Dhaka: With the steady expansion of Facebook-based businesses, women are increasingly becoming interested in this new type of social commerce as it is hassle-free and does not require large capital or physical shops. Although this F-commerce was a little-known trading platform even a few years ago, it started becoming popular in the country especially during the Corona pandemic when public life was confined within four walls. Now it is considered to be the best trading platform for women in the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the Corona pandemic, Halima Afroz and her husband decided to utilize their time productively instead of idling at home. Halima, who used to bake as a hobby, began sending homemade food to relatives. Encouraged by friends, she opened a Facebook page in late 2020 and started receiving orders for her homemade food. Based in Banasree, her online food business has since become a primary source of income for her family, marking a significant transition from a hobby to a livelihood.
Tahura Banu’s journey into F-commerce unfolded differently. Seven years ago, her initial attempt at selling sarees online received no engagement for two weeks. However, once she posted pictures of herself wearing the sarees, the response was favorable. This marked the beginning of her journey towards self-reliance. Tahura, hailing from Naogaon, expanded her online business gradually, eventually opening a showroom in Naogaon and planning another in Dhaka. She emphasized that online business allows her to balance work and family commitments effectively.
Not only Halima and Tahura, but many women have also embraced online business, revolutionizing the sector. A United Nations Trade and Development Organization (UNCTAD) report on ‘women’s e-commerce business’ highlighted that e-commerce facilitates easier entry for women entrepreneurs. It offers them opportunities to gain experience, expand financial contacts, and enhance their business network and market reach. E-commerce is more convenient in terms of time management compared to traditional businesses.
According to the E-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (E-CAB), women entrepreneurs represent about 9 percent of the e-commerce sector, with women’s participation in the e-commerce market at approximately 25 percent. Women are notably leading in Facebook-based businesses. E-CAB data indicates that out of 500,000 Facebook pages in the country, 55 percent regularly selling products are managed by women entrepreneurs. The e-commerce market, valued at approximately Taka 40,000 crore, sees women entrepreneurs controlling about Taka 8,000 crore. They primarily operate in fashion, lifestyle services and products, and food-based businesses.
The association further notes that in rural areas, 11 percent of entrepreneurs are women, compared to 6.5 percent in urban settings. The growing internet service coverage in the country encourages women to start online businesses even with minimal capital. Women in villages, despite social restrictions and limited internet access, are creating income-generation opportunities from home.
A report by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) titled ‘The Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024’ indicated that 40 percent of men and 24 percent of women in Bangladesh use the internet on their mobile phones. However, 50 percent of women are aware of internet use, with a higher interest in using the internet compared to men. UNCTAD, in its report, highlighted that digital gender inequality, particularly in less developed countries, and societal norms pose challenges for women entering and participating in e-commerce.