Women in Business

Sources of facts & figures of cover infographic: *The Role of Banks in Promoting Women Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh.

A Bangladesh Bank Joint Study. The authors of the study are Md. Mizanur Rahman, Dr. Sayera Younus, Mahfuza Akther and Junaed Rahim are Director, BARD, DGM, Chief Economist Unit, BB, DGM, Research Department, BB and Assistant Director, BARD respectively. *Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective; Courtesy: SME Foundation *Bangladesh Bank *Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BWCCI) *The Daily Star

PROLOGUE Demonstrating to others that going the extra mile will be recognized, regardless of their gender, women across the globe and through the ages,have experienced the disadvantages of existing in a patriarchal framework, which has designated them to a homemaker role, and continues to define the sex as a whole. However, women in business are breaking that mold across the world and writing new stories for themselves.

Under the Constitution of Bangladesh, Article 38,endures equal rights for women in all spheres of life. So women in business have the opportunity to rise above it all and do as well as their counter parts. But do they have the means or conditions to do it? Being a woman in a man's world can be daunting, but pushing through is what empowerment is all about. For these inspirational women the first thing to do is to decide what success or the life that they want to build for themselves. They have to make sure that it's their vision of life, not someone else's. The second is to recognize that women can have it all, but not necessarily all at the same time. And, last but not least, they must work out what's important and urgent for and what can wait. Although they can have a successful career and family life, there will be some compromise and support needed to make it happen.

That is how the women in business rock the many different roles in their lives. As a successful empowered woman, they embrace and craft their lives in their own right, and often have to break the taboo issue of female breadwinners. And of course, the biggest challenge is to adjust career and family, to take one step at a time yet not hesitate to take chances. For the ambitious and enterprising women there is no limit, when they have the determination, passion and willingness to work hard!

In the following pages, we have interviews of 14 women who have managed to excel in individual business. Read on with us about their thoughts on women empowerment and their recipe for success.

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Geeteara Safiya Choudhury Chairman, Adcomm

WOMEN IN BUSINESS GEETEARA SAFIYA CHOUDHURY has given numerous presentations in her life. But one I am going to write about was special for many reasons. First, it was about the woman empowerment of Bangladesh, a subject very close to her heart. Secondly, people like Ban Ki-Moon, the Secretary General of the United States; Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany and their likes were present there. She wanted to convey the best message, which gives the audience a real picture of the women of our country and she was successful. The audience was happy and one of them had a special question. “I have heard that women face sexual harassment in the garments in large numbers. What's your take on that?” came a question from H.E. Angela Markel. Spontaneous and fearless, Geeteara questioned back: “Your Excellency, where did you get the information from?” “Some NGO begged to draw our notice in this connection and a debate was done about this in our Parliament”, the German Chancellor answered. “There are a few stray incidents like this all over the world,” Geeteara went on to say, “since we all know violence against women in various forms is common in patriarchal society. Nevertheless, whoever pointed this out gave a partial picture of the whole scene. Truth be told, because of the mass employment, which is around more than 4 million, young girls in Bangladesh now have got the chance to avoid early marriages, earn their own and live their dreams!”

Geeteara's answer was convincing. “What can we learn from this event?” the graceful lady now threw a question towards me. “It shows us the importance of right communication in right time,” she said. We were sitting at her Tejgaon office, a rather unusual set up, I would say, the black walls of her office were getting flooded with lots of sunshine coming through the window ahead. There also I saw a picture frame, written on its canvas was “Never surrender to your dreamOgilvy.”So, we decided to talk about how the veteran business woman managed to materialize her dream.

Geeteara Safiya Choudhury was in a dilemma when she quit from the agency she was working for and suddenly her existing clients started calling up and asking her to start her own company. They were so happy with her service that when she left the agency, they did not want to severe ties with her. They were already fans of her genius and excellent communication skill. “I didn't know what to say.” She talked with her mother-in-law; later her

husband. Everyone was said something that encouraged her to pick up the courage and make the move. So she decided to establish Adcomm and the rest his history.

Geeteara was happy that her father coined the line, “Just do it”, even before Nike came up with it as their brand slogan. She considers this the best advice she ever got from someone.

Geeteara started her business more than four decades ago. How was it for women? Did she face any sort of chauvinistic behavior? Any sort of harassment?

“I think the Bangladeshi men are more protective than chauvinistic.” But she admits that the stereotypical perception about women have always clouded the judgment of men. “I have been stopped at the airport numerous times as they Immigration Officers couldn't believed that I wrote 'business' as my profession. It was hard for them to digest.” She thinks here too the lack of communication and documentation is preventing the real picture to be shown. “I myself got to learn about many government facilities when I served as an Advisor of the Caretaker Government.” She strongly believes that women, who are natural caregivers and hardworking in nature, are destined to shine in any field they try their luck in. but for that they need to know about the opportunities. “They need to know what facilities they are bestowed with.” But she is happy that the journey of women of our country, though not a cake walk, has come a long way. “Women of our country have always been empowered; look how they work with men side by side in fields, factories, houses!

Just because we don't give recognition to it or just because they don't earn as much as men-it doesn't mean that they have done nothing,” she explains boldly.

Organizations like SME Foundation, Women Entreprenuers' Associations should come forward and make themselves more visible and reach out more women in the rural set up. And media too has a huge role to play to disseminate the news and help break the social stereotypes and make people aware of possibilities and opportunities.

Throughout her life, Geeteara has managed to stick to her principle and surrendered to her dream. With the leap of her faith, great support from her family, peers and colleagues and heaps of hard works, she has built a career that is iconic as well as encouraging. She is a true embodiment of how to age gracefully and stand out among the best of the best in the industry.

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Rupali Chowdhury Managing Director, Berger Paints Bangladesh Ltd. President, Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce & Industry Bangladesh

WOMEN IN BUSINESS WHAT DOES IT take to become a Rupali Chowdhury?

We were sitting in her office at Berger House. A postlunch hour meeting, with a messy table full of itty-bitty documents, it was quiet palpable that she was passing another hectic day at office. With a grand smile, and of course, she answered: “three things! Hard work, providing right strategic direction and finally a bit of luck is required.” I was expecting something similar from a woman who owns the top position at Berger paint's Bangladesh Chapter, besides her many other roles with several trade bodies, the most important of which is the President of Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). “But one has to have the ability to lead others,” she added. By leadership she meant, to lead at the time of crisis with courage and chutzpah-on occasions, and to do so, knowledge of the job is necessary.

She had been the immediate past-president of Bangladesh Paint Manufacturers' Association (BPMA), where everyone was doing the same kind of business; while in FICCI, which she called, “a peer group”, she sees the necessity of different kind of leadership. But the essence remains the same. “It's always about rewarding the right kind of people”.

From leadership, our discussion took its turn to a much-coveted topic: women empowerment. “I see signs of silent revolution, which make me happy and hopeful.” She was indicating about a particular experience she had recently while she went out for shopping to a local grocery market not a posh grocery shop. Beautifully dressed girls were promoting some locally manufactured hair care products, edible oils etc.

“I find their sales pitch quiet convincing and I was highly impressed with their confidence. Financial freedom is a must for women empowerment. With right kind of education or skill and economic empowerment, women can take any society to its zenith of advancement.” Will it pose them as a threat to patriarchal society? “I don't want to see it like that. Men also have had their contribution that women are doing so much today. But they have their limitations too. A man who is an awful husband, by not allowing his wife to go out and get a job, can become an excellent father by providing every single support the daughter needs to study and land on a dream job. I would like to see it that way.” However, Rupali believes no matter how much

supportive the patriarch is, a woman has to fight with her own surrounding and convince everyone to carve a niche in her career, and there is no questioning about that.

As I indicated about a poster at the entrance of Berger House that promises to become a environmentally committed company, Rupali's face beamed with the glory of success, for much of which, as she admitted, she owes to her employees. She is also thankful that Berger Bangladesh was among a few companies who decided to become technology driven and with the help of technology, they managed to keep the innovation mill running and coming up with a product portfolio which are friendly to environment. At the same time, taking up software solutions like SAP helped them their entire operations and supply chain running better.

Now that she has become the head honcho of something as significant as FICCI, what is your vision in this regard? I asked. “FDI is something we are giving most importance on. Look at China! I am simply amazed they way they have invited big companies to go there and set up ventures, which not only change the financial fabric of China but also changed world business. I want to see FICCI in that kind of role as an enabler for foreign investors. We want to work with government in case of policy reform to make the system more investor and enterprise friendly. We fervently look forward to the government for support.

Much more can be done and achieved in sectors of tax reform, infrastructure development, port regulation, etc. We need to create a level playing field for everyone.”

She sounded focused and determined.

Tomorrow must be better than today is the mantra Rupali lives by. Which I believe will keep her pushing forward to work more, work better, and achieve more even if she retires. So, is there any retirement plan? A big grin appeared on her face. “I haven't thought anything about it but now that you asked, I am intrigued. May be some sort of social activities, which are pro-women; may be something related with autism. I am yet to figure out.” We believe whatever she takes up she will surely shine on and make everyone around her proud to be working under her leadership!

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Christine Schumacher Country Manager, Tchibo Liaison office in Bangladesh

WOMEN IN BUSINESS CHRISTINE SCHUMACHER IS a constant traveler. Thanks to the job, that has been taking her places for the last two decade. The experience is overwhelming, in both positive and negative ways while working with both men and women.

Her experience of the past decades of working: men tend to be ruder, more willing to fight each other in confrontations and are often engaged too much in politics. Women on the other hand are more people oriented and see very often the person behind a job. “If you look into organizations, families, teams, etc - it is always about the people. There is no 'company' or 'the office' - there are always people, persons, names, characters, strength and weaknesses behind,” she states.

Managers, according to Christine need to understand to motivate and utilize the individual people's abilities beyond all processes and work descriptions. To her understanding, business is always people business and besides the qualification for the job, good managers need to have great deal of cultural, social and interpersonal competence, for which she Country manager of Tchibo Liaison office in Bangladesh thinks, women are perfect match. To rationalize her argument, she goes one to say: “I believe that women can make good managers cause they are in general better to switch in between tasks, are more diplomatic, look more into the other persons needs and are very often able to find better compromises for all involved parties.”

As a person, Christine is one soul looking for personal balance, mutual understanding and stepping up for truth and fairness. Throughout her life, she stayed positive and firm; focused on her work. Even though there were some barriers, which disappear eventually. However, some of the chauvinistic barriers are sometimes difficult to break but then again chauvinists sooner or later fall over their prejudiced behaviour.

Readymade garments industry, due to nature of products in manufactures employs more women, who are patient, dedicated and can render sophisticated service provided they are skilled. However, in countries like China and India, women in those industries occupy more leading positions. But in a country like Bangladesh, the mass employment of women in a sector like this has definitely changed the way history

used to written about the women folk of this part of the world. These jobs have managed to ensure financial freedom for them; liberated their thoughts.

How to encourage more women to be engaged in entrepreneurship, when asked, she replied with a clear vision: Teach them, train them, and give them selfconfidence. “How can a woman develop her personality, her strength and her capabilities if she is not educated or has the freedom to develop herself ?”

She believes the chambers can help women bend social barriers and venture into more exciting projects.

“For the beginning I suggest to install a women representative within the chamber to focus on women and their issues within the Bangladesh business world.”

She also wants chambers to involve more women and chalk a roadmap, which will find out more ways to liberate women and empower them in family, society and nation. And for the women, her advice: just do a very good job and let your results speak for you.”

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Yesmin Ipphat CEO, LW hair and skin Beauty Spa Salon

WOMEN IN BUSINESS AFTER COMPLETION OF her PhD in Economics in Russia, Yesmin Ipphat felt keen desire to come back to her motherland. She was missing almost everything, specially the colorful and vibrant cultural scene that she has always felt a close link to. Once she was back, she felt her family desire: she would have to stay back and do something in Bangladesh; going back to Berlin for job or business was not on her agenda. She had training in German Language while staying in the Deutschland, which led her to Goethe Institute in Bangladesh to better her German in their then Teachers' Training program. Surprisingly enough, in few weeks of the training, she was offered through Goethe Institute to work with KRYOLAN, a world famous German Professional Make-Up Company, particularly for the accessories and appliances manufacturer-section, which is situated in Bangladesh. Being an enthusiast of Drama and theatre, the venture associated with professional makeup artistry attracted her instantly. That is how she started a journey with Kryolan Bangladesh Limited in 2002 in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Savar. “In the beginning, my business involved manufacturing makeup accessories and appliances; but soon I came to realize the importance and necessity of cosmetic products for local television channels and other entertainment industries, as the latter was importing the products at that time.” If the Savar EPZ was an Economic Processing Zone, there would have been no problem as Ipphat's company could easily provide the make-up accessories and cosmetics products, specially the 'base make-up' to the local market also.

Nevertheless, that being an EPZ, only export was allowed. By that time, Ipphat already understood the brand value of KRYOLAN products, as veteran actor like Sean Connery was a fan of those products. And locally, popular television, movie and theatre artists like Alamgir, Razzak, late Humaiun Faridi, Bobita, Diti, Suborna Mustafa, better mention the total entertainment world of Bangladesh were looking for a respite from using products from outside. All these led her to set up her company LW in 2009 and to import the products directly for the local market.

Ipphat expresses her high regards and gratitude for Wolfram Langer, the Managing Director of Kryolan.

She owes her management skills and leadership lessons

to the man who was brave enough to choose a girl in the position of a company that was trying its luck in an emerging market. “He is an excellent person and always encouraged me to take up risks and stick on! He is the one who introduced me with the chamber in its early days when it started as a forum,” she reminisces.

Iphhat thinks entrepreneurship comes easily to women, as they are determined and always manages to do the job no matter how tough the situation is. It is the perception of the society that is impeding them from showing their true potential and establishing more and bigger ventures, she adds. For her own self, the family and peers have always been supportive and she is grateful to them for all the advices, supports and encouragement.

I had been associated with a number of social causes and initiatives; of which, her attachment with Bangladesh Nature Conservation Society is quiet fascinating. Just like cultural activities, nature too amuses me; inspires me. It soothes my mind when I am close to it,” she explains about an attribute which is not so common among busy businesspersons.

Besides being an Executive Board Member of BGCCI, she is also associated with Bangladesh Thai Chamber, Bangladesh Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry, International Business Forum of Bangladesh etc. “ Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BGCCI) has helped me to much extent with information and references in many times. I am thankful to past presidents who have inspired me to be more actively associated with this dynamic chamber. I am happy that the chamber has managed to become so big and active by dint of its teamwork. I think as a chamber, we need to become better listeners to evaluate suggestions from our members. In addition, we need to work in a more systematized way as we have reached a height where everyone considers us as an idol,” she talks about the chamber's roles and her involvement. As for future, she would like to see more women in definitive roles in this, which she believes will add a new momentum in chamber's activities.

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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Ishrat Akhond Arts Provocateur and Talent Management Consultant

WOMEN IN BUSINESS ISHRAT AKHOND'S CHARM offensive is simply irresistible. With an impeccable taste of dressing, the exuberance she oozes is almost contagious. Nevertheless, Ishrat, commonly known among the art enthusiasts of Dhaka as significant as a provocateur, is more than meets the eye. With a Masters degree in Social Science, she started her career with Grameenphone, where she was “groomed to judge people's capability as employees, to nurture them and help unlock their untapped potential.”

A decade long journey largely owned by the Norwegian telecommunication company literally changed everything in her, of course in a good way. Besides, Australian Institute of Management (AIM), Singapore Institute of Management, FranlkinCovey, IIM and Teamswork International (KL) are some of the renowned organization from where she received the pedagogy in Human Talent Management. “Working with all these world class corporations under dynamic bosses, it was life changing experience I am really thankful to. It provided me with immense lessons about how to make the best use of human talents for a company,” she reminisces. “It helped me become the people person that I always aspired to be.”

From a very early age, Ishrat had an aptitude for art and culture. A 4-year diploma in Drawing and Painting imbued in her the nitty-gritty stuff about art, artists and gallery management; after which, she planned to embark on a new journey: to become an art curator, that also involves people and community. Though our art scene is very much enriched with numerous creations from veteran artists, the market is still teething and yet to be on par with the momentum that our neighboring countries are enjoying. With a surge of new investors and young and talented artists coming up with path breaking creations, Ishrat was right to feel the impulse of an emerging art business. Being associated with art initiatives, she has an envious networking with artists as well as art enthusiasts.

She is quiet optimistic with young artists, specially the female ones- who are highly discouraged to study fine arts. She wants to create a platform that will make their dream come true. One of the reasons for which women cannot aspire to take up art as a profession is their lack of empowerment. “The same is true for women in most other professions where they try hard to make a mark in the face of daunting odds. I think the women in villages who are trying their luck with micro credit schemes are rather much more empowered than their urban counterpart. With their micro-enterprises, they are fighting poverty while enjoying the amazing taste of financial freedom.” However, about rising numbers of

cases of violence against women, she states that there has been no big change the way we treat had been treating women in last thirty years. Until today, women, being tortured or abused, don't know who to turn to.

Ishrat has involved her in different capacities in organization like Rotary International, International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB), Art of living foundation (AOLF), TIB (Transparency International Bangladesh, etc. She is also the founder of Mind Venture Management Consultancy, a knowledge based service firm. So, how is the condition of women employment in this industry? “Everywhere the male female ratio in the senior level isn't the same.” But it's not impossible for any women to win over a position, provided one has the right attitude, tolerance and perseverance.

So what's her take on the local art scene? “It's not about setting up more galleries, nor bringing in more international artists. We have to pour a heavy dose of professionalism among ourselves and only then we can expect to grow in a meaningful and sustainable way,” Ishrat answers with her usual straightforwardness. She is the trustee of a local gallery that promotes and curates works of young talented artists. So far, she has promoted more than 200 artists. For the young ones, her advice is: constantly seek for your originality. She believes exchange program for artists is very important as it allows them to see the world outside their own cocoon and liberates their soul, which is very important for any creative person. In addition, now that the local market is coming up with more buying spree, an art market boom will surely happen in next couple of years.

She is hugely thankful to her coach Joseph Seiler, who coached her for last two years to make her a social leader. Lately, Ishrat became the PRISM Award winner in the individual category (vs the corporate category) from The International Coach Federation (ICF) in North America for her great contribution to the society developing young leaders.

While asking her what's next? She said, she will concentrate more on capacity building rather only promoting and this is her next promise towards the society.

So what's her mantra of living successfully? She gives her killer smile and thinks for a while. “Every day there is one particular reason to be happy. Being happy is my mantra.” I cannot argue at all, as I have already mentioned about her charm offensive. Women like her undoubtedly reach higher and set example for many to follow their footsteps and shine on, both in professional and personal lives.

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Sara Zaker Deputy Managing Director, Asiatic

WOMEN IN BUSINESS SARA ZAKER BELIEVES, the meaning of empowerment changes as a woman takes up different roles in the society. Being a mother, the feeling of empowerment is mostly covered by emotional nuances.

On the other hand, as an actor, she feels empowered when she gets the right kind of role to play. “I would consider that from a creative standpoint; I would go for roles that quench my thirst as an actor. A question of payment or fame is irrelevant. It's about how well you work yourself.” Nevertheless, being a businessperson, one has to see everything from a managerial perspective. “It's about how well you can make people work for you.”

We were sitting inside the beautifully decorated office of Asiatic 3sixty. Now a communication behemoth, the company started small four decades ago. Over the period, it has managed to pull it off with élan and is now a proud owner of 13 different companies that provides a complete solution of communication needs for all sorts of enterprises. How did Sara, the poplar doe-eyed actor embarked on an entirely different journey? Was it always in her mind to get into a business? “It happened suddenly and to be frank, it took me quiet sometime to understanding how things work,” Sara admits. Therefore, she kept learning and working in various capacities for the company. She wanted to gain more knowledge about the expertise of the business to boost her confidence. A decade rolled on, it was late 90s, Sara realized that with the help of social communication companies, organizations achieve their goals successfully and can create more lasting and profound effect on the society / country in the long run. At Asiatic 3sixty Sara Zaker pioneered market research and audiovisual production to tell the story right in every way. “Social communication is way different from commercial communication and you need the best people to own a competitive advantage.” She was proud and happy that Asiatic has some of the crème de la crème of communication business. “Working with all these creative minds is amusing and rewarding in a very special way.”

So has she ever thought of giving up and go back to acting which was more close to her heart in the beginning of her career? “The taste of entrepreneurial zeal is irresistible. I do miss acting but the family I own here at Asiatic is also very close to my heart and running a business itself is energizing.” Many might not know

this: Sara Zaker is called 'Vabi' by every employee of Asiatic, irrespective of their hierarchy.

Skill development is one key factor that can enable today's women excel more in whatever jobs they are doing. “It makes them confident enough to look for better opportunities and injects confidence and positive energy,” she states. Sara believes that financial freedom is important but social empowerment is much more significant than that. “There are women who cannot enjoy their own earning, thanks to the societal hurdles.”

How to ensure social empowerment? “By much more effective social communications in issues pertaining to gender inequality, violence against women,” she suggests. What kind of role social media can play in this regard? “Social media opens a big window before us; a big loop containing hundreds of other loops. It is easy to spread a message but the same is true for rumors.

Which is why, we need to be cautious and need utmost exper tise when we define a social media communication strategy for any campaign,” she shares her social media wisdom with us.

What's your biggest strength? When asked, she answered: “I LOVE my work.” “It's interesting,” she goes on to say, “that in the field of communication, first you have to be a good listener to understand the story well.

Then you have to weave it so that it becomes easier for the common mass. Working with people from all walks of life, I have learned to see life from many perspectives. It has made me a stronger human being.” And for weakness, she thinks she doesn't have one. “My daughter thinks this is my greatest weakness that I don't admit that I too can have weaknesses.” She thinks the right intention matters most. “If I do anything with a good intention but fail to achieve the desired outcome, I would not consider that as a failure per se. I would try to do it in a different way next time.”

A mother of two, both of which are culturally and professionally established by their own identity, Sara Zaker's favorite hobby is to read. So any favorite quote from a favorite writer? Sara picks a line from Haruki Murakami: “When you come out of a storm, you won't be the same person again. That's what the storm is all about.” For Sara, life is just like that. “If something bad happens, sulking won't help. One should move on and keep trying with good intention,” Sara concludes.

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Nasrin Jahan Munmun Couturier, Moon's Boutique

WOMEN IN BUSINESS MOON'S BOUTIQUE, A high-end shop of women's clothing and accessories at Banani 11 is nothing short of a treasure-trove for anyone who is into bling! Rows of finest quality of beautiful fabrics, embroidered kurtas, kameezes embellished with precious stones, sequins or artwork or racks full of accessories oozing panache and pomp would definitely give your eyes a feast. You will also find her creative productions of Muslin and Jamdani coutures, with an aim to reviving the lost glory of these two gems of our textile heritage. A place frequented by social elites and up and coming fashionistas, this shop is one-stop destination for haut couture to prêt-e-porter to readyto-wear collections. The owner is Nasrin Jahan Munmun, a soft-spoken woman who started it just as a hobby several years ago. There was no big plan to turn it into a big brand. A mother of two, Munmun's world at that time was evolving around her two children.

Nevertheless, Lady Luck planned something else for her.

Munmun was one of the first batches of students who received a diploma-training course from National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFD) of India, which initiated offering courses in Bangladesh since the latter did not have its own school to teach local fashion enthusiasts. And there was no looking back. Right after the completion of the course, Munmun started to design professionally. Designing to her is almost like a ritual; a contemplation. From a very early age, she was interested in things that are naturally psychedelic. The wide palettes of color and sets of texture that Mother Nature offers fascinate her big time. It always seems fulfilling to her to get back to the roots of earth for her design inspirations. Munmun puts it like this: “designing was something very close to my heart. It's like a love affair to me. I have given my whole heart to it.

Looking at nature, I feel enthused to emulate the earthly beauty on my canvas of creativity.” Nevertheless, having a knack for identifying upcoming trends, Munmun was quick to understand that fusion is the mantra for success. It enables designers to bring the best of many worlds. Since Bangladesh is a country of bright colors, people here like to see that flare on their dresses, accessories, etc. Moon's Boutique, thus have managed to lure a vast number of its clients with wonderfully

designed couture for all occasions. What started as a small sapling, is a now a beautiful shrub blossoming with crowd-pleasure offerings. The success of Moon's Boutique instilled a deep sense of responsibility in Munmun. The enterprise created jobs of some 30 people who are associated with the venture in various capacities.

Munmun believes women entrepreneurs face gender-based barriers while starting and growing their business including limited mobility, voice and representation. “First of all, we need to create an enabling environment for women's entrepreneurship development and gender quality,” she suggests, while asked about how to bring more women into business.

The society and financial system should provide tools and support services for women who would like to try their luck in entrepreneurship. “Educating women and empowering them will empower the entire nation,” she states.

As of Moon's Boutique, Munmun has a plan to take it to a completely new level. Bangladesh is getting more fashion conscious and the demand for trendy outfits will be much higher in the coming years. Keeping that in mind, she plans to reach out to the burgeoning upper middle class people with stylish clothing at an affordable price. “We want to dress everyone in fashionable outfits and Moon's Boutique will always work hard to pave the path towards that beautiful future.”

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Kona Alam Managing Director, Woman’s World

WOMEN IN BUSINESS KONA ALAM'S EARLY life was as simple as any other stay-at-home mom in Bangladesh. She was busy with homemaking, rearing children, shopping, music, etc. It was late 80s. Already a mother of two, she wanted to do something of her own but had no clue. Women entrepreneurship was at its infancy at that time. Like many others, her first option included setting up a boutique, which didn't interest her much. Suddenly then she met a lady while visiting India. That woman was a beauty expert. Kona Alam, out of curiosity, visited her beauty institute and immediately decided to try it: take some courses to make herself apt of the skill. She has always had a keen mind to learn new things; brush up her skills; identify the next best thing and embrace it.

The training enabled her to zero in on setting up a beauty salon coming back to Bangladesh. This is how Woman's World, one of the biggest beauty salon chains in Bangladesh came into inception.

Kona Alam readily understood that just like any other service industry, this one too would hold much water if and only if value for money was created and quality is maintained. In June, 1991 she set up Woman's World's first branch at Banani, Dhaka. The seed of this beauty enterprise that she planted has gradually grown into five more modern branches established in prime locations namely Gulshan, Dhanmondi, Kakrail, Uttara and Mirpur. Besides, expanding her kingdom of beautification, Kona kept obtaining education and training on various beauty care aspects from countries like Singapore, Thailand, India, China, Pakistan, England, Canada and Hong Kong. Over the time, she has emerged as a maven in the firmament of beauty care and aesthetics and earned huge accolades and trust of a rapidly increasing client base. This new generation customer friendly modern beauty salon is also known for being a reliable hub of medical aesthetic and beauty institute that has empowered more than 2000 women through various training programs and jobs. “It's a real woman's world. Most of my girls are tribal and henceforth, there is no questioning about their sincerity or hard work.”

One of the factors that have really done magic for Woman's World is word of mouth as many of its clients find the herbal products it was promoting to be really authentic and providing the solutions they have been

looking for. Kona Alam, in this connection, mentions about her meeting with renowned Herbal beauty care maestro Shahnaz Hussain. The amiable attitude of the Shahnaz made her an instant fan of the beauty care empress, who for decades has been offering a line of high-end products some of which were even showcased at Gallery Lafayette in Paris. For her Bangladeshi beauty aficionados, Kona Alam was importing the potions, which gathered instant fame. Right at the moment, Woman's World is planning to take it to the next step.

The deal with an international manufacturer will soon be inked which will allow Woman's World to set up its own production plant of high-end beauty care products. This certainly will open a new chapter in the history of Bangladesh's beauty care industry and will help beauty reign further. In recognition of her achievements she so far received a dozen awards and trophy.

For all these achievements so far, Kona Alam is highly indebted to one person and that is her husband Khairul Alam, who is a Chartered Accountant by profession and her partner-in-crime. “Without his support and encouragement, I would never manage to come this far. For all those foreign training, when I was outside my home, my husband looked after the kids and the family and helped me materialize my dreams. This kind of luck is rare and I am thankful to Almighty for that,” Kona Alam's sense of gratitude was palpable.

Kona Alam believes for ever y woman, empowerment is something that needs to be earned.

“No one can give it to you. One has to be self-reliant and willing enough to attain it herself ”. Always, and she repeated, always, a girl should ignore what is pulling her back. We believe, to entrepreneurs like her, who were brave enough to take the risk and set up an empire brick by brick, everyone would wholeheartedly render a salute for showing that anything is possible if one has the faith of the heart and proper dedication to her work.

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Rozana Wahab Entrepreneur & Mentor

WOMEN IN BUSINESS ROZANA WAHAB AND Whoopi Goldberg have one thing in common: both of them needed Sir Richard Branson's indirect help to overcome their fear of flying.

For Rozana, its Branson's biography that helped to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling to travel in the twilight zone, while for the latter, Virgin Atlantic's Flying without Fear team came handy. Truth be told, the banker cum consultant turned entrepreneur, that Rozana is, has no qualms to admit that she is a restless soul and diehard fan of the serial entrepreneurial guru!

For Rozana, this whole entrepreneurial zeal is not innate, it's more acquired. Thanks to her job at World Bank as a consultant in a special program mentor entrepreneurs on how to handle capital, how to develop a product and market it; to ensure quality of the services they provide; how to come up with a sustainable business model. By numbers, in two years time, more that 100 projects that involved some 200 Thousand Dollar-all to assist businesses and yes, we are talking about early 2000s. So what kind of businesses did Rozana help booming? “What not?” she chuckled.

There were garments, leather, ceramic, bicycle, light engineering, handicraft, agriculture and a few others.

Working in a team of four or five other mentors, this job changed the way Rozana thought and perceive business and the whole dynamics of small and medium enterprise. They left a permanent impression in her mind and badly ignited the entrepreneurial bone in her body. She too wanted to do something of her own.

Smart and farsighted Rozana finally managed to set up her mind in 2004, chose a sector that was untapped.

Women's beautification market was at its infancy. Also, this is one sector that her policy level programs at EU was also alien to at that time, which implies, if she took it up, there would be no question of conflict of interest.

That's how her quest to take Persona to the pinnacle of glory started. It is not unknown to many that Persona is a brainchild of famous beauty artist Kaniz Almas Khan.

She set it up and was already known as the face of the emerging brand. Being a family, get associated with it was easy for Rozana, so she jumped the bandwagon.

With her long standing experience in mentorship program, Rozana injected hardcore professionalism in the business, instilled a corporate culture that is still envious for many of its contemporary. Standardization

of work procedure, adding value to the service, coming up with a CRM for the worker, etc. was Rozana's contribution in the business. She wanted to make the business “more human oriented”. Surprising it is, she used to be a mentor at day and entrepreneur at night.

This juggling of roles required patience, long hours of hard work and a strong leap of faith. She is thankful to all her mentors, the family members who had been by her side through thick and thin and of course, Kaniz Almas Khan for always being there as the worthy face of the immensely successful brand PERSONA, behind which Rozana had invested so much of her time, energy and expertise.

As I have already mentioned, Rozana has an insatiable fervor to venture into new projects, the woman didn't stop there. She tried her luck in newer fields. She is also the worthy owner of a high-end shop called Satori that sells exquisite gift and home décor elements. The maven of mentorship is yet venture into other prospective fields. So, what are those? She smiles in a mystic way and replies, “right now I am in the phase of understanding the market; where to drain my money and ideas. I hope soon, I will zero in on one of the highly potential sector I am planning to invest in.” Her area of expertise is Grant Finance and therefore she has decided to diversify her activities to wider finance related subjects.

Rozana believes we have a vibrant business community who have set this country on the path of prosperity and helped change the international perception about Bangladesh as a bottomless basket.

Yet, we have much more to do, especially in the field of economic infrastructure and policy development. We need a strong and active set up of quality management for businesses. We need to strengthen our trade and investment policies, quality policies, financial policies and HRM policies to make businesses investor friendly, ensure socio-economic development and expand beyond Bangladesh.

For the mother of two, attitude that matters most.

“Everyone is special in their own way. One must harness the potential that lies within one,” she concludes with a smile!

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Farah Ahmed Head of Sourcing, Esprit (Bangladesh & India)

WOMEN IN BUSINESS FARAH AHMED COMES from a very conventional North Indian Family. Like many of her contemporaries, struggle was a staple ingredient in her recipe of success.

Farah wanted to work and for her family, that was not a very rosy idea! Repeatedly, everyone around tried their level best to make her understand that girls should not be working. The reasons for their pessimism were aplenty but atop everything was a big concern: no "good" boy will ever marry her! Farah however did not pay much heed. She had a simple goal: to become financially independent. Therefore, the fight began.

After her graduation, she started in the shop floor of an apparel brand in India. It was early '90s. India had just started reaping the benefits of its '80s economic reform; the society was opening up and multinationals were coming to the country of diverse color, creed and sects. Throughout the early years of her career, Farah faced tremendous pressure to quit her job. Well, there were moments when she too thought about choosing the easy option: to give up. The woman, having an indomitable zeal to become something significant in her life, however, hanged on. Every single nudge made her will stronger; every single frown showed her more clearly the reason to become a silent rebel. All she wanted was to show people that yes! she could do it!

Hardworking and patient, Farah slowly worked her way up from the shop floor. She considers herself extremely fortunate to get all the opportunities at the right moment in her career. She spent ten years of her life in “Triburg”, a leading apparel sourcing company based in India. There she was lucky to work under the leadership of two persons namely Jyoti Saikia and Tarun Baksi. These two people further fueled her dream, which apparently for many of her peers was “reaching for the stars”. Farah's dedicated service and excellent persona landed her on the next big project: managing the India office for “Monsoon Accessorize” for several years until she joined as the Head of Sourcing for Esprit, a leading fashion label in the world.

For Farah, the essence of empowerment lies within the ability to choose or in other words having the skill and ability one chooses to become an self-reliant human being. Moreover, in business, when one enjoys the skill, resources, opportunities, motivation and is held accountable for her own action-Farah would like to call

that woman “empowered”.

Working with Esprit helped Farah brush up her skills to be a successful business executive in many ways.

Especially the ethos of the brand is very inspiring for even its employees, Farah mentions. These entire years' journey was certainly not a cakewalk yet she has seized her niche. A renowned manager, a beloved colleague, a woman who is financially independent-all that is Farah today. While talking about managing tasks for an excellent brand, curiosity pushed me to ask, whether women are better managers. “I don't think we should generalize. I think both Men and women bring certain qualities to the table,” she sounds politically correct in the beginning. But her position becomes clear as she goes on to say: “women do bring some very specific qualities which are very vital to a manager; I am certain that women do very well in the area of empowering staffs; they encourage openness and are very accessible.

They are very good in defining job expectation and providing feedback .Actually I can go on ...!”

To encourage more women to take up entrepreneurship, education tops the list that Farah would suggest. “Girls should be given equal opportunity to education as well as skill development; they should be encouraged to aspire for bigger roles, opportunities, develop their confidence in their ability,” she beams with hope. She believes business chambers have a pivotal role to play in this regard. “Chamber should give special recognition to feats achieved by women entrepreneurs. And side by side, they should organize more skill and talent development workshops for women entrepreneurs,” Farah states.

So, where does this woman with a pacified way of fighting even a fierce battle want to see herself ? “10 years is a long time and specially in today's scenario, where technology and market is changing so fast, things are definitely going to take dramatic turns.” However, Farah does have a vision. So what does it entail? “I have chosen to be a working Mother and I am not going to compromise on either,” I find her sound like a typical urban corporate woman who knows perfectly to manager her family even while walking on the tight rope of career.

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Amrita Makin Islam Deputy Managing Director, Picard Bangladesh Ltd.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS FOR AMRITA ISLAM, the second-in-command of Picard Bangladesh, the definition of women empowerment is equal treatment in the workplace & at home. However, unfortunately it's sad that in most cases, even in today's world true equality is difficult to achieve .The dearth of women in leadership roles in all sectors is a glaring example . “Women are culturally conditioned to be “liked” by everyone. Therefore, we are reluctant to be assertive and express dissonance, especially in work situations. In addition, we are extremely shy of advertising our achievements and competence, and are less like to speak up for things that we rightfully deserve, be it a promotion, salary raise or more involvement from our partners for household chores! Thus women are more likely to be passed up for leadership roles, only because of our desire to be not marked as “pushy” , “bossy” & “difficult” & just to be generally liked . It's a universal phenomenon, though slowly women are breaking these norms and setting new benchmarks and paving ways for others,” Amrita elaborates. She sounds bold, as she goes on to say, “For men, having a both a job and a family is normal; but for a woman, having the same ushers the nuance: Oh! She's trying to have it all!” She is deeply amused at the irony that in this day & age, for a woman to work & have a family is still considered out of the ordinary, however for men it is considered normal.

Yet, Amrita is amazed with all the extraordinary women she has come across in her family as well as wherever study and work has taken her so far. In this connection, she proudly mentions about her great grandmother, who was widowed at the age of 25, but successfully managed to rear four children singlehandedly, while concurrently acting as a surrogate mother for her countless relatives. Not only did she take care of the household, but also managed the family finances and provided council in village matters.

“Imagine what she would have been able to achieve if she had a proper education? This was a woman living in a rural village in Bangladesh, in the early part of the twentieth century & she was quietly carrying the load of five men on her shoulders. ” We were sitting at the conference room of Picard Bangladesh Ltd.'s Savar Factory. I could clearly see a vibrant production floor where both men and women

were working side by side. Picard Bangladesh employs around 1300 people, 60% of them are women, who according to her, are “easier to handle, loyal and don't hop around from job to job.” They are, she makes it clear, “as good as men at work, if not better.” She also mentions about various training programs they have, to make her employees more skilled and professional.

However, to her utter surprise, she has seen that many women “easily give up the chance to become a supervisor or a floor in-charge.” The reason behind this is, “they don't like to be disliked by their peers & shirk from roles which have greater responsibility and gender attention. ” Amrita after completing her graduation from Australia , joined this company which was set up by her father decades ago. So, is she a daddy's daughter? As I inquired, her answer came with a smile: “Yes and no.

There was a time, when I had just joined the business, I was full of zeal like my father, most of the part of which is still there. However, over the years I have come to realize, appreciate and emulate more of how my mother handles and deals with difficult situations. It has been a part of me becoming a more matured individual” she explains.

As of her career, ten years down the line, she wants to see herself running the company and to make Picard Bangladesh the most revered leather goods manufacturer in South East Asia . “The journey will definitely not be easy, however I have learnt it the hard way that anything good in life does not come easy. I am a great believer of the proverb that 'Smooth seas don't make good sailors'.” As I was about to stop for the day, I shot my last question. What would be your advice to the young and energetic young female entrepreneurs of Bangladesh? “I would like to quote from Ms. Sandberg's book -'Ruthlessly Prioritize'. Don't hold back just to conform and perform according to society's expectations and norms. Only we can break the mold ” she concludes.

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Husna Mansur Founder & Chairman, Chemtrek Industries Bangladesh Ltd.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS THE WOMAN, WHO built up Chemtreck Industries Bangladesh Ltd., has no qualms in claiming that being a stay-at-home mother was her first full time job. She has always led a life- focused, disciplined and well chalked out. After spending twenty years in the USA, when she came back her peers and relatives were skeptical whether she could survive here at all. Nevertheless, she knew what she wanted to do. “ May be it was written in my DNA; when I left the country with my family, I was sure about coming back. I never wanted to be recognized as a Bangladeshi expat in the USA. I always wanted to come back to this beautiful country,” she sounds nostalgic. “All the cultural razzmatazz that we enjoy here in Bangladesh, I was missing a lot in the USA.” Husna, who also writes and paints, has been published in several local magazines in New York.

In 2001, when she came back, she had a mission: to set up an industry that serves the untapped chemical sector of Bangladesh. Being a chemist herself-educated and trained in the USA, and married to Abul Mansur, a chemical scientist, worked as a catalyst in her case that pushed her to materialize the dream. She knew the pros and cons of the manufacturing. Initially they ventured into making ink for ballpoint pens, which was not that successful. Slowly they widened their company's production basket; so far ranging from household cares to textile chemicals, the company manufactures and produces 40+ items. Chemtrek is now recognized as a local company with global standards. Last year, they launched Eurosoft, a cationic fabric softener; in Bangladesh alone, the market cap of which is USD 54 Million and it was Husan's company that has enabled Bangladesh to be the fifth country in Asia as the manufacturer of this product. This proves that Chemtrek is already on the way achieving the goal that it started its journey with. The company will soon start manufacturing the basic ingredients of the softener, which now is being imported. “We want to explore more basics,” she states.

The journey however was not easy. Being outside the country for a long time, she did not have any idea about how to manage everything here in Bangladesh. She is thankful to to Ainul Azim, the Managing Director of the company for being a great help from the beginning. “The odds were many. The banks we turned to for loans were

hugely suspicious about my plan. They thought I was going to drain the money out of the country. They couldn't believe a woman would sustain a venture, while her husband and children were thousands miles away.”

But Husna successfully proved them wrong. During setting up the company, she had to travel everyday from Dhaka to Gazipur. She took all her troubles with a pinch of salt. She knew she had to be courageous if she wanted to excel. “ I am highly grateful to my father, who brought me up as his son. I was exposed to the men's world from the very beginning.” The other man Husna owes a lot for everything is her husband. “He is a renowned scientist with hundreds of formula patented in his name. But for his sacrifice and cooperation in raising my children while I was here in Bangladesh, it would not have been possible for me to come all the way.”

Chemtreck was not Husna's maiden venture. With her husband, she set up a business called Halal Cosmetics in the USA. It used to serve the Muslim community in the Michigan with various cosmetics and toiletries products. It was 1996-'96. Later they sold it out and the company is still functioning. “The zeal to do something is a must and so is dedication. Many of our workers at Chemtrek are working from day one and very loyal to me. I have considered the factory to be my family.” She has worked with them hand in hand wearing casual attired and this attitude has made her popular among all the workers. Simply put, she wanted to build it into a people oriented company. “In abroad, you will find a lot of amenities of modern life. But the happiness is missing, which you will find in plenty here.

People are easily content. This is also a key ingredient of Bangladesh's rapid success in industrialization.”

Regarding women empowerment, Husna believes that it is an intrinsic feeling. “Even if someone sets her house and family right, it empowers her. Nothing comes easily. We have to earn it ourselves. We have to know what we want to do with our life.”

Husna considers herself successful because all the people close to her heart have managed to establish them with aplomb. “I was afraid that I would lose my identity if my children decided to settle down in abroad.” She has raised them with great family values. She expects they would carry on the legacy. “Like a business,” she quips, “love has its own ROI and profit.”

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Farah Yasin Director, Northern Air Ltd

WOMEN IN BUSINESS FARAH YASIN'S BANANI office is cozy and as one gets inside, the welcoming gesture of her employees is sure to uplift the mood of even a grumbling client. They offer services in one of the sectors, which involves a group of highly sophisticated clients: frequent flyers, passionate travelers, pilgrims, etc. Money cannot buy everything, which is also true for the Airlines industry, especially in Bangladesh, where most of the organizations are offering just lip service. Farah Yasin's company from its inception has made it straight: customer first. They are famous among the elite travelers of the country for their custom-made recommendations and arrangements, for which she is thankful to the hardworking and dynamic travel agents the company has.

Farah is a teacher turned stay-at-home mom turned businessperson. The one advice that helped her getting over the confusion before joining this venture was: it is never too late! “You can start anytime and be successful provided you know how to do it.” So what's there in Farah's bag of tricks? “Loving whatever you do is important. Love, be it for your family or for work, will enable you to go from strength to strength and reach your destination, even if it seems impossible in the first place.

Because love has its own return,” came those words accompanied by a wonderful smile from the mouth of the mother-of-two, who has always put her family first. For her, every working day starts with sending her son and daughter to school early in the morning. She thanks her parents as well as to help in juggling between the roles of a mother and a businessperson. Farah is also very grateful to her husband, Rafiq Hassan, the Managing Director of the company, who always cheered her up while she was in a dilemma whether to get into something she hardly had any idea about. Being an avid traveler, she was already introduced with the leisure and tourism industry; besides, a few training helped her understand the market dynamics better. “It's a great sign that Bangladeshi people, thanks to an ever expanding middle class with higher income range, are traveling more nowadays. For a company like us, it is not always about making profits. Rather, we look into each one's requirement and try to come up with an offer which ensures adequate pleasure for them and at the same time, is not too heavy on their wallet,” the lady with a radiant smile shares her business wisdom with us. Their company already has some 500+ companies as regular

clients and eyeing to bag in more.

For Farah, empowerment is the process, which enables individuals/groups to access fully personal or collective power, authority and influence, and to employ that strength when engaging with other people, institutions or society. In other words, empowerment is not giving power to the people, as they already have enough power, in the wealth of their knowledge and motivation, to do their jobs magnificently. “I define employment as letting this power out,” she sums up. She believes that both genders desperately need to be equally empowered. Empowerment occurs through improvement in condition, standards, events and a global perspective of life.

According to her, women come in business due to push and pull factors. Saddled with household chores and domestic responsibilities women want to achieve independence. Under the influence of this, women chose the profession of an entrepreneur as a challenge to do something new. Such situations can be described as pull factors. While, in push factors women engage in business activities due to family compulsion and the responsibility is thrust upon them. “No matter which factor compels one to become a businessperson, continuous skill development, innovation and effective leadership abilities are necessary to stay afloat since it's a tough world.”

Farah is always up for encouraging youngsters irrespective of their gender. Especially for women, she thinks trade bodies like business Chamber and forums have so much more to do. “Consider women as specific target group for all developmental programs,” tops her list of suggestions. She also advices to take initiatives to counsel women to take up bigger risks and make them prepare with the right skill to fight off the challenges of tomorrow. One of the biggest hindrances in the path of setting up a new venture is lack of financing. To solve that problem, she suggests for repeated gender sensitization programs to be held to train financiers to treat women with dignity and respect in their own right.

And to all women, she makes her clarion call: time has never waited for anyone. So rise up today, start small, keep doing the good job and be sure that future is all set to reward you with something great!

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Kazi Saima Sajjad Manager, Panalpina (Bangladesh)

WOMEN IN BUSINESS KAZI SAIMA SAJJAD joined Panalpina as a fresh graduate, though it was not her first job. She was energetic and ambitious. She comes of a family that has instilled in her the very essence of being honest to the work but understanding and respecting the social norms. The result was: hardworking Saima managed to climb up the corporate ladder swiftly. Now, as a manager of Panalpina-the internationally company famous for offering forwarding services with, logistic support and supply chain management (in Bangladesh it operates through Integrated Transportation Services Limited)she looks after the Administration & international communication. One attribute she thinks helped her become an early achiever is the capability to convince her clients in a smart and timely manner.

She started her career in a bank, but the job seemed “too demanding and taking a toll on her MBA course”.

Then she switched to a privately run television channel, where the marketing job could not hold her back-the creative differences were too big to continue with.

However, luck smiled upon her and she landed on this one. “This is a great company to work for; lots of training programs I have to attend every year and I consider this is going to empower my career; adding new feathers in my crown,” Saima sounds satisfied and grateful.

She is also looking after Panalpina's business in Pakistan, where every times she visits, she is escorted by armed guards to go anywhere outside the hotel.

“Initially this was shocking. But I got used to it now.”

Another thing that she loves about working in Panalpina-the job involves a lot of international roaming. “Travelling has made me a different person.

One gets to adapt with the cultural shocks but at the same time his or her mental horizon widens.”

Nevertheless, the best thing about Panalpina is that the company nurtures and promotes their women employees, which is not that common in many of its contemporaries. “If you go to our Delhi Office, you will find the female to male employee ratio is somewhat around 7:3. The company believes women are loyal, honest and very, very hard working. In our offices in Thailand, Australia you will see the same picture; even in big warehouses women are working side by side with men; in places there are even driving trucks and

ensuring timely delivery of goods. In our company, women are given equal and at times even more opportunity.”

If it ever occurs that, she will have to choose between her family and profession, which one will see opt for? I threw a question to the girl who sounds smitten with her current job. “I will listen to my inner voice.” In this connection, she mentions about an incident that put her in a situation almost like that. It was an attachment course in India for a year and she was just married for a year. She opted for her family over the job. “One has to prioritize.” Was there any family pressure that made her take a decision like that? “I didn't even tell my husband about it. And above all, I could avail myself of such courses in future again.” When asked if he were man, whether the decision would have been different, a witty grin appears on her face. “A man probably would react in a different way. But as I have mentioned, it's about prioritizing and making decisions rationally.” She is, however, thanks his family for the relentless support and encouragement.

Saima likes to build herself in a way that she can face any kind of adversaries in her life. “I still have so much to learn from.” She wants to see herself as an entrepreneur 10 years down the line, considers all these training and experiences to be worthwhile for her second coming. “So far I have always made my own decisions and I believe everyone should be able to do the same. That's what empowerment is all about.” She believes that every woman should have the confidence and courage to stand up against any problem that can jeopardize her very existence as a professional or even a human being. “It's not about being sassy, bossy or complaining. It is a male dominated society and making yourself heard on time is very important. Besides, having faith in your own capability is necessary. It helps you do the job better and shows you how much more effort needs to be given. You can prepare yourself accordingly.”

Saima is sure to go a long way in her career. With right kind of attitude towards life and work, people like her shines on and sets examples for hundreds of other girls.

We wish her all the best!

A Supplement of {Emerging Bangladesh} Jan. - Mar. 2014

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SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL INTERVIEW

Judith Mirschberger, the director of Goethe-Institut, talks about “Made in Bangladesh”, a dance production by Helena Waldmann currently being produced in Dhaka with the support of the institute, how the Goethe-Institut is trying to nurture local talent and the advice she would give to young women in Bangladesh.

Please tell us something about “Made in Bangladesh” “Made in Bangladesh” is a unique documentary dance production exploring the notorious sweat shops of the garment industry with the means of Kathak dance. It is currently being rehearsed in Dhaka.

Awarded German choreographer Helena Waldmann was considering working on the exploitation of the textile industry for quite some time, but only when she met our partner Lubna Marium, the director of the Shadhona Center for Advancement of South Asian Culture, at a dance festival in Germany in 2012, the project took shape. On our invitation

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Helena came to Dhaka in February 2013 for a first research and met factory owners, garment workers, journalists and activists. Like many other Western people, Helena too had prejudices about the sector. Talking with stakeholders, her perceptions changed though, at least to a certain extent. Back in Germany, the production company she is affiliated with identified co-producers, among them Goethe-Institut, and sought funding for the project. It finally kicked off at the end of last year.

Firstly, in an intensive casting process, 13 local Kathak dancers were selected for “Made in Bangladesh” and then rehearsals started in January of 2014. With the support of

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL INTERVIEW Kolkata based Kathak expert Vikram Iyengar and musician Hans Narva from Berlin, Helena makes the dancers deconstruct the different movements of Kathak. In a way the artists in the “sweat shop” of the dance studio transform into human needles, into different parts of sewing machines.

If you wonder how this looks and sounds like, I need to ask you for a bit of patience. The premiere of “Made in Bangladesh” will take place in mid-November at Shilpakala Academy, before the production is touring Europe.

Dance and RMG. Sounds exciting!

Indeed it is. Dance, I believe, is a way of emancipation and so is the garment industry despite all the challenges it is facing.

The latter has allowed women to enjoy empowerment in many ways.

“Made in Bangladesh” will tell the story behind the story of all those people who play a vital role in shaping up the economy of Bangladesh. Without doubt, it will change the perception of people from both home and abroad about the sector.

Goethe-Institut has been working quite actively for many years. You deserve a big kudos for providing a platform for youth who want to be connected with a new language and culture. The immense popularity of Goethe-Institut among the youth bears testament to the fact. Do you have a long-term plan to usher a special impact in their mindset through your activities?

As you have said, it is a lot about providing a platform. It is about bringing people together, also tackling sensitive issues.

Some may perceive us as provocative, but we believe that the fact that people speak openly with one another and work

together in a visionary way enables something brand new and exceptional. Furthermore, we are also involved in capacity building and nurturing local talents. Not to forget our German language courses, which receive a phenomenal response at the moment. Last year, even amidst the political crisis, we had to keep classes open as there were so many students enrolled.

Bangladesh has a very vibrant youth and culture. Most Bangladeshis are open-minded and want to be connected with the world, so we work hard at Goethe-Institut to build bridges that cross cultural and political borders. We are present to provide these people with a chance to know about German education, culture and lifestyle. It is all about sharing the rich heritage between two great cultures from two different continents.

Tell us something about some of your other recent projects.

Well, our calendar is always full of activities and events.

For example, we have just recently completed the puppet theatre production “The Brave Little Tailor” in cooperation with the Bangladesh Institute of Theatre Arts in Chittagong.

For the second time after 2013, Berlin based puppet theatre director Wieland Jagodzinski was working with six selected artists of BITA in January and February 2014. After introducing basic puppetry techniques in the last workshop, this time a full-length puppet theatre production was developed and presented in nine public shows until now.

After the great success of the “Ethno Fashion” project in collaboration with Alliance Française last year, where internationally renowned fashion designers Michael Sontag (Germany), Sakina M´Sa (France) and Bibi Russell (Bangladesh) trained ten young Bangladeshi fashion designers, we feel that we should continue our engagement in this field as well. In early April we are expecting two professors for Fashion Design of two reputed German universities to discuss with them the scope of conducting seminars and workshops for local fashion design professors. Let's see how that goes.

What, according to you, is most important for young women in Bangladesh?

I believe that education is the key to a successful and self-determined life. Once you are educated, you can make your own decisions in a smart way and it ideally also empowers you economically. I can only advise every young woman to follow her dreams even if they sometimes might contradict with the ideas of her parents, teachers or society.

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