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WOMEN entrepreneurs are emerging as powerful change agents, particularly in the aftermath of the 2024 student movement. The interim government is in a rare position to undertake policies that can significantly empower women and promote their entrepreneurial activities. By removing systemic impediments and leveraging digital tools, Bangladesh can pop enormous socio-economic growth potential, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future. This transition is a matter of women’s advancement and a crucial factor in the nation’s economic stability, with women entrepreneurs playing a significant role. Their empowerment is not only a matter of gender equality, but also a necessity for the economic growth and stability.

Since independence, Bangladesh has made significant strides in health care, agriculture and education. However, women entrepreneurs continue to grapple with institutional hurdles that hinder their success. Women bear the brunt of deeply entrenched societal norms, restrictive legal frameworks and limited access to crucial resources such as finance and infrastructure. For instance, many women struggle to take out loans for lack of collateral and regulations that favour male-dominated business. Moreover, cultural responsibilities such as care-giving often dissuade women from pursuing entrepreneurial ambition. The urgency of addressing the issues cannot be overstated as it is crucial for creating a business environment where women can thrive and contribute to the development of Bangladesh.

The underlying question remains: how can women entrepreneurs capitalise on growing opportunities? Technology offers a great solution. While current figures suggest that women make up a modest percentage of social media and mobile internet users, an increasing proportion uses digital technologies to help their enterprises. Platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram enable women to market their items without needing physical shops, reaching out to a larger audience. In this digital age, technology has become critical in entrepreneurial success, spurring innovation and driving growth in the economy. The potential of digital tools to empower women entrepreneurs is not only promising, but also genuinely inspiring that can pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.

Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are poised to transform industries worldwide and women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh stand to benefit greatly. The worldwide AI market is predicted to increase by 37.3 per cent in 2023–2030, potentially generating $1,811.8 billion in revenue. This gives Bangladesh an excellent chance to benefit from this growing industry. AI can potentially improve operations in e-commerce and agriculture for female-led firms. Women entrepreneurs may use AI-powered data to streamline supply chains, predict market trends and improve client experiences with personalised services. This technology has the potential to alter company operations, allowing women to compete on a global basis.

AI was formerly considered a luxury for massive enterprises but is now a must-have tool even for small firms. Cloud-based platforms and open-source tools like ChatGPT and Reclaim.ai have democratised AI, allowing female entrepreneurs to use advanced technology without making significant investments. For an example, small women-led firms can use AI-powered chatbots to provide 24-hour customer services, allowing them to compete with larger organisations. This transformation can level the playing field and enable female entrepreneurs to make data-driven decisions, optimise operations and achieve long-term success.

Despite the enormous promise, women entrepreneurs still face significant barriers to using AI. These include restricted access to technical skills, insufficient infrastructure and legislative barriers. Furthermore, many women lack the training to use AI effectively in their enterprises. To address these issues, focused investments in AI education, infrastructure development and regulatory reforms are required. Collaboration among academia, industry and the government is critical. The Women in Tech initiative, which has taught more than 10,000 women in coding and AI, exemplifies how targeted efforts may have actual outcomes. By removing these impediments, Bangladesh can establish an atmosphere that promotes the success of female entrepreneurs, assuring their position in economic future.

Several critical steps are required to empower female entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. First, increasing access to financing is vital. Specialised programmes such as low-interest loans, sharia-based loans and microfinance effortss can help women start or expand their enterprises. The Grameen Bank’s microcredit strategy has already helped thousands of women to start small enterprises, but developing this model with novel financial products is required for a more significant impact. Second, digital literacy programmes should be increased, particularly in rural areas, to provide women with the technological skills needed for company growth. Programmes such as ‘Digital Bangladesh’ should focus on female entrepreneurs and provide for training in e-commerce, digital marketing and cybersecurity.

Subsidies or tax breaks that encourage AI use can assist women-owned firms to incorporate tools into their operations. Creating women’s entrepreneur centres, such as the ‘She Trades’ programme in Dhaka, will give mentorship, training and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and growth. Legal measures to promote gender equality are also critical, such as amending inheritance rules and removing bureaucratic barriers that prevent women from starting enterprises or accessing resources.

Furthermore, infrastructure investments, such as co-working spaces and reliable internet connection, can aid in effectively scaling women-led firms. ‘Impact Hub Dhaka’, which provides co-working spaces and networking events, is an effective model for empowering women in business. Encouraging women to seek occupations in STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — through scholarship and professional development programmes is also critical for developing future potential. Public-private partnerships should concentrate on increasing capacity and reducing resource shortage while female role models in business and technology can motivate the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

Finally, facilitating international market access for female-led firms can open new prospects. Women entrepreneurs can use trade fairs, global collaborations and online platforms to go outside their local markets. For example, platforms such as Alibaba and Amazon provide training programmes that teach women to negotiate international e-commerce and sell their items abroad.

Bold action is essential to achieve Bangladesh’s women entrepreneurs’ unrealised potential. The interim government is in a position to implement significant measures to eliminate barriers to women’s economic involvement. A focus on women-led enterprises will benefit the economy and boost public trust in the government’s commitment to equitable development. Bangladesh can create a more inclusive and prosperous future by empowering women to lead, innovate and make a difference. Now is the time for decisive action — empowering women entrepreneurs with digital tools will shape a bright, prosperous future for all.

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Dr Nusrat Hafiz ([email protected]) and Dr Mohammad Shahidul Islam ([email protected]) are assistant professors at BRAC Business School, BRAC University.