She said this at a programme of ‘Female Chartered Accounts on Challenging Inequality and Empowering Opportunity’ marking the International Women's Day in the city.
ICAB Women Members Empowerment and Leadership Development Committee Institute organised the event.
"Women have to face a lot of challenges and questions in our society. So, the women’s day is needed to address these," the minister said.
Dipu Moni said they have many work plans.
"Bangladesh will achieve SDGs at the estimated time. Many think that we will have to face big problems due to 4IR. I think there is no problem if we are prepared. We are taking forward the economy overcoming challenges," she said.
"Women entrepreneurs can't fulfill requirement to take loans from banks so ICAB can play a role here to train up women entrepreneurs," the minister added.
She said women have to go forward through improving the quality in education.
Dipu Moni said the progress in girls’ education, for which Bangladesh became a role model, is the result of initiatives taken by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In the welcome address, ICAB President Mahmudul Hasan Khusru FCA said that although women are facing numerous challenges, they are still going ahead and becoming successful. "Earning a CA certificate would definitely empower women and command respect from the society," he said.
Mahmudul added that women’s contribution to the society as well as to the country would be greater than what it is now. In fulfilling the sustainable development goals, the CA profession for women could contribute to value addition.
Mentioning some initiatives taken by ICAB to create gender-friendly environment, Maria Howlader FCA, Chairperson, SAFA Women Leadership Committee and Vice President said, in 2021, the Committee emphasises four areas – nursing the female students, implementation of different entrepreneurship and leadership programmes, board ready CA women and developing future ready CA women professionals.
Afroja Khan, Former Secretary to the Government and Managing Director, Joyeeta Foundation; Fatima Yasmin, Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance; Sharifa Khan, Member (Secretary), Planning Commission, Industry and Energy Division, Ministry of Planning; Suraiya Zannath Khan FCA, Lead Governance Specialist, FM Global Unit, Washington DC & South Asia Region, The World Bank; and Dr Mahmuda Akter Executive President, BICM were present there.
ICAB Vice President Md Abdul Kader Joaddar FCA delivered the closing remarks.