"CDCS builds WENP Bangladesh's first national trade networking platform for women to grow, connect, and compete empowering 30,000+ women entrepreneurs across all 64 districts."
As part of the Bangladesh Regional Connectivity Project 1, CDCS® played a pivotal role in developing a web-based networking platform aimed at connecting women traders across all 64 districts of Bangladesh. The project sought to strengthen institutional capacity in trade and to provide women entrepreneurs with the tools and resources necessary for their economic empowerment, including participation in cross- border trade.
CDCS® conducted a comprehensive data collection and validation drive, engaging over 30,000+ women entrepreneurs, including a significant number of young and second-generation business owners. This involved regional public consultations, focus group discussions (FGDs), and a national validation workshops to ensure that the feedback and needs of these entrepreneurs were accurately captured. CDCS®'s efforts included fostering partnerships with more than 25 organizations, ranging from women’s chambers to grassroots associations, to enhance the platform's reach and utility. The digital platform, once launched, offered women entrepreneurs a space to access trade-related information, connect with other traders, and explore opportunities for growth.
CDCS®'s work was instrumental in promoting sustainable cooperation between trade stakeholders, empowering thousands of women by providing them access to knowledge and networks that could drive their business growth. By bridging gaps in communication and access to resources, CDCS® facilitated a significant step forward in the economic inclusion of women traders in Bangladesh, enhancing their capacity to engage in national and international markets.
