The document discusses how the internet is empowering women in Bangladesh. It notes that through social media and online communities, women from all walks of life are connecting and sharing experiences and ideas. This interaction brings huge benefits to society and women. Several initiatives are promoting digital access for women in Bangladesh. However, there is still potential to further harness technology to increase women's influence. The internet is transforming access to information for local women on topics like health and rights through resources like Maya Apa's question answering service. As internet penetration in Bangladesh grows, more women are gaining opportunities through technology.

1. Women & Internet
In Bangladesh

2. 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 

3. 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 average
Source:
-Google Keyword Planner
-BTRC Oct 2013. Est based on FB user split (April 2014)
-McCann Emarketer 2012

4. Quotes

5. 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.”

6. 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.”

7. 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.”

8. 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.”

9. 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.”

10. 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."

11. 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."

12. 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.”

13. Alyssa Ransbury
Head 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.”

14. 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.”

15. Closing Section
A big thank you to the 10
wonderful women who
provided quotes for this
presentation!

16. 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.

17. About Maya
Since 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 WebAble
WebAble 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

18. Thank You!