Women entrepreneurs need more climate fund: Farida

City Desk :

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has stressed the need for additional financing from global public-sector climate-risk funds to support women entrepreneurs and all others facing climate-induced vulnerabilities.

“Those who run environment-friendly and sustainable businesses with climate risks in mind must be prioritised under these funds,” she said on Saturday at a seminar titled ‘Voices for Change: Putting Climate Action, Women Entrepreneurs, and SMEs in Bangladeshi Public Policy’ held at a city hotel.

Farida said promoting women entrepreneurs should not only be about increasing numbers, but ensuring their visibility in economic activities.

“Although institutions like Bangladesh Bank and SME Foundation provide special support for women entrepreneurs, the overall scope is still insufficient despite women making up 51% of the population. Women themselves must claim their rightful share of opportunities,” she added.
Highlighting the significance of small and medium enterprises, Farida said SMEs are the largest source of employment generation in the country, offering 50-60% employment potential for women.

Each woman entrepreneur, she noted, creates opportunities for several other women.
Praising women’s financial discipline, she said it is a proven fact that women repay loans responsibly. “So, loan support for women should be expanded.”