The first time I truly understood Bangladesh’s economic heartbeat, I wasn’t reading a report or analyzing data. I was sitting in Old Dhaka, watching Shahana—a 32-year-old entrepreneur and mother—effortlessly multitask. Her mobile phone was balanced precariously between her shoulder and ear as she attended a call with an international client. At the same time, she held her daughter’s math homework guiding her through long division. Her fingers darted between spreadsheets, her eyes scanning every detail. It was mesmerizing.

This moment made me think: How often do we truly see women like Shahana? Not as numbers—50.8 percent of the population, 37 percent workforce participation—but as the architects of an economy quietly being rewritten every day.

Let's talk about the RMG sector, the backbone of Bangladesh's economy. As the world's second-largest garment exporter, Bangladesh's RMG industry has been instrumental in driving economic growth, where women made up 80 percent of the workforce in the 1980s but currently the number has dwindled to 53.65 percent. Yet, their stories rarely make headlines.

One such example is Rashida, who began her career as a junior machine operator in a bustling garment factory in Gazipur. Today, she manages an entire production unit. Her journey mirrors Bangladesh’s economic transformation: resilient, unexpected, and fundamentally reshaping societal expectations. But even in this thriving sector, only nine percent of women hold managerial positions—a stark reminder of the systemic barriers that continue to limit their advancement. To unlock the industry’s full potential, breaking these barriers and empowering women in leadership is more crucial than ever.

Child marriage remains one of the most pressing challenges for young women in South Asia, with around one in four married or in a union before turning 18. This isn't just a social issue—it’s an economic barrier. Each early marriage disrupts the potential of a future entrepreneur, innovator, or leader, limiting opportunities for individual growth and national development.

​Rwanda stands as a beacon of gender equality in political representation, being the first country in the world with a female majority in parliament: women hold 63.75 percent of the seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 53.8 percent in the Senate. This achievement is not coincidental but the result of deliberate strategies to reimagine leadership. Similarly, Bangladesh has the potential to transform its systemic barriers into stepping stones by investing in education, skills training, and policy reforms.

There are already data-backed initiatives driving change. Since 2018, UN Women, United Nation Development Programme, and United Nations Capital Development Fund have driven women’s economic empowerment in Bangladesh, launching $1.4 million in investment projects that directly benefited 2,535 women as suppliers, traders, and employees. These initiatives created 1,014 jobs and unlocked an additional $1.1 million from local partners, expanding opportunities for women-led businesses. The ILO Better Work Bangladesh programme has improved working conditions for approximately 1.3 million RMG workers, 50 percent of whom are women. Through initiatives like the Gender Equality and Returns (GEAR) programme, over 600 female sewing operators have been trained, and nearly 400 women have been promoted to supervisory roles, contributing to greater gender inclusion and workplace empowerment. These initiatives aren’t just programmes; they’re blueprints for national transformation.

Currently, gender inequality in Bangladesh’s workforce remains a significant challenge, with many workplaces lacking essential benefits such as maternity leave, flexible arrangements, and protections against harassment. While comprehensive data on workplace benefits is limited, inadequate support structures continue to hinder women’s career progression. Transforming workplace cultures isn't just about policies—it’s about fundamentally rethinking how organisations value their employees. Inclusive ecosystems unlock women’s potential, driving sustainable growth.

Global research underscores a powerful truth: Investing in women isn't just the right thing to do—it's smart economics. According to McKinsey Global Institute, advancing gender equality could add up to $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025 under a "best in region" scenario. In a "full potential" scenario, where women participate in the economy identically to men, this impact could reach $28 trillion—equivalent to the combined economies of the US and China today. The Asia-Pacific region alone could contribute a significant share to this growth, highlighting the vast economic opportunity of closing gender gaps. For Bangladesh, approaching LDC graduation in 2026, this is more than a projection—it's an actionable blueprint for economic reimagination.

The future lies in sectors like renewable energy, digital services, and e-commerce. In the ICT sector, where women represent only 16 percent of professionals, targeted policies and skill development programmes could change the game. Meanwhile, grassroots solar initiatives in Bangladesh are transforming lives, with women playing a crucial role in expanding renewable energy access. Through microfinance-supported solar home systems, women in rural areas are gaining financial independence by managing energy solutions for their households and communities. These initiatives not only electrify homes but also enhance safety, enable small businesses, and improve overall quality of life, showcasing women's leadership in sustainable development.

When women earn, the impact extends far beyond their individual lives. They often reinvest in their children's education and well-being, creating a ripple effect that lifts entire families out of poverty. Addressing barriers like limited access to childcare and persistent gender stereotypes can unleash even greater progress. This isn't just a women's issue—it's a national strategy. Shahana's story, and millions like hers, isn't just about individual triumph. It's about reimagining an entire nation's potential. Empowering women isn't just the right thing to do—it's the smart thing to do.

As my grandmother used to say, "A woman's power is like water—silent, persistent, and impossible to contain." The revolution is already here, flowing through barriers and transforming the landscape around us. The question is: will you be part of it?

—The Daily Star (Bangladesh)/ANN