In modern times, the role of women in economic development is recognized as very important. In the developed countries of the world, women are actively and productively contributing to the development of society. Even in developing countries like ours, their participation in development activities is increasing.

The ancient role of women in economic development: We must keep in mind the historical role of women in economic development. Women have been playing an active role in economic development since time immemorial. It is known from history that women were the first to start agriculture. When the men went hunting, the women scattered the fruit seeds around the house, nurtured the seedlings, thus the origin and development of agriculture in human society took place. Women also have a historical role in the development of cottage industries. They first started doing various handicrafts with bamboo, cane etc. while sitting at home. This is how the cottage industry started and spread. The role and contribution of men as well as women in family work, welfare of society and development of the country is history-recognized.

Limitations in the evaluation of women's labor: For a long time, women's society in our country has been a victim of traditional reforms and gender inequality. They are deprived of various institutional and civic facilities and rights. Although women work an average of three hours more daily than men in various tasks including child bearing, child rearing, and performing housework, it has not received proper recognition. Although women's labor in household and family small and cottage industries is considered as an economic activity, it is not reflected in the national income.

Growing importance of women's labor in the national economy: The women's liberation movement, which has been organized for the last half a century, recognizes the rights and dignity of women worldwide, spreads new ideas on women's empowerment, etcThe way for women's participation in activities has become wider.Despite various limitations and adversities, women are being able to make a growing contribution to economic development in this country, starting from the state administration to the grassroots level.

Women labor force engaged in economic work: The amount of women labor force in Bangladesh is about three crore. Of these, more than ten thousand women work in administrative and management work. 80 percent women are engaged in fisheries, forestry and agriculture. About 34 per cent of the workers in small and cottage industries and 80 per cent of the garment workers are women. These women workers are playing an important role in earning foreign exchange through the garment industryThe majority of educated women in the city are engaged in teaching and health activities, reception desks and advertising agencies, research institutes and NGOs, administration and managementWomen as Entrepreneurs: A number of women entrepreneurs have come forward in the economic development of Bangladesh. Their expanding initiatives are contributing to investment in the economy as well as job creation. As entrepreneurs, women are more active in various types of earning informal activities in urban and rural areas. These activities include sewing, design, batik, boutique, embroidery and sale of food items. Many women entrepreneurs are also employed in the shopping malls. Besides, some women entrepreneurs have already come forward to set up organized industries like readymade garments.

Obstacles to women's participation in the development process: There are several obstacles to women's participation in the economic development process. E.g.

1. In almost all cases, women are victims of wage inequality;

2. Women face many barriers to accessing jobs and labor markets;

3. Although there are opportunities for employment, women are deprived of employment on various pretexts;

4. Empowerment of women is essential to ensure their role in economic development. But even in this case, women's society is far behind.

Women entrepreneurs also face various obstacles. Such as:

1. Due to lack of proper education and experience and various restrictions on movement, women are not able to take full advantage of their abilities and opportunities;

2. Women face many challenges when it comes to getting the necessary credit benefits, such as taking risks in business ventures;

3. Surviving competition with male entrepreneurs is difficult for female entrepreneurs;

Despite these obstacles, women's society is slowly playing a more active role in economic development. Women's entrepreneurship in the commercial and service sectors is on the rise. In urban areas, batiks, restaurants, beauty parlors, educational institutions, garment factories, etc. are gradually being developed under the ownership and management of women. Many women run beauty shops, health clinics, travel agencies and advertising agencies.

The government has already taken various practical steps to enable more women to be employed and active in industrial and commercial enterprises. These include the construction of working women's hostels, the establishment of childcare centers for the children of working mothers, the preservation of quotas for women in government employment, the implementation of women entrepreneurship development projects, the creation of self-employment opportunities in urban and rural areasExpansion of women's opportunities in education etc.It is hoped that with proper planning and practical steps, women will be able to play a more positive and fruitful role in advancing economic development.