monowara hakim ali
TRANSCRIPT
SUCCESS STORY OF MRS. MONOWARA HAKIM ALI
SUCCESS STORY OF MRS. MONOWARA HAKIM ALI
PERSONAL PROFILE
Monowara Hakim Ali
Business Address:
Dhaka: 69, Suhrawardy Avenue, Baridhara, DhakaTel: 88 02 9881887, 88 02 8810630, 88 02 9863383, Fax: 88 02 8819921
CHITTAGONG: Hotel Agrabad (7th Floor), Room # 802, Agrabad C/A, ChittagongTel: 880 31 713311 – 8, 880 31 726523, Fax: 880 31 710572, 2514331
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Web: www.intracogroup.com
Permanent Address:
Ali’s Villa,Nasirabad CDA Avenue,
Chittagong-4100, BangladeshTel: 880 31 655195, 880 31 655196, 880 31 658846Cell: 880 1715034444, 880 1199 702425
E-mail: [email protected]
PERSONAL PROFILEName : Monowara Hakim AliDate of Birth : February 16, 1958Place of Birth : Chittagong, BangladeshEducation :
:
Bachelor (Hospitality Management) City of London College U.K.NDC Fellow:Capstone Training Course from National Defense College (NDC), Dhaka Bangladesh.
Language : Bengali, English, German, Urdu &Hindi.Author : Madokashakti Theke Santander Bachar Upai (Awareness to
prevent from drug abuse).: Sofol Kormojiboner Poth (Way to Successful Career).
Experience : Counseling, Awareness, Women Entrepreneurship Development.
Hobby : Traveling, Reading, Souvenir & Coin collection.
FAMILY PROFILE:Father
Founder
:
:::
Late Alhaj Yakub Ali Bhuiyan.He was one of the Bhuiyan among 12 (twelve) Renowned Bhuiyan in Comilla.Hotel Hawai, Chittagong.Azad Chemical Industries, Chittagong.Azad Colour Company.
Mother : Late Begum Ameena Khatun.A noted social worker in comilla.
Husband : Mr. H. M. Hakim AliHonorary Consul General of Myanmar in Chittagong, Bangladesh.Chairman, Intraco Group
Managing Director
Bangabandhu International Conference Center, President, Italy Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry.CEO, Hotel Agrabad.
Sons : Mr. Mohammed Riyadh Ali
Honorary Consul, Republic of South Korea in Chittagong, Bangladesh.Managing Director, Intraco GroupDirector, Hotel Agrabad
: Mr. Mohammed Irad AliDeputy Managing Director Intraco Group.Director, Hotel Agrabad
Daughter : Miss Medina AliStudent
Business Profile
Chairman :::::::::
Genetica (Bd.) Ltd.Intraco CNGIntraco Refueling Station Ltd.Intraco Natural Gas station Ltd.Intraco Compressed Natural Gas Station Ltd.Intraco Water Park & Resort Ltd.Intraco Energy Ltd. Intraco Tours & Travels.Global Event Management Service (GEMS)
Vice-Chairman ::
Intraco GroupAl-Mostofa Bread & Biscuit Ind. (Pvt.) Ltd.Intraco Properties Ltd.
Managing Partner : Butterfly Park Bangladesh Ltd.
Member : TIAW - The International Alliance for Woman
Social Activities & Responsibilities
Honorary Consul : Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Chittagong.
Bureau Chief : Weekly Janamot (Bengali News Weekly published from London)
President : Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CWCCI),
:Chittagong Women Entrepreneurs Association, Chittagong.
: Alhaj Begum Ayesha Ebthedaye Madrasha, Chittagong
: Kids Club, Chittagong.
: Protibad (A non-political anti-drug forum)
Chairman : Merchant Co-operative Bank Ltd.: Women Co- operative Society Ltd.
: Monowara Hakim Ali Khandanipara Primary School, Sitakhudu Chittagong.
: Purchase Committee, Asian University for Women (AUW).
President : Chattagram Mohanagar Durniti Pratirodh Committee.:Bangladesh Book Club, Chittagong. : Forum of Environmental Journalists, Chittagong.: Jugantar Shajan Shamabesh, Chittagong.: Bangladesh Integrated Rural Based Association (BIRBA),
Chittagong.: Anjuman Mafidul Islam, Chittagong.
Director :
:::
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI).Italy Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry Bhuyian Foundation.Small & Medium Enterprises Foundation (SMEF)SAARC Chamber of Commerce
Founder Editor:
Ananda Nagar (Monthly Recreation Magazine), Chittagong.
Executive Member
: Soroptomist International Club, Chittagong.
Life Member : Bangladesh Red Crescent Society
: Ma-O-Shishu Hospital (Mother & Child Hospital), Chittagong.
: Children Leukemia Assistant Support (CLAS), Chittagong.: Rogi Kallayn Somitee, Chittagong Medical College
Hospital, Chittagong.: Diabetic Association, Chittagong.: St. Mary’s Old Students’ Association, Chittagong.: Thelessamia Service Centre.: St. Scholastic’s Old Students’ Association, Chittagong: Nasirabad Government Girls’ College Ex-students
Committee, Chittagong.Founder Member : Chittagong Boat Club.
: Inner Wheel Club, Agrabad Chittagong.
: Rotary Club of Islamabad, Chittagong.
: Zonta Club, Chittagong.
Member : National Taskforce for SME Development, Ministry of Industries, Government of Bangladesh.
: Bangladesh Board of Advisors, Asian University for Women (AUW).
: Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry (CACCI).
: Chittagong City Corporation Sanitation Taskforce Committee, Chittagong.
: Women & Children Imprisoned Security & Rehabilitation, Committee Chittagong.
: District Socio-Welfare Association Committee, Chittagong.
: District Acid-survivors & Disabled, Committee Chittagong. : Choto Moni Nibas (A Shelter Home for Children)
Management Committee, Roufabad, Chittagong.District drug control and publicity committee.
: Women development District Co-ordination Committee, Chittagong.
: District Environment Committee, Chittagong.: District Primary Education & Children’s Welfare Trust,
Chittagong.: District Freedom Fighters Allowance committee,
Chittagong.: Old age allowance Committee, Chittagong.: Relief & Rehabilitation Special Committee for Severe
Natural Disaster Management, Chittagong.: South East Asian Co-operation Foundation (SEACO). : Planning Cell, Chittagong Development Authority.
Former Director : Baysarkari Kara Poridorshok, Chittagong: Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation(BRTC).
Former Member : Upazilla Porishad, Murad Nagar, Comilla.Observer : Vigilance & Observation Team, 9th National
: Parliamentary Election-2008.: BGMEA Election 2011-2013.
Honorary Member : Ladies Club, Chittagong.Chief Adviser : Agrajatra (Social Organization for Reduction of Poverty
and Unemployment), Chittagong: Health & Education for Less Privileged People (HELP),
Chittagong: Society For Enterprise Development & Assistance (SEDA),
Chittagong: Society for Urban & Rural Integrated Development
(SURID).: Samajik Punurodhar, Punorbashan O’ Songsodhon
Committee.
: Ananda Multimedia School, Chittagong : Mukul Fouz, Chittagong: Kathon (Nationwide Children Association), Chittagong
: Sonali Samaj Unnayan Sangha, Patiya, Chittagong. : Bijoy (Drug Rehabilitation Centre), Chittagong.
Society for Indigenous Women Progress, Rangamati.Achievements : Organized a month-long trade fair during 2002 in
Chittagong namely WE EID Bazar which is first time in Bangladesh for the women entrepreneurs. The trade fair was organized in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006.
: Regularly organizaing month long International Women SME Expo which is first ever such kind in Bangladesh and has successfully completed five year so far and we are planning to launch a grandeur one this year with different international partners
: Organized National Youth Congress -2004.(A Nation-wide Anti-Drug Campaign for youth).
: Local organizer of Miss Bangladesh Contest in Bangladesh.
: For National & International exposure and recognition of young talented beautiful women of Bangladesh, took challenge to organize and establish “Miss Bangladesh Beauty Contest” first time in Bangladesh. Also arranged an accompanied the selected candidate for participation in Miss World Beauty contest at Sun City, South Africa in 1994.
: Organized 1st Regional Women’s SME Conference-2008.: Trained a group of 30 women as driver, provided them
job with professional license. This venture is first time in
Bangladesh in its kind. : Elected as Director of The Federation of Bangladesh
Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) from the Chamber group first time in its history.
: Trained 4500 Women in Management and Skill development training for empowerment of women entrepreneurship.
: Established Regional Women Entrepreneurs SME Awards from 2010.
: 1st Women hotelier in Bangladesh in hotel business.: Established in-bound tourism, in tourism sector of
Bangladesh during 1978.
RECOGNITIONS
Shada Moner Manush-2008.AWARDS:
Honored as CIP by Bangladesh Government for the year 2012. UNESCO Award-2011 for Women Entrepreneurship Development in Bangladesh.
4th International Women Entrepreneurs Challenge Awards (IWEC-2010)
By FICCI-FLO & Cape Chamber of Commerce in Cape Town, South Africa.
Best Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award- 2010 by Bangla Vision Foundation for contribution in Women Entrepreneurship development.
Business Express Award-2010 by Business Express for Entrepreneurship Development.
Best Social Awareness Award-2010 for Environment & Human Rights Society, Khulna for contribution in the field of environmental & humanitarian activities.
Helen Keller Award-2009 for social contribution.
Best Women Entrepreneur Award-2009 by Environmental Journalist Association of Shiliguri, West Bengal, India for contribution in Environmental Awareness Building activities.
Best Women Entrepreneur Award-2009 by Cultural Centre of Iran and Zillani Complex Bangladesh for business activities.
Ekushay Award-2009 by Elias Memorial Foundation for contribution in the national level as social organizer & entrepreneur.
Moulana Bhashani Gold Medal Award-2009 by Moulana Bhashani Foundation for outstanding socio-economic contribution.
Best Women Entrepreneur Award-2009 by Oranda Communication for entrepreneurship development.
Exposure Special Award-2009 for women entrepreneurship development.
Best Women Entrepreneur Award-2008 by MAPSAS.
Kazi Nazrul Islam Gold Medal-2008 for outstanding social contribution.
Special Women Entrepreneur Award-2008 by Finance & Banking Debating Association for business excellence.
Journalist Syed Abdul Khahhar Gold Medal-2008 for social activities.
Nawab Salimullah Memorial Award-2008 by Nawab Salimullah Memorial Trust for social activities.
Nawab Fayazunessa Best Women Entrepreneur Award-2007 for entrepreneurship development.
“Mahatma Gandhi Peace Awards, 2007” for Social activities and Welfare.
“Chandrabati Gold Medal, 2007” by Chandrabati Foundation as Best Entrepreneur.
“Mother Teresa Gold Award 2007” by Mother Teresa Foundation for dedicated social activities.
“Begum Rokeya Nari Kontho Shining Personality Award 2006” as part of recognition for successful women entrepreneurship development initiative.
“Moulana Bhasani National Award 2005” for outstanding contribution towards the welfare of society.
“Successful Entrepreneur Award 2004” by Bureau of Business Research, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh for being successful businesswomen and women entrepreneurship development.
“Arthakantha Business Award 2004”– by Arthakantha (A publication on Financial & Economic Activities) as successful businesswomen.
“Ananya Top Ten Award 2004” by Ananya (A publication on Women Issues) for outstanding contribution in establishing women rights.
“Women Achiever Award 2004” by Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs of India (CWEI) for Women Entrepreneurship Development.
“Fulkoli Award 2003” for contribution in children welfare activities.
“Sedna Foundation Award 2003”for women entrepreneurship development and social activities.
“Komol Koli Shishu Award 2003” for Anti Drug Movement.
“Sufi Motahar Hossain Gold Medal 2002” for dedicational Social activities.
“Mowlana Mohammed Moniruzzaman Islamabadi Gold Medal 2002” for anti -drug movement.
Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the world award 2002 by star group USA.
“Ads Award 2002” as successful organizer.
“Archi Award 2002” for Social Work.
“Polok Award 2001”for Anti drug movement.
“Khaton Shishu Award 2001” for establishment of child and youth rights.
“Nipa Shishu Foundation Gold Medal 2000” for children welfare activities.
“Dipika Award 1999” for activities to ensure women empowerment. “Atish Dipankar Gold Medal 1999” for humanitarian service.
“Mukul Fowz Award 1998” for social work.
“Birba Award 1997” for contribution in the anti- drug activities.
Attended National & International Seminars, Workshops, Conferences, Trade Fairs & Other Events:
Attended many national and international seminars, workshops, training, symposia, trade shows and participated meetings as keynote speaker, representative, business promoter and also participated in the national television Talk Show.
Established
Established an exclusively Trade Center and Shopping Mall for access to market for the Women Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.
Established Women Co-operative Bank along with number 200 business women for the Women Entrepreneurs for easy access to finance.
Established a Business Development & Training Centre to develop and create new women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.
FUTURE PLANS
To establish an Industrial Park for the first time in Bangladesh exclusively for the Women Entrepreneurs of Chittagong.
To establish a Commercial Schedule Women Bank to support the women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.
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Ms. Monowara Hakim Ali Ms. Monowara Hakim Ali is one of a few top ranking women organizers and entrepreneurs who
are contributing with hard work tirelessly to bring feminine society’s contributions at the same
level with males, to establish the rights of deprived women folk, and mainstream them in
national development and advancement by making them self reliant. Bright in her own grandeur
and established with own initiative this enlightened woman personality is taking care of society,
business and family all with balanced leadership and skill and simultaneously preparing definite
plans with the objective to build up a thriving future. Her awareness of deep responsibilities to
the society made herself a caring social leader alongside her role as a hard laboring entrepreneur
despite herself being one of the highest privileged persons. She is luckier than many because she
draws inspiration for her entrepreneurship in trade and commerce as well as social work from a
distinguished industrial entrepreneur husband like Mr. H. M. Hakim Ali, and a competent son
like Mr. Riyad Ali as she gets them always in close touch . And for that reason, she alongside her
leadership role in women’s progress movement can perform as Empress of a vast industrial
empire. One of a few successful leaders of women’s movement Monowara Hakim Ali is
organizer and member of Chittagong Women’s Chamber of Business and Industry. Even in trade
and commerce she is performing responsibilities as CEO, Chairman and Director of many
organizations. She is active in many organizations and institutions devoted to education, health
and poverty alleviation of the country. Her bright presence is especially mentionable as a very
liberal, open minded cultural organizer. She is rolling on with the insignias of her credentials
even as a writer, editor. And for that reason she received significant numbers of national and
international Awards and Honors. Her success instills many others in women’s progress
movement and their lies Monowara Hakim Ali’s highest success.
LINK: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCgQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fics-ss.com%2Fdemo_biz
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BIOGRAPHY OF MONOWARA HAKIM ALI - INTRACO CNG LIMITED2010 IWEC AWARDEE FROM BANGLADESH
Friday, August 13, 2010Ms. Ali is Chairman of Genetica (Bd) Ltd and Vice Chairman of Intraco CNG Limited, which is the leading CNG
conversion provider in Bangladesh, involved in conversion of Octane/Petrol/Diesel driven vehicles, whose
vision is to give the next generation a pollution free world. Ms. Ali is also Founder and President of Chittagong
Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She is a member of numerous organizations spanning
entrepreneurial committees, socio-welfare issues such as youth, drugs and prison rehabilitation.She is an accomplished organizer of diverse events covering SME expo’s youth congresses, beauty contests aswell as having trained 30 women on a driving course to motivate them to become self supporting. She is awriter of many socio-economic articles and books on drug abuse and career development.www: intragroup.com
LINK: http://www.manhattancc.org/common/News/articles/detail.cfm?
QID=7828&classification=news&topicID=0&clientID=11001&subnav=news
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Interview Details
Monowara Hakim Ali,
President of Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Interviewed On: 2012-02-18
Guide women entrepreneurs to new heights
The government should extend assistance to women entrepreneurs not only to create jobs across the country but also to boost their contribution to the economy, a leading entrepreneur said. \"Entrepreneurship can empower women who constitute about half of the country\'s total population,\" said Monowara Hakim Ali, president of Chittagong Women Chamber and Commerce and Industry. She said women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh are no longer small entrepreneurs. \"They have come a long way. We consider them as part of our small and medium enterprises sector. Now is the time to guide them to new heights.\" Monowara, vice-chairperson of Intraco Group, which has interests in hotels, real estate, shipping, textiles, energy, automobiles, travel, tourism, fishing, fertiliser, and agriculture, singled out problems in marketing and access to finance as the major impediments that women entrepreneurs face today. \"It will be tough for them to grow if they do not get easy credit at low interest rates,\" she said in an interview in Dhaka recently. \"It is true that banks are providing loans, but they are giving loans as working capital, not as project loans. Besides, financial institutions are more interested in giving loans to entrepreneurs who are already established.\" Monowara said banks should give them project loans collateral-free and extend the grace period. \"At present, banks do not give any grace period and borrowers have to start paying back the loans the month following loan sanction.As a result, women entrepreneurs do not dare to take bank loans. Normally, an entrepreneur requires at least three months for giving a business a foothold.\" She said banks have to change their lending model so that women borrowers can repay loans after getting a grip on their business. \"We have to create new entrepreneurs. To do so, we have to give them encouragement and extend assistance on various fronts.\" Monowara said banks are now more interested in lending to businesses headed by women thanks mainly to some important steps taken by Atiur Rahman, governor of the central bank. \"Under his leadership, the central bank has organised road-shows and fairs across the country to motivate banks to lend more to the cash-strapped entrepreneurs and to build awareness among them.\" \"Now women entrepreneurs are more
confident.\" She also said the government should set up sales-centres at district levels to help grassroots entrepreneurs sell their products. \"There are many entrepreneurs who are doing fine at rural levels. But many of them do not have the ability to set up stores in their localities or showcase or sell their products in Dhaka. If we can create markets for them, it will help a lot.\" The entrepreneur thanked the government, particularly Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, state minister for women and children affairs, for taking steps in setting up Joyita, a centre for marketing the products of small women entrepreneurs at Rapa Plaza in Dhaka.The platform is part of government programmes aimed at strengthening different business initiatives of level women entrepreneurs at grassroots levels. It plans to encourage women entrepreneurs to boost their business initiatives. Monowara urged authorities to set up more such centres not only in Dhaka but also in rural areas. \"As a result, the number of entrepreneurs can increase, helping the country create huge employment scopes and develop economically.\" She said women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh work amid an army of limitations. Currently, most of them produce products at home. \"If the government sets up special industrial parks for them, then many will be able to work under a same platform.\" She said women should become active in industrialization and be given tax holidays for a certain period so that the young entrepreneurs can establish a strong position, she said. Monowara said the women\'s chamber in Chittagong is helping women entrepreneurs in the region through training, workshops, awareness-building programmed and fairs. \"We have been organizing month-long fairs for SME women entrepreneurs for the last five years. The effort has been very successful in mobilizing them and creating a network.\" She said handicrafts produced by the entrepreneurs have demand at home and abroad. \"They need incentives for exports.\" Monowara, the first elected women director of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said the association is taking a series of steps to support women entrepreneurs. \"We are providing them with training to build their capacity so that their confidence level grows. We are also organizing awareness building programmed,\" she said.
LINK: http://chittagonghousing.com/realper.php?int=7
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Pockets of Change
Paving the way for women entrepreneurship
From left, Md Jashim Uddin, first vice-president of FBCCI; Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, state minister for women affairs; AK Azad, president of FBCCI; Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, vice-president of FBCCI; and Monowara Hakim Ali, president of Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, pose at a seminar at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka yesterday. Photo: STARStar Business Report
Banks should adopt a lenient outlook towards the many cash-strapped women entrepreneurs, who do not default on loans and help contribute to the economy, said the state minister for women affairs yesterday.
"Banks should look for ways to reduce the number of documents a woman entrepreneur must submit to get a loan. They have to look beyond their lending approach," Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said.
"They can help them prepare a proposal and fill the loan documents," she said at a seminar in the city.
Chaudhury spoke at the discussion, "Women Entrepreneurs in SMEs: Bangladesh Perspective" at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the country's apex trade body, organised the "5th SME Fair 2011" to showcase various SME products.
About 136 stalls have been set up at the fair, where entrepreneurs from across the country are showcasing products, including handicrafts, household items, consumer goods, plastic items, herbal products, solar energy products, foodstuffs, mechanical and electrical items.
In addition, 33 banks and non-bank financial institutions have also set up stalls to display their loan products for SMEs.
Chaudhury said the government has taken a raft of measures to economically empower women, who constitute about half of the country's total population.
"We are taking steps to establish their access to market. We believe their participation in the economy can be established through the SMEs," she said.
She also said women entrepreneurs have come a long way in using their own capacities. "Here, the government has a duty to take their efforts forward."
"We do not only want to see them as small and medium entrepreneurs. We want them to build women-owned enterprises," said the minister.
Chaudhury asked FBCCI to make recommendations on the constraints the entrepreneurs face in the areas of income taxes, value added taxes, licensing and registration processes to establish a women entrepreneur-friendly environment.
"Access to finance is a major issue, but product promotions are also important to sell products," the minister said.
Chaudhury said the problems related to an access to finance would disappear to a large extent if the government expands its refinancing scheme, which entitles women entrepreneurs to loans worth Tk 25 lakh without any collateral and at 10 percent interest rate.
The minister also said the banks should look at women entrepreneurs differently as they do not become loan defaulters easily. "They should expand their loan facilities liberally."
FBCCI President AK Azad said women entrepreneurs face problems such as inadequate capital and training. Many of them also do not have modern technologies to upgrade their production methods. "With rising raw material prices and labour costs they cannot profit too much."
"Even if they produce products, they do not have market access. To whom will they sell the products? It is the responsibility of the state, the business community and FBCCI to ensure their right to fair prices."
"We cannot ignore our responsibilities here," said the top business leader.
Azad also urged the government to recover the illegally occupied fallow lands in district levels and construct shopping centres there so that women entrepreneurs can set up shops and sell their products.
Md Jashim Uddin, first vice-president of FBCCI, said the contribution of the women of this country is huge. "There is no scope to undermine their contribution. They have a particular role behind our cottage industry and diversification of export products."
He urged the government to allocate 30 percent plots of the planned industrial zones in the country to women entrepreneurs.
Yeameen Akbory, deputy project director of Bangladesh Economic Growth Project under the commerce ministry, presented a keynote at the discussion.
Monowara Hakim Ali, president of Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, moderated the seminar, while Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, vice-president of FBCCI, also spoke.
The five-day fair opens to visitors from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
LINK: http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=215128%3E%3E
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MONOWARA HAKIM ALI AT 4TH SESSION OF BANGLADESH SRILANKA JOINT ECONOMIC COMMISSION
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International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) 2011
With my new friends, Monowara Hakim Ali, President, and members of the Chittagong Women Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (Bangladesh)
Syeda Zeenat Ara Nipun, Awardee from Bangladesh with her very supportive husband
Most of the beautiful and colorful clothes the women are wearing are a showcase of their creations!
New friends, inspiring women from Bangladesh
Felix Malitsky, Managing Director of MetLife inspired women as he talked about "the power of you"
"When we invest in our women - we invest in our future!"
“Relaciones! Relaciones! Relaciones!” This was the word everyone of us excitedly and assertively
recited in chorus as we gathered to meet and celebrate the Awardees of the 2011 International
Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) in November 14, 2011. ”Relaciones”, Spanish word for
Relationships, is the theme for this year’s IWEC Conference in New York. It also happens to be one of
my top 5 list of favorite words. My passion for Relationships, of course, is another story requiring
another page of a blog!
Back to IWEC, we were at the 23rd Floor of the MetLife building in Manhattan, New York — right across
the street from Bryant Park. The view all around and from above was spectacular! Not as spectacular,
though, as the women whom we listened to as they inspired us with their stories of entrepreneurship,
passion, challenges and victories. These Awardees came from all parts of the world — from the Asian
countries of Bangladesh, India, Philippines, Pakistan, to Australia, Nigeria, Peru, Mongolia, South Africa,
Spain and the US.
The Mission of IWEC is to develop a global business network for successful women
business owners, helping them gain and expand access to international markets. The
combined annual revenue of the 26 IWEC Awardees in 2010 is US$3 Billion. These
companies employ over 27,000 employees and represent many industries including
aviation, CNG refueling, bio pesticides, education and manufacturing. They represent
some of the most influential businesswomen in the world.
I was delighted to see Nancy Ploeger, President of Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (MCC) and one of
the Founders of IWEC. She’s also the Chair of MCC IWEC and the co-host of the program together with
Sunita Bajaj, Treasurer of MCC. Ruth Davis, IWEC Chairwoman gave a very inspiring and powerful
welcome remarks. ”Economic independence is truly the key to women’s freedom. Freedom to
advance not only themselves but the society. Women must also commit to the role of mentoring other
women in all levels. We must continue to network with our international friends. Most importantly,
women must give top priority to education as the tool for empowerment”.
The Honorable Congressional Leader, Carolyn Maloney, also welcomed everyone, as well as Michelle
Pedigo, DVP of MetLife, Felix Malistky, Managing Director, MetLife and Xavier Carbonell Roura,
Managing Director of the Barcelona Official Chamber of Commerce.
Perhaps the most beautiful and noteworthy of all these women’s accomplishments is the common
denominator among all of them — that they all believe in the value of giving back — and almost
everyone shared her story of what her business is doing to help others and the community.
“Giving back is my passion”, shares Barbara van den Bossche, CEO & Owner of Vintage Group, a
company that grows and exports grapes, apples and pears located in the Elgin-Vyeboom region in
South Africa’s Western Cape region. Barbara is involved with a highly successful HIV Aids program and
through skills programs, education and mentorship has helped change and improve lives. Dr. Maria
Socorro Malitao, Awardee from the Philippines and CEO of Standout Group of Companies, also shared
with us her company’s CSR initiative, “Women Helping Women”.
When we invest in our women – we invest in our future. To all the IWEC Awardees, congratulations
and may you all continue to serve as inspiration and role models for women’s economic
empowerment! We celebrate you!
LINK: http://janetcsalazar.com/tag/bryant-park/
THE DAILY STARThe week that was
Monowara elected Saarc chamber directorPresident of Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Monowara Hakim Ali was elected director of the Saarc Chamber of Commerce Industry, says a press release.
Monowara, vice chairman of Intraco Group, has been working to improve the condition of women entrepreneurs since 1999. She along with other women entrepreneurs established the Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the port city.
She was elected first woman director of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) in 2010, says a press release.
LINK: http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=219861
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Women in economic leadership3/8/2006
Women economic empowerment is the policy level priority to bring the previously neglected half of Bangladesh population into the mainstream of the economy. The FE was face to face with a few women who are empowered and work for the development of other women entrepreneurs.Ignore all recorded statistics. The evident fact is that women are half of the total population, their contribution to the economy is unrecognised in most cases. They are underrepresented in many economic sectors. These discouraging figures turn momentarily pale when it is seen that, among women, a good number are successful and have scaled to the peak where many men find it hard to reach. They are mentors for hundreds of thousands of women particularly in business having the qualities like hard work, devotion, sincerity, professionalism, significant managerial capacity. Laila Rahman Kabir is a name that is associated with the country's economic growth since the Liberation for a number of her successes. Making tea an export item was one of them. With her right and timely decision on reorientation of tea policy, she was able to give each of her tea estates a strong foundation, facing the post-liberation challenges in the tea market. Her decisions helped the nation to get a broader international market for tea afterwards. "My education and training helped me develop the mentality to face challenges and work with professionalism for excellence," she said the FE to describe her grounds of success. Laila Kabir said when she took charge of the gardens, the country was handicapped by severe lack of infrastructures, loss of captive tea market in what is now Pakistan. The country had a war-devastated economy. "Each and every experiences I gathered during that period was in valuable because those experiences taught me to become a professional in my field." The reputed tea planter said some time her focus was on quality and price of tea, some time on increase of its quantity and some time she focused on capturing local market. In business, she said, one has to anticipate the changing market and respond to the change timely and correctly to achieve success. And that is why, with her able leadership, Modhupur, Dinarpur and Jhemai tea estates, which she owns under Kedarpur Tea Company Limited, are able to increase production to one million kg a year, which was barely 0.15 million kg when she took over the charge as Managing Director in 1971. Laila Kabir who was born in a family of tea estate owners, is a pioneer in achieving the honours degree on Agricultural Botany from the University of Durham, UK for the country in 1958. But her subject was hardly the choice of women studying in her university too. She was among three female
students in honours class and the lone female in her major subject. As she has always received equal treatment in her family, Laila says she always works as an individual and earned successes. But her successes also led her to the top positions in a number of business and trade bodies. Laila Rahman Kabir was the first female elected Chairperson of Bangladeshiyo Cha Sangsad in 1992, first female Presidents of the both Bangladesh Employer's Association, now known as Bangladesh Employer's Federation, in 1994 and Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1998. She is now the chairperson of Social Marketing Company that has successfully weathered a challenge of existence with her able leadership.While talking with her at her office, Kabir said even with all her recognitions, she never ignores the interest of labour and is un-compromising about having a close relationship with the labour community. Laila Kabir always remains in the committee of Bangladeshiyo Cha Sangsad (BCS) that deals tea labours. She is also a member of Tea Labour Welfare Fund aiming at building a good relation between management and labourers. She led the initiative to establish the right of equal wage for men and women in the tea garden while working in the sub-committee of BCS.Admitting that she is fortunate among many women, Laila Kabir however believes that other women can also rise up to good position in business if only they get the protection of an improved law and order situation and access to information."If women get the opportunity to develop as entrepreneurs, I think they can do very well because they very early in life learn from their mothers to manage available resources and time successfully," Laila Kabir whispered adding that if women are not committed they could not have taken care of their children be efficiently. From her experience while working with rural entrepreneurs as a member of FBCCI standing committee on "Women and Women Entrepreneurship Development," Laila Kabir says that many literate and illiterate women in rural and urban areas face challenges in entering into small skill industry as entrepreneurs due to lack of knowledge on product, market and quality. And she feels happy when she finds some of recommendations which were placed by the sub-committee are now being implemented in phases.Rokeya Afzal Rahman is another legendary woman whose name is linked as the pioneer in a number of sectors. She was the first women bank manager, and possibly the first woman to have received big loan from a bank in 1980. Not only that, she was also the first woman who refunded the loan amounting to about Tk 75 lakh to Bangladesh Shilpa Bank in time. Rokeya Rahman is now Director of Midas and President of Women Entrepreneurs Association (WEA) and Small Enterprises of Bangladesh. She was also one of the advisors of the 1995 caretaker government and director of Bangladesh Bank for three years from 1999. While carrying all these duties, she was successful and proved her expertise no less superior than expert men. But her starting as a businessperson was linked with the gender role. She said after seven years of banking experiences, she gave it up being dictated by the responsibility of taking care of her two minor kids. As business gives flexible time, she managed her time for it. Gradually, she expanded her cold storage business from local market to the world market by exporting potato working with commitment and sincerity."It so happened that my home often turned into office or office into home.. ……I even used to take my kids at my office or sit and manage their study while working," Rokeya delightfully told the FE. She said that it was a challenge for her to prove successful in business at that time and she did it remarkably well. And her commitment and devotion brought awards for her. BSB honoured her as the best businessperson for repayment of loan. She also received "Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World" award from the United States in 1999 and "Prime Customer Award" of Janata Bank in 2002.Rahman from her experience as director of MIDAS found that majority women have the capacity to attain success in business for their rare characteristics of honesty, sincerity and hardwork. Rokeya A Rahman said after introducing the collateral-free small to medium loan for women entrepreneurs from MIDAS for the first time, she found 99 per cent success cases in loan refund. Women loan borrowers have proven their commitment to refunding loan money not for once, also for several times while they expanded their small businesses, she said adding that it was true for all cases -- rural or urban women. From the responsibility of helping the potential women, Rokeya A Rahman formed Women Entrepreneurs Association in 1993 and was able
to support rural and town level women in business promotion, products development, marketing etc. As a woman advisor in the caretaker government, she successfully ensured the women rights to voting. From her assigned Ministry, she was able to bring women into 10 centres in such areas where women voting was restricted by local influentials. Not only this, she also ensured voting by expatriates, both residents and those who were in the process of going abroad.At present, being a victorious leader in her sphere, Rokeya A Rahman works with the successful women entrepreneurs who need support to graduate themselves as owners of mid and big enterprises. So Rokeya Rahman from her association is now giving training to prepare its members with further capability so that financial institutions including banks find no fault to refuse their project proposals.Monowara Hakim Ali, a name may be unknown to some people in business community in the country. But she is in her city -- Chittagong -- as a successful businessperson in areas of tourism, agriculture, hotel, real estate and energy. And her successes has made male entrepreneurs envious.Monowara started her business career late in 70s with the encouragement from her businessman father. She first established Intraco Tours and Travels. She then moved on to expand her business setting up manure producing plant named Jenetica, Intraco CNG Conversion and Intraco Properties and so on.Monowara Hakim said she has learned to take risk in business from her father, who was in chemical business in the port city. Monowara performs her social responsibility as she excels in businesses. "My manure producing plant, which is the country's first plant, has received tremendous response from the farmers using it as a substitute to chemical fertiliser," she said. The Intraco CNG Conversion, which provides services to four divisional cities, is also a clean energy resource of gas to make the environment pollution free. The real estate aims at solving housing problem in the port city. Monowara Hakim Ali, also the president of Women Entrepreneurs, popularity known as "WE", said women in her area have tremendous potentials to do business, but they face challenges because of an existance of a conservative social structure.She said this kind of structure is creating obstacles for the womenfolk to become entrepreneurs in the port city. But Monowara has taken this obstacle as a challenge as she works with 450 'WE' members and help each another to become successful in life. She stressed on support from the all stakeholders including the government, society and family to exploit the latent skill effectively. And with this vision "WE" offers a wide range of courses in production, business management, marketing, quality controls and strategies to make these women entrepreneurs competent in the era of globalisation. She said that in the present day globalisation one needs to be active, innovative and industrius to reap benefit from the new world economic orders.Selima Ahmad, President of Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI), turned into a businessperson only to manage time after taking care of her minor kids. Her education in Management from the University of Dhaka supported her in tracing the path of the business world. "During my academic life, I was involved in the handicraft business and a trade association named Bangla Craft as well as a partner of a consultancy firm, and all these experiences helped me to stand on my feet," Selima enthusiastically mentions. But she started business sincerely as an active partner of Nitol Motor when she found that her male friends of her firm were accepting job opportunities in the banking sector in which a large vacuum of manpower was created due to opening of banks in the private sector.Selima retained her interest in business with the thirst to be self-reliant and to earn economic empowerment as well as maintain her family efficiently. And by making efforts in sales and procurement efficiently and with sincerity, Selima Ahmad helped her company to grow bigger within a short time. She now runs the country's cent percent export-oriented flower factory in Gazipur - Nalita and Co, which has drawn its entire workforce from rural women. She is now the vice chairperson of Nitol Group and is also the chairperson of Road Fund and member of Gender Platform Group."I always try to work to the best of my ability and have received recognition from all quarters including government," she told the FE.Selima from her experience believes that every woman has the potential to be an entrepreneur and it can be developed through nurturing skills and ideas. She says women in business attain success for their intelligence, efficiency, commitment and honesty.But she said women in our country have to earn an
extra quality to consider the society and its norms and values for the sake of business and added that although it is an added burden for them but this consideration helps them to stand beside the men as equals.She, however, feels that the big thirst for finance and knowing the markets created among women need to be satisfied through taking necessary steps by all stakeholders including banks and the government. Nasreen Awal Mintoo started her business career in 1982 after completing graduaion from the United States and actively involved in "Nari", an organisation for a group of reputed women. But she formed Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh watching the potentials of women as entrepreneurs in rural and urban areas."Women always think the market of their products is within their community and I face the challenge in bringing these women from the grassroot level," Nasreen told the FE to describe her success as a leader.She said WEAB assists the women entrepreneurs through providing training and creating scope to participate in national and international fairs.WEAB sends member producers to trade shows, exhibitions, fair and festivals around the world, including the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, India, Pakistan and other countries which are prospective buyers of Bangladeshi products and found significant development among the entrepreneurs.These have helped the local entrepreneurs in improving the quality and design of products as well as earn confidence and courage to sustain in the business.The WEAB President feels the necessity for continuation of the support to the women entrepreneurs through establishing state level institution and financial support with easy disbursement procedure.She also feels the need for establishing a Women Development Bank (WDB), a separate and independent bank for women, in the rural and remote areas after observing a large numbers of women failing to compete with the male entrepreneurs in receiving bank loan and assistance.(The interviews were conducted and compiled by Munima Sultana with Jasim Uddin Haroon and Doulot Akter Mala)
LINK: http://informationscoop.blogspot.com/2006/03/women-in-economic-leadership.html
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Cherie BlairÕs visit to Bangladesh
Mrs. Cherie BlairÕs visit to Bangladesh on 8-11 January 2010 Saikat Mojumder/Drik/AUW
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MONOWARA HAKIM ALI SPEAKING AT THE ID CARD DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY AMONG COMMERCIAL IMPORTANT PERSONS OF BANGLADESH
AT COMMERCIAL IMPORTANT PERSONALITY CARD GIVING CEREMONY 2010, MONOWARA HAKIM ALI IS RECEIVING THE HONOR AS " COMMERCIAL
IMPORTANT PERSON - CIP" FROM THE COMMERCE MINISTER, GOLAM QUADER
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Indonesia exhibition kicks off in Ctg tomorrowCHITTAGONG, Mar 15: A three-day Indonesian Integrated Expo-2011, first ever in Bangladesh,
begins in the port city on Thursday, reports BSS.
Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka is arranging the exhibition which would display varieties of traditional
Indonesian products including manufactured goods, furniture, handicraft, batik; automobile and
strategic industries, tourism industry and cultural show.
The ambassador of the peoples' Republic of Indonesia in Bangladesh Zet Mirzal zainuddin disclosed
the exhibition programme at a press conference at Hotel Agrabad to-day.
The Indonesian Integrated Expo-2011, will be held at Chittagong Jila Krira Sangstha (CJKS) Indoor
Stadium. Twelve reputed Indonesian companies producing furniture, handicraft, batik, automobile
etc. will display their products in the exhibition.
Industries Minister Dilip Barua will attend the inauguration programme as the chief guest while
Indonesian ambassador Zet Mirzal Zainuddin, Indonesian honorary consul in Chittagong Mrs.
Monowara Hakim Ali will be present at the function.
Indonesian Ambassador expressed the hope that the exhibition will help promote the existing
brotherly relationship between Bangladesh and Indonesia further.
He said the two countries share common culture, religion, custom & social values which would
strengthen the bilateral relation and cooperation between Indonesia and Bangladesh further.
Indonesian honorary consul to Chittagong Mrs. Monowara Hakim Ali, also president of Chittagong
Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries, officials of the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka attended
the press conference.
Monowara Hakim Ali, Vice Chairperson:
Monowara Hakim Ali, Eminent Social Worker, the Vice Chairperson of INTRACO GROUP. She is a successful women industrialist. She is the President of Chittagong Woman Chamber & Commerce and Director of Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation. With natural gift and vast experience. Mrs. Monowara is fully qualified to run any business and industrial concern. In fact, the group shall be immensely benefited with has experience and resource.
- Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Chittagong, Bangladesh - Former Honorary Consul of Zambia in Bangladesh
- Director, SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Director, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- President, Chittagong Women’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry
ALUMNINational Defence College, Bangladesh
Director Mrs. Monowara Hakim Ali Capstone-2011
Present Address : FBCCI69, Suhrawardy AvenueBaridhara, Dhaka Phone : Mobile : 01715034444 Nationality : Bangladesh Religion : IslamEmail : [email protected]
Woman should do something to have own identityMonowara Hakim Ali
The 8th March was the International Women’s Day and like the rest of the world, many organisations in Bangladesh observed the day as part of the global celebration. daily sun reporters Tabassum Mokhduma and Suchitra Mallick talked to a number of women leading in their own arenas. Following are excerpts from the interviews with them.
Monowara Hakim Ali, president of Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CWCCI) and a director of FBCCI, is perhaps the first woman in Bangladesh to enter hotel business in early 1980s.
Monowara went to London in 1976 to study Hotel Management. She visited tourism fairs abroad at a time when only Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation participated in those fairs.
After returning home, Monowara Hakim joined her father’s hotel business before starting her own enterprise.
“My husband also helped me a lot. But I had to prove my competence and then found a niche in the business career,” Monowara said.
“Patience, strategies and hard work helped me overcome the hurdles I faced in my career from my fellow people,” said Monowara, also the Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Chittagong, and president of Women Entrepreneurs in the port city.
“I think every woman should do something not only for financial gain but also to have her individual identity,” said Monowara, suggesting more women take up business as a career.