A Change Maker's Journey

Sangita Ahmed, Photo: Prabir Das

Back in the 80s a young woman in her early 20s used to travel regularly to different parts of Dhaka with a determination to establish her own business. Living in a conservative society, it was no easy ride for Sangita Ahmed. But she was determined to overcome the hurdles she was facing as a woman entrepreneur. Her courage and determination has finally paid off.
Sangita Ahmed, the former president of Bangladesh Womens Chamber of Commerce and Industry and currently, a Director of Janta Bank Limited, is the owner of a few of the country's most successful business enterprises-- Time Out Restaurants and The Sky Room Dining. Besides running her own businesses, Sangita has been a prolific writer and activist fighting to challenge the stigma established in our society against women's emancipation and empowerment.
 “At that time when I used to visit banks to explore the opportunities available to an entrepreneur, I found them to be unfriendly and disappointing,” she says. “However, I had the dream and determination which are essential to become a successful entrepreneur.”
Sangita a multitasker by nature has also worked as an English newscaster for Bangladesh Television. She also finds time to look after her three children. She says, “I have given priority to my family especially my children over everything. It never hampered my work and efficiency. In fact, it makes me more of an efficient manager,” she tells us.
Sangita has been working to make it easier for Bangladeshi women to become entrepreneurs. Her advocacy as the President of BWCCI has led to the reduction of interest rate up to 10 percent from a staggering 22 percent. She is planning to launch a training academy for women entrepreneurs in the future.
According to Sangita, now-a-days it has become easier for Bangladeshi women to start their own business. “I would like to suggest young Bangladeshi women to go for entrepreneurship before looking for a job," she says. "Online marketing schemes, digital products and facilities have opened the doors for many."
In fact, a secret behind Sangita's amazing multi-tasking ability is that she is actually the master of her own time. Not only do her ventures make her financially empowered, but she also enjoys fixing her schedule to complete daily activities, including taking care of her family. Truly, she is an inspiration to both young men and women today, who prefer to go for start ups and create a world of their own.