Inspiring women honoured

A number of inspirational female professionals and organisations of Bangladesh were honoured at Freedom Sanitary Napkin WIL Fest yesterday for their contributions to the economy's growth.

An initiative of the Women in Leadership (WIL), the three-day festival marking International Women's Day recognised women from all walks of life through Inspiring Women Award for a fourth time.

The award was presented to 13 women, a “most female-friendly organisation” and a “female-supporting male”. There was also a special recognition for 13 women and an organisation, according to a statement.

Nihad Kabir, president of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka, was presented the “Dynamic Woman of the Year” award while Farzana Islam, vice chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, the “Inspiring Woman in Academia” award.

British American Tobacco Bangladesh won the “most female-friendly organisation” award.

Gowher Rizvi, international affairs adviser to the prime minister, attended the award presentation ceremony at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka as chief guest. Nazia Andaleeb Preema, president of WIL, was present among others.

Presented by Freedom Sanitary Napkin and organised by Bangladesh Brand Forum, the festival comprised Women Leadership Summit, Inspiring Women Award, Freedom of Choice Exhibition, Startup Talk and several other events.