Breaking Barriers: Empowering Youth Through Women Entrepreneurs

Empowering Young Leaders at the BRAC Bank PLC TARA Uddokta Mela - Women Entrepreneurs Fair 2025!

On March 17th, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the BRAC Bank PLC TARA Uddokta Mela 2025 (Women Entrepreneurs Fair) with the Youth from the Training and Development Center - Dhaka. The fair was a vibrant space filled with over 80 inspiring women entrepreneurs, each showcasing their unique businesses, from fashion and handmade crafts to food and beauty products. Their journeys, filled with resilience and determination, were truly empowering!

For many of the Youth, this was their first experience witnessing an entire fair dedicated to women entrepreneurs. The energy, creativity, and business acumen of these women left a lasting impression. As a Catalyst at LP4Y, my role is not just about recruitment and talent acquisition but also about supporting young people in gaining professional exposure. This visit was one of those opportunities where they could see, learn, and believe in the power of entrepreneurship and financial independence.

A Youth’s Perspective: Learning from Women Entrepreneurs

Walking through the stalls, Munni, a determined young woman from the Bhashantek slum in Dhaka, whispered in excitement.

This is amazing! I never imagined a fair where all the businesses were run by women!" 

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she explored the vibrant displays—handmade arts, clothes, pottery, and intricate crafts, all created by local artisans. Munni, who is currently in the Management Step at LP4Y, TDC Dhaka, marveled at the entrepreneurial spirit of these women. Many of them were managing both their households and businesses seamlessly, proving that resilience and ambition know no boundaries.

One of the most striking moments for her was noticing products traditionally sold by men now being sold by women. It challenged her perception of gender roles in business. She paused for a moment and said:

If they can do it, why can’t I?" 

This realization ignited a spark in her, entrepreneurship is not about gender; it is about passion, resilience, and the courage to take action.

Beyond financial independence, Munni understood something even greater—the power of decision-making. This experience broadened her perspective on what it truly means to be independent. It wasn’t just about earning money; it was about having control over her own choices and future.

Reflecting on the experience, she shared:

Before joining LP4Y, I had no exposure to such events. Every day here is a learning experience. Visiting fairs like this helps build my confidence and shows me that opportunities are out there, we just need to reach for them.”

For Munni, this was not just a visit to a fair, it was a glimpse into a future where women lead, inspire, and break barriers, a future she now dares to dream of.

A Story of Success: Ananna’s Journey

Among the many inspiring entrepreneurs, we met Ananna, a woman whose journey embodied the very essence of self-reliance. With a warm smile, she shared her story:

Participating in the Tara Uddokta Mela 2025 with ‘Kunjori’ was my first time, and it was a fantastic event. I absolutely love what I do. This business started as a hobby but has now become my main profession and passion.

Ananna spoke with unwavering confidence, emphasizing the importance of women embracing financial independence. She firmly believed that regardless of age, marital status, or life circumstances, every woman should strive to be self-reliant.

The confidence that comes from being self-sufficient is unparalleled. Whether through employment or starting a business, every woman has the potential to create her own destiny.

Her words resonated deeply with the Youth, who saw in her a role model, a living example of what determination and passion can achieve.

My Reflection as a Catalyst - Tanha

As I stood there, watching the Youth engage, question, and absorb the stories of these incredible women, I felt an immense sense of pride and purpose. My role at LP4Y as a Project Leader in Talent Acquisition is about more than just recruitment, it is about empowering young minds, exposing them to new opportunities, and guiding them toward self-discovery.

For many of them, this was not just a visit to a fair. It was a turning point, a moment that challenged their beliefs, inspired their dreams, and showed them that the world has more opportunities than they ever imagined. They realized that success is not limited by gender or background; it is shaped by ambition, perseverance, and the courage to take the first step.

I am grateful to have been a part of this journey, to have facilitated this experience, and to have seen the impact it had on the Youth. Seeing their eyes light up with new possibilities, hearing their excitement about the future, and knowing that they now believe in their own potential, that is the true reward of being a Catalyst.

This was more than just a fair; it was a lesson in resilience, empowerment, and the boundless potential that lies within each of us.

This story is not just about women entrepreneurs or young learners, it is about breaking barriers, redefining norms, and believing that dreams, no matter how big, are always within reach.