The Coca-Cola Foundation in collaboration with United Purpose has conducted a knowledge-sharing session on women empowerment in Gopalganj.
The workshop titled "The Role of Women Business Centre for Women Economic Empowerment with Social Protection," discussed the Women Business Centre and how it economically empowers women, as well as the value of women entrepreneurship in community development, a press release said on Tuesday.
Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shahida Sultana attended the workshop as the chief guest while Tungipara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Al Mamun was the special guest.
“Bangladesh is on the verge of becoming one of the developed nations in South Asia. Through such programs and trainings, women from our rural and marginalized communities can empower themselves to not only support their families but contribute significantly in the socio-economic development of the country,” said DC Shahida Sultana.
“Through United Purpose, women are being empowered to build careers, build assets, and build lives of self-sufficiency. There is no better investment than creating a climate where people can thrive and achieve success,” said The Coca-Cola Foundation President Saadia Madsbjerg.
To be consistent with the global commitment in collaboration with United Purpose, the Coca-Cola Foundation built Women Business Centres (WBC) in rural parts of Bangladesh to provide economic development to rural and underserved women.
During the first phase of the initiative through 70 WBCs in Jamalpur, Khulna, and Bagerhat districts directly impacted on wellbeing and economic empowerment of 1,00,000 women and indirectly 4,00,000 people.
Now, the initiative has embarked on second phase with the goal of empowering 40,000 women entrepreneurs through 30 WBCs in Sunamganj and Gopalganj.
Through these business centres, women received were trained in business management, IT, poultry farming and developing their existing skills. The WBCs also provided loans, space to operate their businesses and even sell their products from WBC establishments.
