women. Conflict and crisis – Women and girls are at greater risk of experiencing gender-based violence in places including migration routes and refugee camps, such as during mass migration after a natural disaster or due to water scarcity and crop loss.
To get out of this risk, a discussion meeting was held on Sunday (March 31) at 11 am at Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, Agargaon to raise awareness and create a platform among Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs about the adverse effects of climate change and its risks.
Organized by Nari Maitri, the event was presided over by the President of Nari Maitri, Masuma Alam.
Meher Afroz Chumki, Member of Parliament for Women and former Minister of State for Women and Child Affairs, was present as the chief guest on the occasion.
Member of Parliament of reserved women's seat-3 of Jatiya Sangsad and general secretary of Bangladesh Mahilla Awami League Mr. Shabnam Jahan Shila, were present as special guests. Md. Saidur Rahman, Director General, Bureau of NGO Affairs, Prime Minister's Office, Khadija Maryam Head of Women Entrepreneurship Cell, SME Banking Division, BRAC Bank and Md Nazim Hasan Sattar, General Manager, SME Foundation. Spoke in the event.
In the welcome speech, Executive Director of Nari Maitri Shaheen Akhtar Dolly said that Nari Maitri gives special importance to the development of women entrepreneurs in the development of small and medium industries in the country. We are working to identify and address barriers to the advancement of women entrepreneurs to pave their way forward.
There has been a positive change in the creation and development of women entrepreneurs in the country with the support of government policies and the patronage of public and private institutions. Even so, women's path is still not unhindered. A woman can't easily do her business at will. They need a supportive environment. Therefore, Nari Maitri believes that in the near future, women can play a role in creating employment for others by becoming entrepreneurs, as well as helping the social acceptance of women entrepreneurs to become stronger, said Masuma Alam, president of Nari Maitri.
Rina Akhtar, a grassroots woman entrepreneur, said, "Women's allies were by my side in my bad times." I didn't know, didn't understand a lot of things, but Nari Maitri workers helped me and now I am a successful entrepreneur. I want from now on to be on the side of those who are still lagging behind. I always want to be by their side to encourage them to become successful entrepreneurs.
Meher Afroz Chumki said, today's women do not stop. All women shine like the sun in their being. Everyone has to work to move forward in life, everyone has to face various realities of life. The solution is to get you out of the obstacle as it comes. Can't stop, that's why we are aware enough.
Apart from urban women, she urged everyone to pay attention to ensuring that rural women are not left behind in any way