As the Director of Mirpur and Khadim Ceramics, Ayesha Sanaa Asif Tabani has already been an influential figure in the ceramic industry, championing the integration of modern and innovative ceramic technologies. After completing her graduation and Master’s at Queen Mary University of London, she returned home to join the family business.
Armed with a background in Mathematics and Finance, Ms Ayesha aims to establish a transparent and streamlined approach to day-to-day business operations. Her vision extends beyond her own company, as, she believes, this approach will strengthen not only her organisation but also the entire ceramics industry in the country. She is one of the esteemed female leaders in the sector.
Reflecting on her journey and the path to her current position, Ms Ayesha emphasises that Mirpur Ceramics has been a stalwart provider of quality ceramics construction materials since 1958. Following her studies in London, she eagerly delved into the trade that her father and grandfathers had meticulously cultivated over the years in Dhaka. Ms Ayesha seized the opportunity to introduce meaningful changes to their regular business practices, aiming for a more robust and transparent system grounded in due diligence. Navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry, she persevered through ups and downs. Her unwavering commitment, honesty, and dedication to modernising the company have propelled her to the position she holds today, with unwavering support from all quarters.
Drawing Inspiration:
Gratitude and Resilience
When asked about the individuals who have contributed to shaping her journey, and of course growth, Ms Ayesha expressed heartfelt gratitude. Beginning by acknowledging the Almighty, she recognised the privilege of working alongside resilient leaders who triumphed over adversity. She is grateful for the blessing of granting her the opportunity to collaborate with leaders who navigated challenging circumstances and emerged victorious. Their resilience and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on her path to success.
Among these influential figures, Ms Ayesha highlighted her father, Mr. Asif Ariff Tabani, the Chairman of Mirpur and Khadim Ceramics. His guidance has been a constant presence in every step of her life, she said. She also extended her thanks to her uncle, Mr. Sakif Ariff Tabani, the Vice Chairman of Mirpur and Khadim Ceramics. His insightful advice has encouraged her to delve deeper into her work. Her mother, her brother Kashif Tabani, who is a Director of Mirpur and Khadim Ceramics, and her husband have played pivotal roles, providing encouragement to carry out her duties diligently. She further expressed immense gratitude to her cousins and friends, whose support has fueled her relentless pursuit of excellence, allowing her to overcome challenges without hesitation.
Challenges Faced by Women in Bangladesh: Striving for Equality
Asked about the challenges women encounter while establishing themselves in Bangladesh, she lauded the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and said her trailblazing efforts have opened doors for women across the country, granting them opportunities to work on par with their male counterparts. However, despite these advancements, several hurdles remain. In many business sectors, male dominance is prevalent, resulting in a lack of prioritisation for women. Specifically, within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), women often face exclusion from major decision-making process. The number of established female entrepreneurs in the country is also limited. Investment opportunities tend to favour as well male entrepreneurs. While progress has been made over time, achieving true equality requires continued efforts. By addressing these challenges head-on, they can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all, she suggested.
Defining Success in Career
Success, in her view, is not a fixed destination but an ongoing journey. Dreams and concrete targets may seem distant, but the key lies in relentless pursuit. Amidst the daily grind, one must remain aligned with the organisation’s broader vision, even if it means sacrificing sleep. Success, then, becomes a series of interconnected nodes – each representing the implementation of her vision, the upholding of values, and the expansion of business opportunities within their organisation.
BCMEA’s Role in Empowering Women at Work
Within an association that holds transformative power for a country and its people, diversification and inclusion thrive. Essential to this empowerment is technical education for women. By championing this cause, an association like BCMEA can illuminate the path for other sectors, serving as a beacon of progress and nation-building.
Unveiling Ambitions:
Nurturing Excellence
“In the intricate tapestry of business, finance stands as the vital thread that weaves through administration, supply chain, backward linkage, production, and even sales and marketing. As I actively engaged with both the finance team and production, my ambition is twofold: firstly, I aspire to continually refine our products, elevating them to the pinnacle of aesthetics and unwavering quality. Our customers deserve nothing less – a seamless blend of form and function that resonates with their needs and desires. Secondly, I am committed to enhancing our company’s brand name. A strong brand is built on trust, consistency, and exceptional service.” Ms Ayesha said, adding, “Since our inception in 1958, we have diligently served our customers with honesty and integrity. This legacy fuels my ambition – to keep our patrons satisfied for as long as our journey endures.”
Women’s Contribution in the Ceramics Sector
As a female entrepreneur, Ms Ayesha believes that women play a crucial role in the ceramics sector. However, it’s also true that they are relatively scarce in this field. For sustainable development, they need more women to actively participate and strike a balance alongside their male counterparts. In their own organisation, they’ve been working diligently to increase the number of female employees. Associations like BCMEA can further promote the need for female leaders and employees within the industry.
Future Changes in the Ceramic Industry
While the ceramic industry is generally welcoming to women, there remains a shortage of female entrepreneurs. To inspire more women, existing entrepreneurs from other sectors – such as healthcare, power, and services – can collectively encourage and advocate for their participation. Technical organisations that serve various industries can provide aspiring female entrepreneurs with essential technical insights about the ceramics field.
Policy-Level Improvements for the Industry
To propel Bangladesh’s ceramics industry to greater heights, targeted policies are essential, she insists. Amid ongoing developments in other sectors, specific measures can foster growth. Simplifying export processes, reducing complexities, and minimising bureaucratic hurdles can significantly boost the ceramic export sector. Of course, this progress relies on robust infrastructural support from the government.
Message for Aspiring Women
in the Ceramics Industry
“Education and pursuit of our dreams, coupled with thorough market research, are essential. Relying on own efforts, rather than external dependencies, is crucial.
Furthermore, Ms Ayesha said, “Let’s explore hydrogen as a future fuel and embrace Industry 4.0 standards, particularly within ceramics. Female workers in the industry should recognise that it parallels other sectors. Strengthening our female network and workforce will uplift our ceramic society. In neighboring countries, many women contribute to ceramic manufacturing, forming, firing, glazing and achieving desired outcomes. Let’s strive to be on par with our competitors and well-wishers.”
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