Nowadays, when a girl is asked about her aim in life, her eyes often light up with quiet determination. She says with confidence that she wants to be a businesswoman-not just to earn, but to stand on her own feet and create opportunities for others. There is a dream behind her words, a dream of dignity, independence, and self-worth.
Sometimes, a story breaks through the noise-like that of Nazma (a pseudonym), who sold her own earrings to start a small cow farm and gradually became its proud owner. Behind such success lies sacrifice, courage, and an unshaken belief in oneself.
Yet, the path is rarely smooth. When a woman decides to leave a secure job and follow her entrepreneurial dream, the reaction around her often changes. Instead of encouragement, she may face doubt, criticism, even mockery. Runa (a pseudonym) once shared in an interview, "After leaving my banking job, I wanted to start my own restaurant, but my boss criticized me." Her words echo the silent struggles of many women whose choices are questioned simply because they are different.
Even today, when women take bold steps-starting small businesses on the streets and succeeding through hard work-society does not always celebrate them. For many families, it is difficult to accept that a highly educated girl, even after completing her postgraduate studies, might choose an unconventional path.
But dreams do not follow fixed roads. And perhaps, what these women are truly building is not just a business-but a new way of thinking, where courage is valued more than conformity.
Now we are living in 2026. The world has advanced, and girls are receiving education with growing opportunities. It cannot be denied that women who are embracing entrepreneurship are making meaningful contributions-not only to their families, but also to society and, on a larger scale, to the national economy.
The word entrepreneurship has become close to the hearts of this generation. Many young women are drawn to new ideas, self-investment, and the freedom to shape their own paths. They dream of building something of their own, where their identity, creativity, and independence can truly shine. They are willing to take risks, to face uncertainty, and to turn their visions into reality.
If we look back at ancient civilization, we find a quiet but powerful truth-women were among the first to cultivate the land. In many ways, that was the beginning of entrepreneurship. With their own hands, they nurtured growth, sustained families, and created value. From that distant past to the present day, the spirit of women's entrepreneurship has never truly faded; it has only grown stronger, deeper, and more visible.
Perhaps, what we see today is not something entirely new, but a continuation of a long, silent journey-where women, across centuries, have been shaping the world with courage, resilience, and an unspoken strength.
So, why am I speaking about the value of women's entrepreneurship? Because, even now, many societies do not fully embrace their ideas. Change, however, must begin at home. A family should believe that a woman is capable of achieving anything that gives her dignity, strengthens her position, and uplifts the entire household. That belief becomes the foundation of her confidence.
At the same time, society has its own responsibility. It must ensure the safety and security of women, and when necessary, extend financial support so that their ideas are not left behind due to limitations. In reality, after the COVID-19 pandemic, social norms have gradually shifted. Online platforms have emerged as powerful spaces, and women have stepped into them with creativity and courage-sharing their ideas and expanding entrepreneurship beyond borders.
Now, it is essential for governments to create supportive policies so that women can move forward confidently through these platforms. With the right guidance, access, and encouragement, their voices can become even stronger.
If the family stands beside her, society will begin to see her efforts with respect rather than doubt. And when that happens, women's entrepreneurship will no longer be questioned-it will be valued. With growing self-confidence, women will continue to nurture their dreams, not only transforming their own lives but also contributing meaningfully to the world.
The writer is a senior teacher at Navy Anchorage School and College Khulna
