Women & Internet

In Bangladesh

The web has made information from all parts of the world, from all kinds of people, available to anyone who has access to an internet connection. Importantly also, through social media, women from all walks of life are getting together, creating the opportunity for communities to form and experiences and ideas to be shared. The benefit such interactions bring to society and women in particular is huge. As internet penetration is growing rapidly in Bangladesh, there are some fantastic initiatives in place promoting this digital ecosystem. We have, however, only just scratched the surface of how women can harness these technologies to heighten their influence and impact on society.

Maya firmly believes in the power of web to empower women in Bangladesh. Earlier this year, their Q&A tool, “Maya Apa”, reached 3,000 questions answered for topics ranging from sexual health to domestic violence. This is merely a snapshot of how the internet is working for local women. This presentation features perspectives from 10 women who all work in technology and/or in development sector. Read on and let us know what you think

The internet is now

300,000 monthly

“pregnancy” searches on

Google BD

10,000,000 (est.) female

internet users in

Bangladesh

Women are 62% more

active on Facebook

50% of online mothers in

India are blogging –

more than US, UK and

global averageSource:

-Google Keyword Planner

-BTRC Oct 2013. Est based on FB user split (April 2014)

-McCann Emarketer 2012

Quotes

Sonia Bashir Kabir, Country Managing Director,

Dell Bangladesh

“The internet has brought about a paradigm shift in the lives of women in

Bangladesh - We not only have access to information but also have the option of

working from any place, anytime and anywhere… This combination of knowledge

plus power morphs our empowerment and takes us places no man has seen

women before.”

Shazia Omar, Head of Advocacy, Shiree

Author, Like a Diamond in the Sky

"Women in Bangladesh are poised on the cusp of a revolution! With our superb mobile phone

penetration, we have the unique opportunity to develop innovative, digital solutions to our every

day problems. Counseling services for women are necessary in all parts of the country,

especially those areas that are remote and far from other health service providers. Maya is a

great example of a creative space where women can discuss issues around health, sexuality,

gender norms, etc and be confident that they will get top quality advice.”

Taslima Miji, CEO,

Techmania

“I personally know a woman who has been able to come out of her oppressive era at her

husband’s house where she used to be treated inhumanely. It was Facebook where she

found out her way to end the plight and start a bright life. I believe, internet and technology,

are not only ending darkness, they also enlightening everybody who are onboard the ride for

positive change. More and more invention and creative works are taking place in the

technology world and women are unfortunately lagging behind. But sometimes women do

amazing things in technology defeating the patriarchal hindrances. I hope more women cross

the limit by inventing, winning, discovering, leading and breaking. May the enormous power

of womanhood make remarkable progress in technology and reshape the world.”

Sumaya Kazi,CEO & founder,

Sumazi

“The power of the web has been an incredible force in innovation, knowledge sharing

and progress worldwide. With a small but growing population of Bangladeshi women

gaining access to the internet, I'm confident that the growth and access to this

technology will elevate their status for career growth, education, politics and overall

human rights by leaps and bounds. The women of Bangladesh will be able to leverage

the information, support and tools from the web to challenge the status quo.”

Tina Jabeen,Private Equity Director and

member of Agami

“With ICTs and media becoming more globally available, now more than ever an educated woman,

not only educates a family, but can also bring positive changes to a community, a region, or even a

country – such is the power of an educated woman in today’s world empowered with Internet access.

Bangladeshi women need to arm themselves with relevant knowledge so that they can keep up with

their male counterparts. Internet plays a crucial role in such endeavor. I believe the socially responsible

organizations, NGOs and above all the government need to ensure that every woman in Bangladesh

has access to Internet in the near future.”

Jana Levene,Head of Emerging Markets, APAC

Google

"Representing 36% of the country's workforce, women have been key drivers of

Bangladesh's development in sectors such as agriculture and social services, bringing the

poverty rate down 50% since 1990 and the child mortality rate down 40% in 10 years.

However, there are currently twice as many men online in Bangladesh than women.

Bridging this gap over the next few years represents a significant opportunity to both equip

Bangladeshi women with diversified skill sets and catalyze Bangladesh's social and

economic development."

Munazah Chowdhury,Head of Global Sales Technology,

Google

"Bangladeshi women are critical decision-makers in today's family unit - spanning

from family to health to financial matters. Through greater participation in the labor

force, women are also claiming a growing stake in the country's economic value

creation process. The internet - as a means of access to timely information,

education, free markets and commerce - represents an unparalleled opportunity for

the empowerment of Bangladeshi women."

Sadequa Hassan Sejuti, Managing Director,

Future Solution for Business (FSB) Ltd.

“There is no better way than using Information Technology to mitigate aspects of this

global disease that we call poverty, towards a more self dependant Bangladesh. Sadly

the use of Information Technology is available to a certain echelon of society more

specifically the upper and middle class but it is this untapped population, particularly

women, who can use such technology and greatly contribute to the economic

development in our country.”

Alyssa RansburyHead of Operations,

G&R Technologies

“Long as women have access to a computer, tablet, or mobile phone, they can

express themselves with less of a focus on background, family, or physical looks.

And, excitingly, because the internet is still relatively young in Bangladesh, women

have the opportunity to help in its development. Over the next 1-2 years,

technological literacy will be an increasingly important element. If enough women can

learn to code and/or navigate the online space, Bangladesh will have a strong

foundation for future success.”

Bibi Russell, Founder,

Bibi Productions

“It is important that women in Bangladesh can learn and share without fear of being

judged. The internet is so important for the empowerment of women because it

removes barriers. I believe that providing access and educating the youth on utilising

the web are key to the development of Bangladesh.”

Closing SectionA big thank you to the 10

wonderful women who

provided quotes for this

presentation!

A Closer Look at Maya Apa

Its not easy being a

woman in Bangladesh

Maya is trying to help them

overcome the difficulties

and empower them with

high quality information and

access to a growing

community of women.

What is Maya Apa?

Maya Apa Ki Bole is a first-

of-its kind application that

gives women the chance to

ask questions about their

health and rights directly to

experts who can help.

How does it work?

Questions are posted

anonymously, creating a

space for women free of

societal taboos and

judgement. A team of

experts respond within 48

hours.

Empowered by the

community

Importantly, questions are

accessible to the Maya

community and is driving

much needed peer-to-peer

information exchange and

knowledge sharing.

Growing in popularity

Since launching in Nov

2012, over 3,000 questions

have been asked by users.

The most popular queries to

date relate to sexual health

followed by conception.

What next for Maya

Apa?

The next steps are to grow

the online presence further

and launch a mobile app

and SMS-based service –

both are currently in

development.

About MayaSince launching in 2011, Maya’s mission has been to empower women through innovation and

access to information. Maya provides quality content, access to expert advice and is building a

community of women, thus breaking digital divide. We have a long a way to go and in 2014 we

hope to do a lot more in Bangla language and mobile user experience.

Please share your feedback at info@maya.com.bd or visit www.maya.com.bd to learn more

About WebAbleWebAble is a Dhaka-based digital media marketing company working to enable the web for

businesses. While there is immense potential, the power of connectivity through internet

technology in Bangladesh is yet to be realized to its full extent. Our marketing services empower

businesses to leverage various digital platforms to interact with their customers. Furthermore,

through a data-driven, bottom-line oriented approach, WebAble ensures that brands get the best

results from their online investments.

Please visit www.webable.com.bd to learn more

Thank You!