PROMISING #BANGLADESH

Sanjam Sahi Gupta

Director - Sitara Shipping

In June 2022, I had the pleasure of visiting Chittagong and Dhaka.

Did you know that according to the World Gender Gap report, Bangladesh is the best-performing country within the South Asia region, ranked 65th- with a wide gap compared to among its other countries in this region.

So what is this beautiful country doing right?

As a visitor, I noticed small things - how respectful they are to women. From the person seated beside me in the local flights to the courtesy extended at the hotels, meetings and even in ship yards where women are not a common occurance.

One clear indicator of its progress is that Bangladesh is the only country where more women have held head-of-state positions (for 27 years) than men in the past 50 years.

How many western nations can boast of similar feats?

Having the right policies to empower women has led to these strides made to narrow the gender gap. remarkable development in Women Empowerment is aimed at and anticipated. This clearly shows how progress for women in the nation is developing.

Our company Sitara Shipping Ltd. believes in the business case for Diversity (if it wasn't obvious already).

We are so glad that our partner in Bangladesh- MGH Group- does too!

With a 50-50 gender ratio they truly walk the talk. Kudos to Mr Syed Iqbal Ali Shimul, MD.

I had the opportunity to meet and interact with the enterprising women from MGH and I came back so inspired!

Each shares a story of grit and determination. Of juggling roles -some are young mothers, doing a balancing act- yet always mentoring young girls to help her get ahead. I saw in front of me, future SheEOs and yes with these talented young women at the helm, the future is bright the future is #Bangladesh

The barometer of women empowerment is not and should not be based on their choice of attire. Embracing one's own culture and identity while moving the world is what makes these women so incredible.

Featured Seafarer: JDPO Alexandra Ciucanu