The dissemination event brought together policymakers, researchers, SME owners, employers’ associations, labour authorities, and development partners to discuss evidence-based strategies to improve women’s economic participation. The event opened with remarks from our Executive Director, Dr Imran Matin, who provided context for the research and the event. This was followed by a presentation by Senior Research Associate, Nuzaira Binte Neaz, who shared insights into gender norms and women’s workplace experiences in SMEs.
Of the two panel discussions, the first focused on how research can inform action toward more gender-inclusive SME workplaces. Moderated by Dr Sheikh Touhidul Haque (Research Fellow, BIGD), the session featured discussants including Dr Kazi Kamrun Nahar (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare, GoB), Farzana Khan (Deputy Managing Director, SME Foundation), Afroza Parvin (Deputy Director, Department of Labour, GoB), Salina Sharif (General Manager, PKSF), and Dr Ashikur Rahman (Principal Economist, PRI Bangladesh).
The second panel, moderated by Nawshin Bashir (Deputy Coordinator, DFM, BIGD), shifted the conversation from policy to practice, with entrepreneurs and workers sharing their first-hand experiences in SME workplaces.
Together, the discussions pointed to a shared understanding: creating more inclusive SME workplaces requires not only solid evidence, but also continued engagement across research, policy, and lived experience.
