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Women-owned businesses in Bangladesh market systems study
- Sajia,
- Bangladesh
- The Asia Foundation
- February 1, 2026
Situation
In Bangladesh, women-owned businesses—from urban CMSEs to enterprises in refugee camps—face persistent social and economic constraints. Family dynamics, limited mobility, and uneven access to training and capital restrict growth, while societal norms continue to shape entrepreneurial opportunities.
Assignment
The Asia Foundation commissioned a study to uncover systemic barriers hindering women-led micro and small businesses. The goal was to generate actionable insights that close the knowledge gap and strengthen women’s participation in local markets.
Approach
Using a Market Systems Development lens, the research examined policies, market functions, and social norms influencing women’s entrepreneurship. Fieldwork—led by DevLearn with TAF collaboration—included interviews with women entrepreneurs and their families, and engagement with market actors to map constraints and opportunities for sustainable inclusion.
Result
The study identified sector-specific opportunities across trade, services, and manufacturing, with emerging potential in IT freelancing. Recommendations span short-, medium-, and long-term interventions, emphasising integrated, multi-actor strategies to address interconnected barriers and enable scalable, resilient growth for women-led CMSEs nationwide.