By Mohammad Fahim Sayeed
Over the past three decades, Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader in sanitation solutions, yet women entrepreneurs remain significantly underrepresented in this sector. The Women in Sanitation Enterprises (WISE) project, funded by the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) and supported by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), seeks to bridge this gap. A baseline study conducted by WSUP Bangladesh in collaboration with the Global Water & Sanitation Center at AIT, Thailand, has provided key insights into the landscape of women-led sanitation businesses in Dohar, Cumilla, and Lakshmipur.
The study surveyed 64 women entrepreneurs across these three towns. Findings showed that 61% of the businesses were focused on hygiene products, primarily through reselling sanitary pads. Another 28% concentrated on reuse and recycling, such as creating products from waste materials, while 8% were involved in solid waste management. Despite their potential, these entrepreneurs face significant challenges, including limited access to financing—with microcredit interest rates reaching up to 24%—and inadequate business support. Nevertheless, the study identified growth opportunities, especially in expanding to online marketplaces and developing climate-resilient business models.
WSUP will play a crucial role in implementing the WISE project by providing training and technical assistance to enhance business skills and improve access to financial resources. Additionally, WSUP will work closely with local governments to ensure supportive policies and create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs in the sanitation sector.
To support these entrepreneurs, the WISE project is working to strengthen policy backing and develop targeted training programs. Key recommendations include creating digital platforms for knowledge sharing, enhancing financial literacy, and establishing business hubs to foster collaboration. Through these efforts, the project aims to empower women entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and play a pivotal role in advancing Bangladesh’s sanitation sector.