United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) honoured two successful women entrepreneurs from the small and medium enterprise sector at a programme held at the bank’s head office to mark International Women’s Day.
The event was organised to recognise women’s contributions to entrepreneurship and the workplace, the bank said in a press release.
UCB Chief Human Resources Officer Syed Hasnain Mamun welcomed participants and said the programme was arranged to celebrate women’s development and empowerment as well as the contributions of female colleagues in the banking sector.
UCB Managing Director and CEO Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid said women’s dedication and professionalism are playing an important role in the development of the banking industry and stressed the need to ensure their equal participation in the sector.
During the programme, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer Md Abdullah Al Mamoon presented honorary crests to two women entrepreneurs in recognition of their contributions to women’s empowerment.
One of the award recipients, Fashion Palace Proprietor Lata Kundu, started her business in 1999 at Gausia Market selling women’s three-piece outfits and ready-made garments.
Despite facing financial constraints and social barriers at the beginning, she gradually expanded the business through persistence and hard work.
Her enterprise now operates four showrooms and has developed into a recognised brand.
Another recipient, Manabi Boutique Founder Syeda Sonia Pinky, started her boutique clothing business for women in 2009.
Although the business began on a small scale, she expanded it gradually by overcoming multiple challenges.
She said creativity, maintaining product quality and gaining customers’ trust are essential factors for women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
The entrepreneurs said access to financial support and confidence from banks plays an important role in strengthening women-led businesses.
The programme also featured poetry recitations and experience-sharing sessions by female employees of the bank highlighting both challenges and achievements of women in the workplace.
The event concluded with an open question-and-answer session between senior management and female employees focusing on ways to ensure a more women-friendly work environment.
