Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective

November 2009

Conducted by: MIDAS

Sponsored by: SME Foundation

Table of Contents Acronyms List of Tables and Figures Executive Summary Chapter 1.0 Introduction 1 1.1 Statement of the problem 2 1.2 Significance of the study 2 1.3 Objective of the study 3 1.4 Theoretical perspective of the study 3 1.5 Scope of the study 3 1.6 Limitations of the study 4 Chapter 2.0 Study Methodology 5 2.1 Primary Research 5 2.1.1 Location of the survey 5 2.1.2 Sample Size 8 2.1.3 Support Service Providers 9 2.1.4 Methods of Data Collection 9 2.1.5 Techniques of Data Collection 9 2.1.6 Techniques of Data Analysis 10 2.2 Secondary Research 10 2.3 Focus Group Discussion (FGD) 11 2.4 Key Informant Meeting (KIM) and Preparation of Case Studies 12 2.5 Planning Workshops (PW) 13 2.5.1 Planning Workshop Dialogues in the 6 Divisional HQs 13 2.5.2 Discussions at Planning Workshops 13 2.6 National Dissemination Seminar (NDS) 23 Chapter 3.0 Literature Review 24 Chapter 4.0 Entrepreneurship 30 4..1 Concept of Entrepreneurship: A theoretical discussion 30 4..2 Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh 30 Chapter 5.0 Women Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh 31 5.1 History of Women Entrepreneurship Development in Bangladesh 31 5.2 Women Entrepreneurs of Bangladesh 32 5.3 Women Entrepreneurship in Urban Areas 32 5.4 Women Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas 32 Chapter 6.0 Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) 33 6.1 Definition of SME 33 6.2 Theories of SME 33 6.3 SMEs in Bangladesh 34 6.4 Promotion of SMEs for Sustainable Development 35 6.4.1 Access to Finance 35 6.5 Barriers to the Promotion of the SME sector in Bangladesh 35 6.6 Booster Sectors of SME 36 6.7 The program for SME in Bangladesh (Government & NGOs) 36 6.7.1 SME Foundation 36 6.7.2 SME Development through Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) 37 Chapter 7.0 Gender related Issues in SME Development 38 7.1 Gender Equality 38

7.2 Gender Gaps 38 7.3 Gender Action Plan (GAP) of SME Foundation 38 7.4 Suggested Programmes/Schemes based on SMEF approved

Gender Action Plan 39

7.5 Gender Budgeting 42 Chapter 8.0 The Government Policies for Economic & Industrial

Development in Bangladesh 43

8.1 SME Policy 43 8.1.1 Objectives of the SME Policy 43 8.1.2 Gender and SME Policy 44 8.2 Industrial Policy 44 8.3 Agricultural Policy 45 8.4 Monetary Policy 46 8.5 A Matrix on gender equality and identified gap 46 Chapter 9.0 Policies and Program Effecting Development of Women

Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh 52

9.1 Women Entrepreneurship related policies and Objectives in various Five Year Plans of Bangladesh

52

9.2 Women Entrepreneurship related objectives in NAP 52 9.3 Women Entrepreneurship related Policies & Objectives in the PRSP 53 9.4 Women Entrepreneurship related Objectives in International Treaties 53 9.4.1 Platform for Action (PFA) 53 9.4.2 Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW 53 Chapter 10.0 Support Service Providing Organization/Institutions and their

Activities 54

10.1 Training Institutions 54 10.2 Municipality/Pourashova 59 10.3 Chambers 60 10.4 Associations 61 10.5 Banks 62 10.6 Non-Bank Financial Institution 64 10.7 Law Enforcing Agencies 66 Chapter 11.0 Women Entrepreneurs in Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) 67 11.1 Characteristics of Women Entrepreneurs 67 11.1.1 Age 67 11.1.2 Educational Qualification 68 11.1.3 Marital status 69 11.1.4 Religion 71 11.1.5 Types of Family and number of Children 71 11.1.6 Educational Background of Family Members 72 11.1.7 Occupational Background of Family Members 75 11.1.8 Previous Occupation 77 11.2 Issues related to Entrepreneurship Development 78 11.2.1 Motivating factors for entrance into business for Entrepreneurship

Development 78

11.2.2 Impediments from Family in becoming an Entrepreneur 79 11.2.3 Impediments from Society in becoming an Entrepreneur 80 11.2.4 Secondary Occupation of Women Entrepreneurs 80 11.3 Enterprise Profile 82 11.3.1 Year of establishment of Enterprise 82

11.3.2 Experience in Business 82 11.3.3 Nature of Ownership 83 11.3.4 SME-led sectors of Enterprises 87 11.3.5 Income from Business 90 11.3.6 Business Management 92 11.3.7 Problems faced in Business 94 11.3.8 Use of Savings 95 11.3.9 Status of Company Registration/License 96 11.4 Trade License issues & related Problems 97 Chapter 12.0 Access to Government Services 103 12.1 Approach to Government Organizations supporting SME

Development 103

12.2 Names of Government Organizations approached for Enterprise Development

103

12.3 Types of Support received for Business Development 104 Chapter 13.0 Training & Human Resources 106 13.1 Training related issues 106 13.2 Employment Generation 109 13.3 Skill and Performance of Enterprise Personnel 112 13.4 Salary range of Workers 112 13.5 Types of Workers employed 113 13.6 Problems faced by Employers 114 13.7 Bonus/Incentives to Workers 115 Chapter 14.0 Sources of Capital 116 14.1 Investment in Business (Initial & Current) 116 14.2 Sources of Capital (Initial & Current) 118 14.3 Types of Guarantee provided for Loans 121 14.4 Type of Assets procured 122 14.5 Property Inheritance 123 14.6 Information on Ownership of Land 124 14.7 Impression of Women Entrepreneurs regarding receiving of Bank

Loans 125

14.8 Special Credit Programme of Bangladesh Bank/SME Foundation 129 Chapter 15.0 Business Management 132 15.1 Business Plan 132 15.2 Accounting & Book Keeping 133 15.3 Information on Bank Accounts 134 15.4 Income Tax Identification Number (TIN) 135 15.5 Income Tax Assessment 136 15.6 VAT Registration Number 137 15.7 Process of Income Tax and VAT 137 15.8 Export related information 138 15.9 Import related information 140 15.10 Marketing and Sale of Products 141 15.11 Ownership and expenditure of Showroom 144 15.12 Business Promotional Materials and Process 145 15.13 Access to IT 146 15.14 Target Customer 148 15.15 Target Market 149 15.16 Training on Marketing 150 15.17 Hindrances to Marketing of Products 151

Chapter 16.0 Trade Fair Participation 153 16.1 Information on Trade Fair participation 153 16.2 Types of Trade Fair 153 16.3 Impact of participation 154 Chapter 17.0 Institutional Support for Product Development 156 17.1 Technical support for Product Development 156 17.2 Information on support by Organizations for Product Development 157 17.3 Reasons for not using Product Development Support 158 17.4 Institutional Support 159 Chapter 18.0 Trade Organizations 161 18.1 Membership in Trade Organizations/Associations 161 18.2 Services provided 162 18.3 Expectation of Members 163 18.4 Strengthening of Womens position in Business and International

Trade Promotion 163

Chapter 19.0 Business Environments 165 19.1 Incidence of illegal Tolls and Briberies 165 19.2 Overall Business Environment 165 Chapter 20.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Status of Women Entrepreneurs In

Family 166

20.1 Head of Households 166 20.2 Role of Family Members in Business 167 20.3 Role of family members in domestic work 167 20.4 Time allocation of Women Entrepreneurs in various activities in a day 168 20.5 Monetary contribution to Family by Women Entrepreneurs 170 Chapter 21.0 Major Problems Faced By Women Entrepreneurs 172 21.1 Major problems faced in Family 172 21.2 Major problems faced in Society 172 Chapter 22.0 Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) 174 22.1 Knowledge of CSR 174 22.2 Types of CSR provided 175 Chapter 23.0 Harassment In Business 176 23.1 Types of Harassment in Business 176 23.2 People involved in Harassment in Business 177 Chapter 24.0 Suggestions for Overcoming Problems 179 Chapter 25.0 Qualities Required for Becoming a Successful Women

Entrepreneur 181

Chapter 26.0 The Entrepreneurs Aims and Dreams 182 Chapter 27.0 Achievements in Business 184 Chapter 28.0 Entrepreneurs Contributions towards Family 186 Chapter 29.0 Entrepreneurs Contributions towards Society 187

Chapter 30.0 Case Studies 189 Chapter 31.0 Conclusion and Recommendations 231 31.1 Conclusion 231 31.2 Recommendations 233 References 238 Annexure: Annexure1 List of participants in FGD & PW in Dhaka Division 240 Annexure 2 List of participants in FGD & PW in Chittagong Division 241 Annexure 3 List of participants in FGD & PW in Rajshahi Division 242 Annexure4 List of participants in FGD & PW in Khulna Division 243 Annexure 5 List of participants in FGD & PW in Barisal Division 244 Annexure6 List of participants in FGD & PW in Sylhet Division 245 Annexure 7 Report on Planning Workshop Discussions in Dhaka Division 246 Annexure 8 Report on Planning Workshop Discussions in Chittagong Division 255 Annexure 9 Report on Planning Workshop Discussions in Rajshahi Division 264 Annexure 10 Report on Planning Workshop Discussions in Khulna 274 Annexure 11 Report on Planning Workshop Discussions in Barisal 283 Annexure 12 Report on Planning Workshop Discussions in Sylhet 293

Appendix Report on the Dissemination Seminar on the Study

ACRONYMS

BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics BEPZA Bangladesh Export Processing Zone BSCIC Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation BSTI Bangladesh Standard Testing Institute BWCCI Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry DFID Department for International Development DIG Deputy Inspector General DOE Department of Environment EA Enumeration Area EPB Export Promotion Bureau FBCCI Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry GDP Gross Domestic Product GO Government Organization GOB Government of Bangladesh IBM Institute of Business Management ICT Information and Communication Technology IWTA Inland Water Transport Authority JUA Jubo Unnayan Adhidapter (Directorate of Youth Development) MIDAS Micro Industries Development Assistance and Services MOWA MOC MOI

Ministry of Womens Affairs Ministry of Commece Ministry of Indusries

MSME Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises NASCIB National Association of Small and Cottage Industries, Bangladesh NBFI Non-Bank Financial Institution NBR National Board of Revenue NGO Non- Government Organizations RAB Rapid Action Battalion SME Small and Medium Enterprise SMEF Small and Medium Enterprise Foundation SWOT Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat UCEP Under-privileged Childrens Education Programme VAT Value Added Tax WE Women Entrepreneurs WEA Women Entrepreneurs Association WEAB Women Entrepreneurs Association, Bangladesh WISE Women In Small Enterprise

LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Names of the Districts in the Survey Table 2 Names of the Upazillas in the Survey Table 3 Sample size of the Study Table 4 Type of organization Table 5 Year of Establishment Table 6 Duration and time Table 7 No. of participants enrolled in a batch Table 8 Frequency of course in a year Table 9 Fees per participant in BDT Table 10 Accommodation for participants Table 11 Follow-up programs for participants receiving training Table 12 Fixed training programs or organized training according to need Table 13 Training calendar Table 14 Number of trainers of your organization

Table 15 Qualifications of trainers Table 16 The participants selection processes Table 17 Facilities provided Table 18 Type of training/BDS mostly demanded by women entrepreneur Table 19 Training Providing in Years Table 20 Popular business among women entrepreneurs Table 21 Enhancement of the marketing capacity of women entrepreneurs through training Table 22 Facilities provided to women entrepreneurs Table 23 Nature of assistance provided for Trade License Table 24 Problems faced in managing trade license Table 25 List of requirement from municipality/Pouroshova Table 26 Number of members of women entrepreneurs in the chamber Table 27 Number of members of Executive Committee Table 28 Facilities provided to women entrepreneurs Table 29 List of special activities organized for women entrepreneurs Table 30 Year of Establishment Table 31 Number of members of women entrepreneurs in the Association Table 32 Number of women entrepreneurs as members of Executive Committee Table 33 Number of women entrepreneurs as members of Executive Committee Table 34 Facilities provided to women entrepreneurs Table 35 List of special activities organized for women entrepreneurs Table 36 Names of Banks visited Table 37 Type of Bank Table 38 Year of establishment Table 39 Opportunities provided to women entrepreneurs Table 40 Utilizing Small Enterprise Fund (SEF) by the Bank Table 41 Specialized desk for the women entrepreneurs Table 42 Number of women entrepreneurs who got support from that desk Table 43 Special facilities for the women entrepreneurs to develop business Table 44 Problems faced in sanctioning loans Table 45 Year of establishment Table 46 Facilities for the women entrepreneurs not provided by the NBFI Table 47 Organization utilizing Small Enterprise Fund (SEF) Table 48 Specialized desk for the women entrepreneurs Table 49 Number of women entrepreneurs got support from the desk Table 50 Special offers for the women entrepreneurs to develop business Table 51 Type of problems faced by women in business and support needed Table 52 Methods to tackle the problems of women entrepreneurs Table 53 Facilities provided for the women entrepreneurs to carry out business Table 54 Age Distribution of the Respondents Table 55 Educational Status of the Respondents Table 56 Marital statuses of the Respondents Table 57 Religions of Respondents Table 58 Family types of the Respondents Table 59 Average numbers of children Table 60 Distribution of the Fathers Education Table 61 Distribution of the Mothers Education Table 62 Distribution of the husbands Education Table 63 Occupational Distribution of Fathers Table 64 Occupational Distribution of Mothers Table 65 Occupational Distribution of Husbands Table 66 Previous occupations of Women Entrepreneurs Table 67 Motivating factors of woman to enter into business Table 68 Type of impediments from family in becoming an entrepreneur Table 69 Impediments for entrepreneurship Development (from Society)

Table 70 Secondary Occupation of Women Entrepreneurs Table 71 Distribution of Secondary Occupation of Women Entrepreneurs Table 72 Year of Establishment of Enterprises Table 73 Womens experience in business Table 74 Nature of ownership of business Table 75 Position of the Women owners in the Business Table 76 Booster-Sector wise ownership of the Women Entrepreneurs Table 77 Starting year of Business Table 78 Company Registration year (For interval Verification) Table 79 Interval Period of business and registration Table 80 Distribution of Monthly of income Table 81 Distribution of Monthly sales position in the last year Table 82 Distribution of Monthly profit in the last year Table 83 Women Entrepreneurs management of business Table 84 Type of Employees in the organization Table 85 Problems faced in the business Table 86 Utilization of savings by the women Table 87 Status of company registration/license Table 88 Company registrations Years Table 89 Trade license-providing agencies Table 90 Reasons for not having TL/Registration Table 91 Problem faced by Women Entrepreneurs with Trade License/ Registration Authority Table 92 Problems faced by Women Entrepreneur of not having Trade License/ Registration Table 93 Opinion regarding Company Registration Table 94 Approaches to Government organizations supporting SME development Table 95 Approaches to Government organizations supporting SME development Table 96 Names of Government Organizations approached for business Table 97 Types of Supports from Different Organizations Table 98 Training Status Table 99 Training cost born Table 100 Name of the training Table 101 Year of Training Received Table 102 Number of Female Personnel Currently Employed Table 103 Number of Male Personnel Currently Employed Table 104 Total No. of Personnel Currently Employed Table 105 Satisfaction Level regarding skill and performance of personnel Table 106 Highest Salaries of Workers Table 107 lowest salaries of Workers Table 108 Type of workers employed Table 109 Problems faced with employees Table 110 Problems encountered by the employers Table 111 Bonus/incentive paid to employees Table 112 Initial Investments (Equity) Table 113 Initial Investment in BDT (loan) Table 114 Initial Investment in BDT (total) Table 115 Current Investment in BDT (equity) Table 116 Current Investment in BDT (loan) Table 117 Current Investment in BDT (total) Table 118 Sources of initial Capital Table 119 Sources of current capital Table 120 Types of guarantee provided for taking loan Table 121 Information on assets Table 122 Assets of Women Entrepreneurs Table 123 Inheritance of property Table 124 Type of property inherited

Table 125 Sources of inheritance of property Table 126 Purchase of land Table 127 Amount of land Purchased Table 128 First impressions of women entrepreneurs with regards to receiving loan from private bank Table 129 First impressions of women entrepreneurs with regards to receive loan from Public bank Table 130 First impressions of women entrepreneurs with regards to receive loan from Non-Banking Financial Company Table 131 First impression of women entrepreneurs with regards to receiving loan from NGO Table 132 First impressions of US with regards to receiving loan from Government Agencies Table 133 First impression of women entrepreneurs with regards to receiving loan from money lender Table 134 First impression of women entrepreneurs with regards to receiving loan from other sources Table 135 Knowledge about the Bangladesh Bank program Table 136 Knowledge about the SME Foundation program Table137 Implementation Status of the Refinancing Scheme program Table138 Possession of Business Plan Table139 Preparation of business plan Table140 Duration Business Plan Table141 Possession of accountant Table142 Supervision and maintenance of accounts and bookkeeping Table143 Accomplishment of Accounting Work Table144 Accounts with schedule bank Table145 Status of Accounts Table146 Reason for not having Bank accounts Table147 Information on TIN Table148 Amount of Income Tax Paid Table149 Assessment of income tax Table150 Information on VAT registration number Table151 Amount of VAT paid Table152 Process of income tax and VAT Table153 Information about Export Table154 Responses of Exporting Countries Table155 Export items Table156 Yearly Value of Exports Table157 Information about Importer Table158 Items of Imports Table159 Yearly Values of Import Table160 Information about showroom to sell products Table161 District wise Number of Showrooms Table162 Information on Sales of product or service Table163 Ownership of showroom Table164 Monthly Expenditure of rented Showrooms Table165 Type of Business promotional materials used Table166 Type of Business promotional processes Table167 Possession of Computer Table168 Training on computer operation Table169 Internet connection Table170 Possession of e-mail accounts Table171 Possession of website Table172 Production for target customers Table173 Types of Target Customers Table174 Target Market Table175 Training on sales and marketing Table176 Place of training Table177 Training benefits Table178 Hindrances to marketing of products Table179 Participation in the trade fair

Table180 Type of trade fair organized Table181 Impact of participation in trade fair Table182 Technical supports for product development Table183 Specification of technical support Table184 Approach to organization for product development support Table185 Name of organization for product development Table186 Reasons for not using product development support Table187 Institutional supports Table188 Type of support you received Table189 Name of supporting Organization Table190 Membership of trade organization/association Table191 Name of Trade Organisation Table192 Reasons behind the non-memberships Table193 Type of services the women getting now Table194 Expectation of members of trade organisations Table195 Strengthening of womens position in business and international trade promotion Table196 Incidence of illegal tolls and Briberies Table197 Perception about business environment Table198 Information of head of family Table199 Main roles in business Table 200 Main roles in domestic work Table 201 Time allocation of WE for main business in a day Table 202 Time allocation of Women Entrepreneurs in Secondary profession Table 203 Time allocation of WE in Domestic work Table 204 Time allocation of WE in Social and community purpose Table 205 Time allocation of Women Entrepreneur for leisure in a day Table 206 Women Entrepreneur Monetary contributions to family expenditure Table 207 Women Entrepreneur Contribution in Family monthly Savings Table 208 Major problems faced by women entrepreneurs in family Table 209 Major problems faced by women entrepreneurs in the Society Table 210 Knowledge about CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Table 211 Type of CSR provided Table 212 Experience of harassment during business Table 213 Type of harassment faced in business Table 214 Persons/organizations responsible for harassment Table 215 Overall Suggestions in overcoming problems Table 216 Qualities required to be a successful entrepreneur Table 217 Aims and Dreams of the Respondents Table 218 Achievements in Business Table 219 Contributions of women entrepreneurs in family Table 220 Contributions of women entrepreneurs in Society List of Figures Figure 1 Overall Age Distribution of the Respondents Figure 2 Overall Educational Status of the Respondents Figure 3 Overall Marital Status of Respondents Figure 4 Years of Experience of Women Entrepreneurs Figure 5 Nature of ownership of business Figure 6 Problems faced by the women entrepreneurs in business Figure 7 Status of training received by the women entrepreneurs Figure 8 Distribution of women entrepreneurs according to their current Investment in BDT (total) Figure 9 Status of Refinancing Scheme program with the women entrepreneurs Figure 10 Target Market for women entrepreneurs Figure 11 Overall Distribution of Head of Households Figure 12 Time allocation of WE for business in a day

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In Bangladesh, a large number of women work in the informal sector, but the real value of their participation and contribution is not recognized in the society. Differences and inequalities between women and men exist in terms of opportunities, rights, and benefits. There are various constraints in the way to the up-gradation of their skills and enhancement of their productivity. These include poor access to market, information, technology and finance, poor linkages and networks with support services and an unfavourable policy and regulatory environment. However, it is heartening to note that despite many barriers, a new womens entrepreneur class in the Small and Medium sector has developed in the country taking on the challenge to work in a male-dominated, competitive and complex economic and business environment. It has been found that at present women entrepreneurs constitute less than 10% of the total business entrepreneurs in Bangladesh whereas women in advanced market economies own more than 25% of all businesses. Inspite of these, in Bangladesh, not only have the womens entrepreneurship improved their living conditions and earned more respect in the family and the society, but they have also contributed to business and export growth, supplies, employment generation, productivity and skill development . In view of the above situation, SME Foundation decided to commission a comprehensive study on Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective, to ascertain their present conditions, identify the sectors of their business activities, find out the impediments to the development of women entrepreneurship, report their achievements and problems in business, including their family and social constraints, and formulate programs based on the approved Gender Action Plan (GAP) of SME Foundation to increase womens involvement in the SME sector. To review the position of the women entrepreneurs in SMEs and identify their successes and this study was assigned to MIDAS by SME Foundation. This report is the culmination of the efforts made by MIDAS to accomplish the task.

The Study Objective, Location and Sample size:

The overall objective of the study was to examine the key gender issues involved in women entrepreneurship development in the SME sector with a view to addressing the present status of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, their role in the national economy, their achievements, their socio-cultural, educational and legal barriers and the problems of exclusion of women from access to market, technology and finance and make recommendations for the SME Foundation to support Business Services for Women Entrepreneurs, who face an uphill battle in starting up and developing business. The study through extensive survey throughout Bangladesh involved both quantitative survey and qualitative research using Questionnaire Survey, Interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Planning Workshops. The survey was conducted in 50 Upazillas of the 34 districts of Bangladesh. Of the districts 9 were from Dhaka Division, 8 from Rajshahi, 6 from Chittagong, 5 from Khulna, 3 from Barisal and 2 districts from Sylhet Division. Later the district of Laxmipur was added, making the total number of Districts to 34 within which the survey was finally conducted. The study was conducted on Women Entrepreneurs in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and a wide range of data dispersed all over 34 sample districts in 6 divisions were collected. The total number of respondents in the 34 districts of Bangladesh covered by the survey was 1035 women entrepreneurs. The highest number of women entrepreneurs interviewed was 35 each from the districts of Dhaka, Tangail, Manikganj, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Mymensingh and Madaripur and the lowest number was 14 from the district of Laxmipur. 16 women entrepreneurs were interviewed from the district of Noakhali, while in the rest of the districts surveyed the number of women entrepreneurs interviewed was 30 each. Data were collected mostly from those women who were actively involved as women entrepreneurs and undertaking business in various sectors.

Support service providing organization/institutions and their activities: The survey also covered 165 Service Providers of the 34 districts, interviewing the relevant people of 5 such

organizations in each of the districts among which were personnel from Training Institutes, Municipalities/Pouroshovas, Chambers, Trade Associations, Banks, Non-Bank Financial Institutions and Law Enforcing Agencies. The service providing personnel in these organizations and institutions were interviewed to identify the type of organization, the type of services provided (for Trade Associations and Law Enforcing

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Agencies), the number of women entrepreneurs benefited, the cost of training, type of training course and frequency of the courses (for training institutes), type of services and facilities provided for the entrepreneurship development (for banks, Non-Banking Financial Institutions).

Characteristics of Women Entrepreneurs in Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs):

Age Distribution of the Respondents: The age of the women entrepreneurs varied from less than 20 years to 61 years and above. The age of the majority (41.64%) of the women entrepreneurs were between 31 to 40 years where the women had the capacity to run enterprises with stability and reliability, overcome obstacles with courage, face the social criticism and make decisions with confidence. 28.02% belonged to the age group of 21-30 years where the younger females endeavoured into business professions with zeal and courage, initiating an income earning capacity and overcoming problems with the strength and courage of the younger generation. It was found that the greater the age, the lesser was their participation in the business profession and activities. There were18.36% women in age group of 41 to 50 years and 4.93% women in age group 51 to 60 years. There were only 0.68% women entrepreneurs in the age group of over 61 years and above. There were only 3.2% young girls less than 20 years in the profession, since lack of knowledge and social security do not encourage them into the profession of entrepreneurship. Educational Status of the Respondents: 97.29% of the women entrepreneurs had education from below SSC to Masters Degree including some professional degree. Majority of the women entrepreneurs (30.63%) had education below SSC, of whom the highest 40.42% were from Rajshahi division. 25.51% had passed their SSC and 21.55% had completed HSC. 14.98% were graduates, having B.A./B.Sc./B.Com degrees. It was found that only 4.44% had completed their Masters Degree having M.A./ M.Com. /M.Sc./ M.Ag./ MBA degrees. The highest educated women (6.35%) with Masters Degree were from Dhaka division. Among the respondents, only 2% had a professional MBBS degree. Since the literacy rate of females in Bangladesh is 48.8% (for 15 years and above, 2006 B.B.S.), it is natural that women entrepreneurs would not be highly qualified or educated. Yet it was true that in spite of their less education, women had succeeded in their entrepreneurial pursuits through the proper use of their talents in business. Marital status of the Respondents: The majority of the women entrepreneurs of Bangladesh (82.90%) were married. The highest number of married women entrepreneurs was from the division of Chittagong (85.56%). Among the lone women who were single, it was found that 10.63% of the total respondents were unmarried, while 4.15% were widows, 1.35% were divorced and .0.48% were separated. These single women entrepreneurs were the heads of the families of female-headed households and constituted 16.8% of the total respondents. Religions of Respondents: The majority of the respondents were found to be Muslims by religion (89.76%). Since Bangladesh was a Muslim majority country, it was natural that most of the women entrepreneurs would be Muslims. But age-old traditions and mis-interpreted Muslim beliefs in a male-dominated society often prevented these women from taking up entrepreneurship as a profession, especially in the rural and less developed districts. On the other hand the Hindu, Christian and Buddhist women did not have to undergo such rigid restrictions and prohibitions as the Muslim women. Thus, in spite of the lesser representation, women entrepreneurs among the Hindus was 6.96%, Buddhists 2.42% and Christians 0.68% as found from the survey conducted throughout Bangladesh.

Family types of the Respondents: The study informed that the largest segment of women entrepreneurs

(77.87%) belonged to nuclear families, while only 15.36% belonged to joint or extended families. Of the women of nuclear families, the highest number (84.67%) was from Khulna division followed by Rajshahi (82.92%), Chittagong ( 76.67%), Dhaka (75.56.6%), Sylhet (75.00%), and Barisal (65.56%).

Average number of children: The average number of children per family was found to be 5 in Barisal division, followed by 4 in each of Dhaka, Rajshahi and Khulna, 3 in Chittagong and 2 in Sylhet division. Children were found to assist their mothers in business in many areas especially in marketing of products, production process and packaging of products.

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Educational Background of Family Members: The largest number (29.95%) of the fathers of the respondents had studied below SSC only attending schools for education while 21.16% had completed SSC. 4.44% of the fathers were illiterate. Majority of the women entrepreneurs came from less educated families. Among the more educated fathers, 11.98% had completed HSC/Diploma, 14.78% were graduates having B.A./B.Sc./B.com degree while 4.44% had M.A/M.Com./M.Sc./M.Ag./MBA degrees. Only 0.39% of them had professional degree and were Doctors. The women entrepreneurs of these educated families were usually urban-based where opportunities for the family, individual solvency and career formation along with education were easily available. Regarding the education of the mothers of the respondents, the largest number (60.10%) was found to have studied below SSC while 12.75% had completed SSC. It was observed that about 5.89% of the mothers were illiterate. This shows the level of education of mothers in comparison to their daughters, who were more educated. In comparison to the fathers of the entrepreneurs, more mothers had studied in schools below SSC, but only 3.96% of the mothers had completed HSC/Diploma, 1.93% of the mothers were graduates having B.A./B.Sc./B.com degree while only 4 mothers (0.39%) had M.A/M.Com./M.Sc./M.Ag./MBA degrees. It was found that 2 mothers (0.19%) had professional degree in Engineering.

The survey revealed that there were no women entrepreneurs who were illiterate but it was found that 1.35%

of their husbands were illiterate. On the other hand there were lesser husbands in comparison to the women entrepreneurs, who were below SSC (16.43%), lesser number had passed HSC (16.71%). However, the largest segment of the husbands of women entrepreneurs (25.51%) were graduates and had obtained B.A/BSc//BCom degree, and 10.72% had obtained degree in M.A./M.Com./M.Sc./M.Ag. /MBA. In comparison to the women entrepreneurs their husbands were more in the professional field obtaining professionals degrees as Engineers (0.29%) and (0.39%) as Doctors. For 91 women entrepreneurs (8.79%) this question was not applicable and 54 (5.22%) did not respond.

Occupational background of Family Members: As regards the occupations of the fathers of the

respondents, the majority 35.27% were in business, 21.93% in service, 4.54%, were retired personnel. It may be assumed that these were the fathers of women entrepreneurs residing in urban areas and many of whom were solvent in the society. However, there were others who lived in semi urban and rural areas where their families were poorer in comparison to livelihood earning and had rural-based occupations as farmers (12.75%) while 0.68% were unemployed and 1.64% belonged to various other professions. The question was not applicable for 2.32% and 20.87% did not respond. The largest segment (77.87%) of the mothers of the women entrepreneurs were home makers/housewives. Some were involved in various professions especially in the urban-based and educated families where women had the freedom to choose their professions and make their own decisions. Thus we find that 2.80% were in service, 1.35% were in business, 0.29% were retired personnel and 0.19% were in other professions while 0.19% mothers were unemployed. For 2.03% the question was not applicable. The occupational distribution of the husbands of women entrepreneurs showed that 54.01% were in business. This could be a reason for the women to become entrepreneurs through the motivation of their husbands. 22.71% husbands were in service, 1.26% were retired personnel and 2.80% belonged to various other occupations. Only 0.77% was unemployed. It was interesting to note that 0.19% were home makers and looked after the families, as their wives were busy with business activities. For 8.99% the question was not applicable while 6.38% did not respond. Previous occupations of Women Entrepreneurs: The largest number (64.64%) of these women were only housewives before they entered into their careers as women entrepreneurs, 17.49% were previously students, 7.83% were in service, 1.84% belonged to various other occupations and 3.86% were unemployed. Motivating factors of woman to enter into business: The most common factor was to add to family income (47.25%) .The highest attainment (70%) was in Chittagong division, followed by (58.75%) in Rajshahi. 9.37% were motivated by self financial benefits and 41.74% had various other non-specified motivating factors. Some women had taken up entrepreneurship as a profession in order to form a career and emerge triumphant in life

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as a successful personality in business. Many had taken up the profession in order to do something worthwhile in life and devote their lives for the development of Bangladesh. Type of impediments from family in becoming an entrepreneur: Majority of the women entrepreneurs (32.1%) informed that the impediments came from parents who did not like them to enter into business. 5.5% had problems with children who did not like their mother to become entrepreneurs. 11.3% mentioned of impediments from in-laws and 9.6% complained of impediments from husbands who did not want them to become entrepreneurs. About one fifth (19.7%) of the women entrepreneurs were previously not interested in becoming women entrepreneurs themselves. Impediments by women for Entrepreneurship Development from Society: Majority (28%) of the respondents said that the people generally did not like women to be in business, and that is the main impediment for the women to enter into business activities and also to become successful in business. 20% faced difficulty in getting cash payment from wholesalers, 11% of the women respondents mentioned about the problems of ill-literacy and lack of knowledge. 9.7% complained of the troubles created through the teasing of women entrepreneurs by young people, while 5.5% mentioned about the pressure and demand of unusual tolls which created crisis in business transactions. 5.2% complained of the conservativeness of the society and the general public regarding womens business involvement.

Secondary Occupation of women entrepreneurs: 15.56% had secondary occupations, the highest being in

Dhaka (18.73%) and the lowest in Barisal (4.44%). Of them 37.8% were in service, 22.2% were in business other than their own and 30.3% were in various other occupations.

Year of establishment of enterprise: Of the 1035 women entrepreneurs surveyed, only one business was

established in 1954 and another enterprise was established in between 1971- 1975. Establishment of women entrepreneurs enterprises started growing during the seventies and 14 enterprises were established between 1976-1980, 67 between1981-1990, 280 enterprises between 1991--2000 and 78 between 2006 and 2009. The highest record of enterprise establishment was 397 (38.3%) during 2001-2005. Nearly 50% enterprises were established in the beginning of this century from 2000 to 2010. Moreover it is also observed that enterprises of women were developed after the Liberation of Bangladesh, as women established their business enterprises from 1971 onwards.

Womens experience in business (in years): The highest number of women entrepreneurs (44.44%) had

experience of 5 years or less. 33.43% of women entrepreneurs had 5-10 years of experience, 13.14% had 10-15 years, 6.76% had 16-20 years of experience. It was noticed that only 2.22% of the women entrepreneurs had more than 21 years of experience. 44.44% women entrepreneurs had the shortest experience of 5 years or less. Nature of ownership of business: The highest number of sole ownership of business ownership was among the 85.41% women entrepreneurs. This was Proprietorship and the highest numbers of proprietorship enterprises were from Dhaka (93.65%). Only 9.47% had family ownership, 4.54% were in partnership with others 0.39% were associated with some companies and 0.19% had various other ownership arrangements.

Position of the Women owners in the Business: Majority of the women (85.41%) had sole ownership of their business enterprises which belonged to the Small enterprise sector and were the proprietors of their business. Some in the Medium Enterprise sector had Family Ownership, Partnership or were Share Holders in Companies. 4.54% of the women were Directors in their business, 2.90% were the Managing Directors in their firms. 2.80% were Chairman of the companies, 3.96% worked as managers of the enterprises while 0.39% held various other positions in the business enterprises. Booster - Sector wise ownership of the Women Entrepreneurs: The Booster sector wise ownership of the women entrepreneurs has been obtained from the survey in line with the information and issues provided by the Ministry of Industries through the SME Foundation (previously SME Cell). These Booster-sectors were the areas where majority of the women were involved in and accounts for the main ownership and income of the women in the SME sector. The greatest number of women entrepreneurs (27.8%) were involved in Designing,

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Aesthetically-Challenging, Personal wear and Effects. Of these the highest involvement was in Khulna division (40.9%) and the lowest in Chittagong (15.6%). The second highest 12.9% were found to be in the ownership of Knit-Wear and Ready-Made Garments, followed by 10.8% women entrepreneurs who had ownership in Agro-Processing/Agri-business/ Plantation/ Agri Specialist Farming/ Tissue Culture. The largest 46.8% of the ownership of the women entrepreneurs belonged to various other trades which were easier to operate and also had good market. These included Handicraft Manufacturing, Tailoring, Block and Batik works, Embroidery, Catering Services, Food and Confectionery, Beauty Parlours, Fitness Clubs, Construction Works, Printing and Publishing etc. Pharmaceuticals/Cosmetics/Toiletries were owned by 5.9% women. 3.4% women were involved in Health-Care and Diagnostic Centres while 2.6% belonged to Education Services. The lesser ownership of women were in Electronics and Electrical Enterprises by 1%, Soft-Ware Development Firms by 0.8%, Light Engineering and Metal-Working by 0.6%, Plastic and other Synthetics by .6%, leather-Making and Leather Goods by 0.3%. Since these sector activities were new for women and mainly dominated by men, few women went into these trades as they did not have sufficient knowledge, information and skill on these trades including production and marketing process.

Starting year of Business: It was observed that there were only five women who started their

business/company from 1950-1979, within a span of 30 years. This shows that entrepreneurship among women of Bangladesh grew after the Liberation of Bangladesh, from the 70s and started developing during the 80s and 90s, reaching to the highest during the beginning of this twentieth century (2000-2009).

Status of Enterprise Registration/license: 51.49% entrepreneurs responded to the question. Consciousness

of enterprise registration along with greater entrepreneurship development started among the women of Bangladesh during the 80s developing to the highest during the beginning of this twenty-first century (2000-2009). The highest registration of the enterprises of the women entrepreneurs (38.93%) was between the years 2000-2009. Only two women had their enterprise registration from 1960-1979. Though the companies were set up by the women but there were no registration done. Only 1 enterprise was set up between1950-1959 but there was no registration done. Only one enterprise was set up and registered between1960-1969. Interval Period of Business and Registration: Only 8.3% women entrepreneurs had registered their enterprises and then started their business activities. Regarding interval between starting point of business and company registration, the highest number of entrepreneurs (9.5%) had one year interval, followed by 7.6% who had two years interval. The greatest interval period was 28 years which belonged to 0.09% women entrepreneurs. Income from business: The recorded monthly income of women entrepreneurs varied from BDT 1 lac to 6 lacs through out Bangladesh. The highest income of BDT 6 lacs per month were earned by 13.14% women entrepreneurs. The lowest income of BDT 1 lac per month was earned by 25.89% women entrepreneurs. The majority of women entrepreneurs (31.59%) earned BDT 2 lacs per month followed by 12.08% who earned BDT 3 lacs. The monthly sales figures of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh varied from BDT 1.00-7.00 lacs. The highest sale of BDT 7 lacs per month was by 22.51% women entrepreneurs all over Bangladesh. This sale was also achieved by the largest number of women. The monthly profits of previous year of women entrepreneurs all over Bangladesh varied from BDT 1 lac to BDT 6 lacs. The highest monthly profit of BDT 6 lacs was achieved by 22.90%. The lowest monthly profit of BDT 1 lac was earned by 19.32% women.

Business Management: The majority (84.83%) of the women entrepreneurs managed their business by

themselves. They had proprietorship or sole ownership. 22.7% employed trained personnel to manage their business. 3.1% of the women entrepreneurs utilized the services of administrative people. 5% of the women entrepreneurs utilized other means to look after their business. Type of Employees in the organization: 59% of women entrepreneurs employed trained personnel in their business organizations. 31.1% utilized the services of Experienced Personnel to run their business organizations, while there were employees who were not trained in the business firms of 16.5% women. Among the experienced the highest employment was by 51.7% women in the Sylhet division and among the trained the highest employment was by 27.6% women in the Chittagong division.

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Problems faced in business: The majority 87.9% of the women entrepreneurs were faced with lack of capital as the greatest problem in running their business. Among other problems were lack of marketing opportunities by 21.3% lack of raw materials by 20.4%, lack of skilled workers by 14.2%, lack of experience by 9%, absence of training by 8.7% and problems of accounts keeping by 2.5%.

Utilization of savings: The women entrepreneurs responded that their savings were mostly used for business

development 70.1%. The next use was for family requirements mentioned by 64.8%. 24% kept their money in the banks, while 1.7% bought land or assets and 1.5% invested their savings in other activities. Only 0.4% of the women used their savings for other purposes according to their needs.

Trade License Issue and Years of Enterprise Registration: 34.20% mentioned that trade license was

necessary for business identification. Only 51.49 had mentioned about the registration of their enterprises or business, which accounts for the realization that nearly fifty percent of the women entrepreneurs (48.50%) were conducting their business without valid trade license.

Trade license-providing agencies & Expenditure: About trade license-providing agencies 23.5% mentioned

the name of City Corporations 69.5% mentioned the Pouroshova and 7% mentioned the Union Council. The highest amount paid for trade license by 5.2% WE was BDT 2000 and above followed by 2.9% who paid between BDT 1501-2000. The greatest number of 30.2% WE paid up to BDT 500. Reasons for not having Trade License/Registration: Only 25.9% of the women responded and of these the highest no of respondents 4.8% mentioned that they did not have enough knowledge about registration. 3.8% said about their financial problems, 3.6% did not feel the need of having trade license. 3% of the women said that their business was new and small and would apply for trade license when their business extended. 2.1% said that they didn't have enough knowledge about registration and also that there was shortage of time. 1.3% applied for trade license but did not get them. 1% mentioned that they had already applied for trade license. Of them some were harassed by the officials, some were afraid of the long procedures, some lacked interest. 0.4% complained of the excess charges of trade license in many places, while 0.1% could not apply due to illness. Problem faced by Women Entrepreneurs with Trade License/ Registration Authority: 41.30% mentioned that they had faced no such great problems with Trade License/Registration Authority. But of those with problems, the greatest number of 12.77% mentioned that they did not have time for license, while 10.87% mentioned about the demand for bribe by the Trade License Authorities and 1.90% complained that the authorities had taken bribes from them but had not given them their Trade License. 5.43% mentioned that they did not have time to sit with officials for license, 5.98% had no idea of licensing procedures, 4.35% faced harassment by officials, 3.26% had applied but did not get their license,. 2.99% faced pressure from licensing organization, 1.90% mentioned that authorities wanted too many papers for getting trade licence, 2.45 % informed that registration authorities disturbed WE for not having trade license.1.63% mentioned that there were too many formalities for registration and 1.63% also said that they did not want any license, not understanding that to do business trade license was compulsory. 0.82% mentioned that providing TIN Certificate before registration was a problem for many women who were not familiar with such procedures. The most disturbing attitude as mentioned by 2.72% women was that since they were women they were not given importance by the Trade Licence/Registration Authority and to these people women did not carry any respect or importance. Problems faced by Women Entrepreneur for not having Trade License/Registration: There were 24.37% women entrepreneurs who managed their individual situations and did not complain or did not face any problems while 61.1% did not respond to this question. 38% of women entrepreneurs had spoken of the problems they faced due to not having trade License/Registration. Most of the women (14.97%) mentioned that they faced problems related to loans from Banks since bank do not provide loans without trade license, 3.55% mentioned of their inability to avail loans also from financial institutions. 5.84% faced administrative problems of the government and various ministries and organizations. 4.06% did not get Govt. Support and facilities. Different Govt. Agencies harassed women entrepreneurs and disturbed them. 3.55% faced custom hazards and 4.57% had to manage VAT problems. Moreover, 4.57% also faced various others problems

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including bribery because of illegality and also lack of proper evaluation, institutional status and inability to derive various facilities. 7.8% were unable to progress in business and underwent risk, while 4.31% experienced coercive action for payment of fines and penalties due to not having signboards and trade licenses. 1.52% complained of city cooperation authorities who forcefully insisted on Trade License application and on and often disturbed women on issues related to trade license. 4.82% mentioned that due to absence of trade license they did not get legal support and related requirements for business from any where. 2.03% complained of disturbances and lack of support of law enforcing agencies. 2.79% received threads by unknown people and terrorists. 1.27% faced marketing problems including harassment by middleman. 2.03% complained that they could not participate in any Trade Fair including International Trade Fair. 2.03% also complained of Tax Officers pressure for registration. 1.27% said that there was a lack of united efforts amongst business women.

Approaches to government organizations supporting SME development: 29.4% of the respondents

informed that they had approached Govt. organizations supporting SME development. The highest number of women entrepreneurs (62.0%) utilized the services of Jatiya Mahila Sangstha (JMS) for their business purposes. The Directorate of Women Affairs was approached by 17.2% of the respondents. BSCIC, Ministry of Women Affairs, SME Foundation, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Ministry of Industry, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Business Promotion Council (BPC) and other GOs were approached by 38.3% for the development of their business, information requirements, trade, technology and marketing necessities.

Types of support received from different organizations for business development: The, highest support

from Govt. Organizations was Financial support received by 14% women entrepreneurs, followed by Training by 13.3% women, Consultancy by 2.8% women. 0.1% received business training, credit facilities, donation, service certificates from the ministry and various suggestions for their business development. 1.1% informed that they did not get any support.

Training & Human Resources related issues: 53.7% of the respondents informed that they had received

training before business, 19.5% received training during business and 26.7% had not received any training. Majority of the respondents (34.8%) mentioned that of the cost was borne by donor agencies, 32% said that the cost was borne by themselves. Of the highest number of respondents (60.2%) who had borne the cost of the training by themselves were from Chittagong and the lowest (1.2%) from Barisal. 2.9% women informed that the cost was borne by NGOs, of which the highest (24.%) was in Rajshahi and the lowest (4.1%) in Sylhet. It was interesting to note that 10.9% women mentioned that their husbands bore the costs of their training of whom the highest number (26.9%) was from Chittagong and the lowest (2%) was from Dhaka. It was also found that 9.4% of the women had their training cost borne by their families, of them the highest (22.4%) was from Sylhet and the lowest (2.4%) from Barisal. Name of the training: The highest number of training undergone by the women entrepreneurs (38.5%) were in Sewing followed by training in Beauty parlour (14.6%), Block and Batik printing (12.1%), Poultry rearing (11.8%), Dress making (10.9%), handicrafts (6.7%). and Embroidery (2.1%). Training on Business Development was taken by (7%) women, followed by training on Agro-based activities such as Fishery by 3.9%, Livestock by 3.0%, and Nursery by 1.2%. Food and Confectionery training was taken by 1.2% women entrepreneurs. Non traditional types of training included Design Development which was taken by 0.9% and Export Promotion by 0.2%. 13.2% of the entrepreneurs took training on various other trades which helped them to promote their business and succeed in life as an entrepreneur. The highest number of training was undertaken by 21.5% women entrepreneurs during 2000-2004.

Employment generation - Number of Female Personnel currently employed: In total 89.2% women

entrepreneurs had responded to the question related to employment of female personnel. The greatest numbers of enterprises of the women entrepreneurs (41.67%) had no female personnel. 17.21% had only one female personnel followed by 16.02% with two female personnel, and 1.19% with 10 female personnel. 0.22% women entrepreneurs had developed their business and had achieved great heights in their entrepreneurial activities employing up to 60 female employees.

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Number of Male Personnel currently employed: 938 (90.6%) of the women entrepreneurs employed male personnel in their enterprises. Of them the greatest number was 82.30% women who employed 1-10 male personnel in their enterprises as their workers, followed by only 5.22% women who employed 11-21 male workers. The lowest number of 0.32% women entrepreneurs employed 130-142 males. The greatest numbers of male workers 143-153 was employed by 0.75% women entrepreneurs. The highest number of female workers was up to 60 only, while male workers were employed up to 130 to 142 persons by these women entrepreneurs, indicating the necessity of male workers in the business enterprises. Total No of Personnel Currently Employed: The highest number of personnel currently employed was between 1 and 10 workers in the businesses of 68.1% women entrepreneurs. It is important to note that the highest number of workers between 141 and 150 were employed by a few 0.4% women. Satisfaction Level regarding skill and performance of personnel: 97.2% of the respondents informed that they were satisfied with their skill and performance, of which 100% of the women entrepreneurs of Sylhet and Barisal divisions reported their satisfaction over skill and performance of their personnel.

Salary range of workers - Highest Salaries of Workers: 72.8% women entrepreneurs responded to this

question. The greatest number of women entrepreneurs 32.63% paid salary between BDT 2001-3000, followed by 27.32% who paid between BDT 1001-2000. It may be mentioned that 9.28% paid the highest salary of up to BDT 1000 to the workers and 9.42% paid the highest salary of above BDT 5000 to the workers.

Salary range of workers - Lowest Salaries of Workers: 71.4% women entrepreneurs responded to the question. The greatest number of women entrepreneurs 47.90% paid the lowest salary between BDT 1001-2000. 3.92% paid between BDT 3001 to 4000 and 2.57% paid between BDT 4001 to 5000. Only 4.06% paid the lowest salary of above BDT 5000 to the workers. Highest salary of up to BDT 1000 and the lowest salary of up to BDT 1000 determined the largeness of the enterprises and also the capability of the enterprise owner to pay the salary. Very few women entrepreneurs (only 4.06%) had developed themselves and risen to the position to be able to pay a salary of above BDT 5000 per month to her employees.

Types of workers employed: The highest number of respondents 75.9% mentioned that they employed

permanent workers. 33.7% women entrepreneurs employed part time workers, 11.4% employed seasonal workers. The respondents informed that they usually employed permanent workers for their enterprises. But for special activities and requirements part-time workers were employed. Seasonal workers were employed for seasonal production or for great order supplies. Problems encountered by the employers: Out of 47.8% valid respondents, only 13.8% of the respondents faced problems with employees, of which the highest was in Rajshahi, 17.2% and lowest in Barisal 3.3%. Of them 10.10% women entrepreneurs were faced with problems with workers who were unreliable and neglected their work, 8.28% faced problems with workers who complained of non-fulfilment of basic needs due to low salary, 7.68% faced problems due to unskilled workmanship, while 3.5% suffered problems from lack of punctuality of workers and 7.07% had problems with those who were inattentive in work. 5.45% faced problems as workers did their job temporarily, 5.25% found that workers were irregular and stayed absent from work. 4.85% faced problems of high labour costs and also the problems of workers who lacked the sense of duties and responsibilities. 4. 85% had problems when workers took payment but left the jobs suddenly without notice, while 4.65% were found inattentive, careless and had low interest in work. 4.44% women found workers to have been socially harassed. 4.44% also detected workers stealing products of the enterprises or involved with irregular delivery of goods from employees. 4.24% also faced problems since the employees were illiterate, while 4.04% found that the women employees left home for household works during working hours and 1.6% identified workers who violated organizational rules and regulations. Bonus/incentive paid to employees: Bonus and incentives were given to employees by 47.9% of the women entrepreneurs. Of these the highest were by the women entrepreneurs of Dhaka, 62.7% and lowest by those of Khulna 32.7%. Among those who did not give any bonus or incentives, the highest was from Khulna 67.3% and the lowest from Dhaka 37.3%.

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Investment in business - Initial Investments (Equity): Among the 1011 women entrepreneurs who responded, the initial investment (Equity) by the greatest number of women entrepreneurs (21.96%) was BDT 10001- 30000. The least number of women (1.68%) invested BDT 110001-130000. The maximum investment was by 16.32% women who invested above BDT 150000, and the minimum investment was up to BDT 10,000 by 21.36% women. Loan: the initial investment through loan by the greatest number of women entrepreneurs (31%) was up to BDT10000, which was also the minimum investment. The least number of women (14%) invested the maximum through loan which was above BDT 50000. There were only 221 women entrepreneurs who responded to this question. Total: The Total Initial Investment was the greatest among 36% women entrepreneurs who invested between BDT 10001-50000 and the least was of 16% women who invested up to BDT 10000. The maximum investment was by 24% women who invested above BDT 100000 and the total minimum initial investment was by 16% women entrepreneurs who invested up to BDT 10000 only. The valid respondents were 792 women entrepreneurs. Current Investment in BDT - Equity: Among the 832 women entrepreneurs who responded, the current investment (Equity) by the greatest number of women entrepreneurs (34%) was BDT 50001- 100000. The least number of women (8%) invested BDT 150001-200000. The maximum investment was by 22% women who invested above BDT 200000, and the minimum investment was up to BDT 50,000 by 23% women. Loan: the current investment through loan by the greatest number of women entrepreneurs (30%) was above BDT 50000, which was also the maximum investment. The least number of women (6%) invested between BDT 30000 40000 through loan. The minimum investment through loan was up to BDT 10000. There were only 420 women entrepreneurs who responded to this question. Total: The Total current Investment was the greatest among 31% women entrepreneurs who invested between BDT 50,001 100000. and the least was by 9% women who invested BDT 150001 - 200000. The total maximum investment was by 31% women who invested above BDT 200000 and the total minimum investment was by 12% women entrepreneurs who invested up to BDT 50000 only. The valid respondents were 816 women entrepreneurs. Sources of Initial Capital: The majority of the women entrepreneurs 87.5% managed their sources of initial capital out of their own savings. Another important instance is the information of 32.2% women whose husbands provided them the initial capital. Fathers provided 7% of the women. NGOs provided 7% while the Government Agencies provided 6.7% of such capital to the women. 3.6% were provided by their friends, 3.3% by their mothers, and 2.4% by Non-Bank Financial Companies. Both Public and Private Commercial Banks provided 1.1% of the women, 0.9% managed their capital from Money lenders and 0.6% managed their money through their inherited property. 2.3% received their initial capital from other unspecified sources. Sources of current capital: Majority of the women entrepreneurs 92.4% had their sources of current capital from their own savings. It was interesting to note that 27.6% of the womens husbands provided them the sources of current capital while fathers provided the current capital to 4.5% women and mothers provided 1.5% of the women. 13.3% obtained their capital also from Government Agencies, 13% from NGOs, 4.9% from Non-Bank Financing Companies, 4.7% from Private Commercial bank, 2.6% from Public Commercial Bank. Friends provided 3.2%, while 0.8% borrowed money from Money Lenders. 3.5% managed from other sources. Types of guarantee provided for taking loan: 66.4% of the women entrepreneurs provided the personal guarantee for taking loans. 10.6% provided land mortgage 7% provided house mortgage and 3.4% gave ornaments as guarantee. 18.5% provided various other unspecified types of guarantees for taking loans. Information on assets of Women Entrepreneurs: 83.7% mentioned that they held various types of assets. Among the assets held by the women entrepreneurs were ornaments by 62.4%, the highest of them (77.2%) being in Dhaka, followed by 69.5% in Rajshahi. Houses were bought by 57.6%. Of which, the highest was by 72.9% women of Rajshahi and the lowest 24.1% in Sylhet. Among the other assets owned were Furniture by 56.5% women, Cash by 41.8% and Electronic Equipments by 24%, Car by 1.8% and Share / Bond by 0.6%. The survey informs that 12% of the women were owners of domestic animal as seen especially in the rural areas. 3.8% of the women entrepreneurs owned various other unspecified types of assets. Inheritance of property: Only 21.84% did inherit property. 83.5% inherited from fathers 7% from mothers 0.6% from grand fathers 8.9% from others. 73% of the women informed that they received land, 21.4%

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received houses, 1.9% received cash, 0.6% received furniture, household items and electronic equipments, 2.5% received various other things. Information on ownership of land: Only 14.40% women informed that they had bought land through their business income, after their success in business. The greatest number of women 69.1% had bought land ranging from .01-.10 decimals. The highest amount of land .71- .80 decimals of land was bought by 0.8% only. It was important to note that, 85.60% of women entrepreneurs did not buy any land. First Impression of women entrepreneurs regarding receiving of Bank Loans: Private banks: Regarding first impression in receiving loans from private banks, the majority 38.4% of women entrepreneurs of all the divisions expressed good impression, 28.3% expressed moderate impression, 20.4% very good, 8.8% excellent and only 4.1% experienced bad impressions. Public banks: Regarding first impression in receiving loans from public banks, it was found that the majority (33.3%) of the women entrepreneurs of all the divisions had good impression 28.9% had moderate impression, 24.4% had very good 11.7% had bad and only 1.7% had excellent impressions. Non-banking financial companies: Receiving loans from Non-banking financial companies the first impression of women entrepreneurs showed that the majority 32.9% had very good impression, 29.5% had good impression, 17.8% had moderate 11.6% had excellent and only 8.2% had bad impressions. NGOs: First impression of women entrepreneurs with regard to receiving loans from NGOs the majority of the women entrepreneurs (35%) had good impression, 22.8% had excellent impression, 21.3% had very good. 16% had moderate and only 4.2% had bad impressions. Government agencies: In receiving loans from government agencies the majority 26.7% of the women expressed both excellent and good impression. Again 19.4% of the women expressed both very good and moderate impression. Only 7.8% experienced bad impression. Money lenders: In receiving loan from money lenders, the highest number of women (45.8%) mentioned that they had moderate impression, 22.4% had good and 18.7% had bad impression, while 8.4% and 4.7% expressed their excellent and very good impression. Loan from other sources: With regards to receiving loan from other sources majority of the women entrepreneurs (24.2%) mentioned that they had moderate impression, 21.2% had both good and bad, while 18.2% of women had excellent impression. 15.2% expressed very good impression. Special Credit Programme - Bangladesh Bank/SME Foundation: Knowledge about the Bangladesh Bank (SEF) Program was known to only 11% of the respondents, of whom the highest (17.2%) were from Chittagong followed by 11% from Khulna. Only 14% women had knowledge about the SME Foundation Programme of whom the highest 40% women were from Barisal followed by 24% from Chittagong. Refinancing Scheme program: 9% of the respondents informed that they had applied for loan under this program to Bank/Non-Bank Financial institutions. 53% of the respondents mentioned that they had not applied for loan under this program. Only 2% of the respondents had applied but not yet received any loan while 36% had no knowledge about the Refinancing Scheme. Business Management - Possession of Business Plan: Only 577 (56%) Entrepreneurs informed that they had Business Plan. Of these 71% informed that they themselves prepared their business plans. Only 3% engaged individual consultants and 9% employed others for the job. 70% women entrepreneurs had prepared the duration of their business plans. The highest number of women 45% had business plans above 5 years, while 12% women had the business plan up to 1 year, 7% had for 2 to 3 years, and 6% for 4 to 5 years. Accounting & Book Keeping: 23% of the respondents answered that they employed accountants for their business firms. Out of 1035 respondents, 802 (77%) Entrepreneurs had no professional accountant. Majority of the respondents 70% informed that they themselves supervised and maintained their own accounts and book keeping. Family members assisted 3% of the respondents in this regard, while 1% was done by others. Regarding accomplishment of their accounting works majority of the women (53%) informed that they did it monthly, 46% accomplished it daily, 19% completed it weekly Information on Bank Accounts: Total Consciousness of Bank transactions and maintaining of Bank accounts did exist among the majority of the women entrepreneurs (82%) of the country. They had bank accounts in schedule banks. They were especially aware of banking facilities and the need for Bank Accounts

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for business transactions and activities. 54.8% mentioned that they had Savings Account. This was the highest, and was mostly operated by 75.4% of the women entrepreneurs of Chittagong followed by 65.4% from Dhaka. It was also mentioned that 51.8% operated Current Account while 1.1% had Joint accounts. Out of 1035, 185 (18%) Entrepreneurs had no Bank account. Regarding the reasons for not having Bank Accounts only 18% women entrepreneurs responded. Of these 68% replied that they did not require any Bank Accounts, while 11% mentioned that since their business status was not so good they did not maintain any Bank Accounts. 18% thought that there were too many formalities in having a Bank Accounts, while 3% maintained Bank Accounts by using others accounts. 18% of the women felt that having a bank account was not required. At present Banks were offering special facilities for SME loans and also for loans for women entrepreneurs. Income Tax payment, Assessment and Tax Identification number (TIN): Only 10% of the women entrepreneurs of Bangladesh had Tax Identification numbers (TIN). None of the women entrepreneurs of Barisal had TIN. Out of 1035, 103 (10%) Entrepreneurs had TIN and among them only 49 (4.7%) entrepreneurs paid Tax. Of these 84% paid up to BDT 4000 and 8% paid between BDT 4001-8000. Only 2% paid between BDT 12001-16000. The highest amount of tax paid was above BDT 32000 by 2% women entrepreneurs. Majority of the women entrepreneurs 95.2% did not pay income tax. Out of 1035 total respondents, 103 (10%) Entrepreneurs had assessed Income Tax. 83% of the women did it by themselves, while 15% utilized the services of lawyers and 2% took the services of others. Information on VAT Registration Number: Of the 1035, only 124 respondents (12%) did have VAT registration numbers, among whom the highest number of women entrepreneurs (21.8%) were from Dhaka, There was not a single women entrepreneur having VAT registration number in Barisal. Only 83 (8% of total respondents) paid their Vat. Of these, the highest number of women entrepreneurs 89% paid up to BDT 4000. Only 1% paid above BDT 12000. Regarding the process of Income Tax and VAT, only 11% respondents informed that they were fully informed, 16% were partially informed and 73% were not at all informed. Information about Exporter and Countries of Export: Only 32 (3%) of the women entrepreneurs out of the 1035 respondents exported their products. Women entrepreneurs exported their products to as many as in 18 countries. The highest number 22% exported to their products to United Kingdom (UK). The next country of export was United States of America (USA) where 9% of the women exported. Similar 9% exported to Japan and Canada. 6% exported to China and India. The rest 3% exported each to Australia, Europe, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Dubai, Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. 3% women exported various items of the SME sector, of which the highest number of women (22%) exported garments, followed by fashion dresses by 19%. The other exportable items were bags of various designs and materials, handloom cloth, nakshi kantha (embroidered quilt), designed pillow covers and saris of various materials and these were exported by 6% women exporters. The highest value of export was above US Dollar 2,00,000 done by 9% of the women, followed by 13% women exporters whose export value was between US Dollar 150,000 and US Dollar 2,00,000. It was seen that majority of the women exporters (41%) had exported goods worth up to US Dollar 50,000. Information about Importer and countries of Import: Out of 1035, only 13 (1.3%) of the respondents were registered importers of this country. Out of the 1.3% women importers 2.9% belonged to Dhaka, 1.7% belonged to Chittagong 0.8% were from Rajshahi while only 0.7% were from Khulna. There no women importers from Barisal and Sylhet. The highest number of 23% women entrepreneurs, imported ready made garments and dresses, while 15% imported cosmetics. The rest of the imported materials were brought by 8% each. These included chemicals, cotton, electrical equipment, jewellery, childrens dresses, medicine, beads and stones and saris. The highest value of import was above US Dollar. 250,000 by 15% women importers and the lowest value of imports was up to US Dollar 50,000 performed by 15% women entrepreneurs. The greatest number of women importers 23% imported goods worth US Dollar 150,000 to US Dollar 200,000. The minimum number of women had import value of US Dollar 100,001 to US Dollar 150, 000.

Marketing and Sale of products - Information about showrooms to sell products: Out of 1035, 521

(50%) Entrepreneurs owned or rented showrooms. The highest numbers of show-rooms were owned by 12% women entrepreneurs in the district of Dhaka, followed by 9% in the district of Chittagong, 6% in the district of Sylhet, 5% in the district of Brahmanbaria. 4% of the women had show rooms in the district of Jamalpur,

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Rajshahi and Coxs Bazar where most of these were owned by the women of the Rakhine Community. 3% had newly built show-rooms in Bogra, Jessore, Rangpur, Comilla, Narayanganj, Kishoreganj, Sirajganj and Dinajpur. 2% had show rooms in Manikganj, Moulvibazar, Kushtia, Madaripur, Rangamati, Pirojpur, Gazipur, The areas of recent development were in Barisal, Pabna, Naogaon with 2%, Noakhali 1% and Bagerhat 1% womens show-room ownership. The lowest number of show-rooms by 0.2% women entrepreneurs was found in the district of Laxmipur. There were no records of show-rooms in the districts of Panchagar, Chuadanga and Jhalokathi assuming that the social system did not appreciate much involvement of women in business. Information on Sale of product or service: 48% of women entrepreneurs were involved with their own business promotional activities and direct sale of their products and services. For others (4%) it was through distributors/wholesellers and retailers, 2% through hawkers and 1% through Commission agents.

Ownership and expenditure of Showroom: 39% owned their individual showrooms while out of total 1035

respondents, 385 Entrepreneurs (61%) had showrooms on rental basis. Most of them 74% had their expenditure up to BDT 3000 per month. The higher expensive show-rooms were rented by 18% whose monthly expenditure was between BDT 3001- 9000. Only 1% women paid between BDT15001-21000. The highest expenditure was by 2% women who paid between BDT 21,001 and BDT 24000.

Business Promotion materials and process: Majority of the 72.3% women entrepreneurs used Signboard

as the main and popular type of Business Promotional Material. 41.6% used Business cards, 4.8% used Handbills, 3.2% took the advantage of Billboards, 2.1% publicized their Enterprise Brochure, 0.9% used the Website, while 0.3% managed Flyers and 0.1% distributed Pamphlets. For 19.5% there was no specific strategy for the type of business promotion materials. Regarding business promotional process majority of the women entrepreneurs (62.8%) utilized the services of their friends and families. 9.3% of the women processed through the attendance of Trade Fairs and various Melas, which were organized as national or regional events, for festivals, for seasonal programmes or religious occasions. NGO network was used by 8%, Electronic Media Advertisement by 5.1%, distribution of Handbills by 5%, Print Media Advertisement by 4.2%. Modern promotional process of business development was used through Billboards by 2.6%, Website by 1.5% and Flyers by 0.2%. Trade Organizational Network was utilized by 2.8% while 0.5% distributed Pamphlets as a type of business promotional process.

Access to IT: 17.1% women entrepreneurs owned computers. The highest numbers of computers were

owned by women of Dhaka (23%). Majority of the women entrepreneurs 90% did not have any training on computer operations. Only 10% women were conscious enough to take training of which the highest 24% was from Barisal, followed by 11% from Dhaka. Internet facilities were available to only 5% women entrepreneurs of the country. Business enterprises of 96% women entrepreneurs did not have email account while only 4% maintained individual email account. Only 1.2% informed that they had a website. Business development and increase of promotional activities depended to a great extent on the modern system of access to IT.

Target customer: Out of 1035, 178 (17%) of the respondents informed that they did produce for target

customers and the women entrepreneurs of Dhaka (26%) gave the highest importance for target customers. It was found that the largest target customers for 22% women entrepreneurs were the women, followed by 13% whose target customers were local customers, 11% whose target customer were children and 6% whose customers were students. It was natural to have shops as the target customers for 8% women entrepreneurs. Orders of clients and regional markets were the target customers of 4% WE. National Markets, foreign markets, associations, local markets, NGOs, household customers, seasonal customers, rich customers and the service people were the target customers of 3% women entrepreneurs. Variation was found by 3% women entrepreneurs whose target customers were construction people and Tea Garden people. Target market: Majority of the respondents (43%) concentrated on district level market as their target market followed by Upzilla level by 16% and regional by 10.4% women entrepreneurs. 7.7% of the respondents operated in the national level market while 7% targeted the international market. 2.8% talked of other markets including local, rural and special markets for special people on specific days and times. 13% of the respondents had no clear idea about the target market.

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Training on sales and marketing: Out of 1035, only 242 (23.4%) of the respondents received training on sales and marketing. Training institutes provided training to 40% of the entrepreneurs, while NGOs provided 33% and Government Organizations provided the training to 28% entrepreneurs. 76% of the respondents mentioned that they were benefited from the trainings received, while 17% replied in the negative and 7% had no idea about it. Hindrances to marketing of products: All the women entrepreneurs interviewed responded regarding the factors hindering marketing of their products and mentioned 30 hindrances which they faced. Lack of security and safety in market proved to be the highest hindering factor for marketing followed by lack of knowledge about market and lack of suitable market and various communication problems. Information on Trade Fair participation: Out of 1035, only 277 27% of women entrepreneurs participated in trade fair. It is observed that in the SME sector, majority of the small enterprise owners participated in local, regional, seasonal, festival fairs and some in national trade fairs. Festival fairs were related to socio-cultural events and religious occasions. Rural melas were usually participated by the rural WE, who had products satisfying to the tastes of the rural buyers. The national trade fairs as the DITF (Dhaka International Trade Fair) organized by Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), was participated mainly by SMEs. International Trade Fairs participation is primarily to enter into the export field and also display products to a varied type of buyers outside the country. The highest amongst of all types of trade fairs 39.8% of the women participated in the local trade fair. 34.1% took part in regional trade fairs, 22.3%, in rural market 20.8% in seasonal trade fairs, 17.8% participated in festival fairs and 9.5% participated in National fairs. 8.7% of the women ventured outside the country for the participation in International Trade Fairs. The highest number of international trade fair participation was by 20.0% women entrepreneurs from Chittagong. 74% of the business women expressed that Trade Fairs had a positive impact, though 1% expressed of negative impact. 21% women entrepreneurs said that they had no idea about participation in the trade fairs.

Technical support for product development: 79.2% of the respondents said that they did not receive such

support. The highest non-recipient was from Rajshahi 92.6% and the lowest 36.7% from Barisal. 20% of the respondents said that they did receive technical support. Amongst whom the highest numbers of recipients (63.3%) were from Barisal. The technical supports received by 1% respondents were on quality control and 1% on embroidery only. 43% got other technical support. Information on support by organizations for product development: Out of 1035, 162 (16%) Entrepreneurs received institutional product development support. The reasons for low level of technical support for product development showed that 84% of the respondents did not go to any organization for such support at all. Amongst all the divisions women entrepreneurs (98.3%) of Sylhet was the highest while those of (64%) Rajshahi and Khulna was the lowest regarding their interest for product development support. Of those 16% who approached organizations for product development support, the highest were 36% from Khulna there were as many as 24 organizations who had provided the various services to 162 (16%) women entrepreneurs for their product development. Amongst all the organizations the highest support were provided by the NGOs which included BRAC, Singer, and other such non government organizations operating throughout Bangladesh for the development of business through the product development. Amongst the others were Ministry of Women and Childrens Affairs, Directorate of Women Affairs Jatiya Mahila Sangstha, the Livestock Department, Government Organizations as BRDB, BSCIC and Jubo Unnayan Adhidapter, Public and Private Banks, international organizations as ILO and Asia Foundation and also trade bodies as Chambers.

Reasons for not using product development support: Out of 1035, 873 Entrepreneurs did not receive

product development support. It was observed that 84% of the women entrepreneurs responded to the question. Of these the majority 33% mentioned about their financial problems 21% mentioned about their lack of information of the issue. 10% said that they did not have a chance and 8%had no knowledge of the issue. 3% mentioned that they did not feel the necessity of such activities or that there was shortage of time for such programmes. They also complained that there were no appropriate available institutions and also did not get specific organization. 2% expressed their lack of interest and lack of facilities. They also felt that there was no benefit from getting these product development supports as they could not always implement them in their enterprises. They informed that religious barrier from the society and lack of cooperation for doing business

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from the family created problems for many of the women entrepreneurs. 1% informed that the superstition of womens participation and communication gaps restricted their progress in business especially in this male-dominated society. They said that since all their employees were not experts just taking product development support did not contribute to their enterprise development, while others who were new in this profession were afraid to go to organizations for product development.

Institutional support: Out of 1035, 465 (45%) entrepreneurs received institutional support from various

organizations. 45% received institutional supports of whom the women entrepreneurs who received the highest institutional support were 79% from Barisal followed by 72% from Dhaka. 50% received financial support followed by 38% women entrepreneurs who received training and 10% who mentioned that they received technical support. 2% mentioned that they received various other institutional supports in different forms according to their requirements. 12 organizations provided the various women entrepreneurs for their institutional development. Amongst all the organizations the highest support were provided by various NGOs to 25% women followed by Jatiyo Mahila Sangstha which assisted 16% women entrepreneurs. MIDAS provided support to 12% women and Directorate of Women Affairs to 11% women. BSCIC gave support to 6% women. Jubo Unnayan Odhidapter and various government organizations and departments provided support to 5% women, while 3% women were given support by BRAC and the Department of Livestock. BRDB helped 2% women. The lowest support received was received by 1% women from ILO and also by Sonali and Agrani and Islami Bank. Trade Organizations/Associations: 70.82% were not members of any trade organizations while only 29.18% were the members of various trade organizations. Of the trade organizations in which the women entrepreneurs were members of, 6 were nationally recognized while the other 18 trade organizations were mostly district or area based. Membership between 5.6% to 1% were sector based. Membership were 19.2% in Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB), 11.9% in Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BWCCI) 11.25% in National Association of Small and Cottage Industries, Bangladesh (NASCIB), 7.94 in Banglacraft 7.9% in Bangladesh Association of Business and Professional Women (BABPW) and Women Entrepreneurs Association (WEA). Regarding the reasons for not having membership in the trade organizations, 12.5% of the respondents said that they did not need it, 2.6% said that they were not available and 0.5% (mostly from Barisal) said trade organizations did not provide them any benefit, 40.3% mentioned about various other reasons while 44.1% did not respond to the question. Services provided by Trade Organizations & Expectation of members: 13.9% of the responding members mentioned about receiving financial information followed by training by 8.5%, trade fair participation by 3.3% and marketing support by 1.3%. There were different other business-oriented services provided mentioned by 8.7%. 21 various types of expectations were mentioned by entrepreneurs as members of various trade organizations. The greatest expectation of the women entrepreneurs (4.6%) was to increase business contacts. Obtaining good marketing opportunities was mentioned by 2.5%, information about trade fairs by 2.3%, increase participation in International fairs by 2.3%. 1.6% expected good service for trade promotion, 0.9% members wanted to increase their knowledge of business through seminars, while 1.4% wanted to receive Skill development training opportunities and 1.0% required technical support. Strengthening of womens position in business and international trade promotion: 16 different suggestions were provided by the respondents on this issue. Strengthening of womens position in business and international trade promotion of the women entrepreneurs could be attained through Increase of business contacts nationally and internationally mentioned by the highest number (4.6%) of women entrepreneurs. 3.2% mentioned Training on International Marketing 2.7% focussed on financial support from banks 2.3% said about Information on trade fairs and Participation in International Fairs. 1.9% mentioned about creating opportunity for export while 1.7% felt that there was need to strengthen womens socio-economic position and 1.6% spoke of role of Association for strengthening the women as entrepreneurs. Skill development training oppo