Women's contribution to social progress recognised

Some 26 women were honoured yesterday with “Inspiring Women Award” for their contributions to different sectors towards social progress.

Women in Leadership (WIL), an organisation working for women's empowerment, felicitated them with the awards in different categories at a gala ceremony at Le Meridien Dhaka.

Nazia Jabeen, founder of Sporsho Braille Prokashona, received the “Inspiring Women Spirit” award for her contribution to the development of visually challenged individuals.

Khushi Kabir, coordinator of Nijera Kori, received the “Inspiring Women Lifetime Achievement” award.

The award giving ceremony was part of a daylong Women Leadership Summit arranged by WIL.

Starting in 2014, every year around International Women's Day, WIL has been holding the summit followed by the award ceremony which honours exemplary women from different sectors, according to the organisers.

Speaking on the occasion, WIL President Nazia Andaleeb Preema said, “Women are intrinsically diverse in everything they do...That quality needs to be strategically formatted for professional success.”

Attending the ceremony, European Union Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Rensje Teerink said that in her country, the Netherlands, even in this day and age, many do not see working mothers positively.

Similar scenario could be seen in Bangladesh which needs to change, she said.

Among the winners was Sadaf Saaz, director of Dhaka Lit Fest, who received the “Inspiring Women in Art and Culture” award.

Farhana A Rahman, senior vice president of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services; Maheen Khan, president of Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh; and Mirona Khatun, coach of Dhaka City Football Club, were awarded for contributions to their respective fields.

Syeda Sharmin Ahmed, managing director of Clay Station Ltd, won the “Inspiring Female Startup” while Atiqua Binte Roma, founder of Jabo Bohudur, won the “Colour FM Power Women Award”.

Afroza Khan, managing director of Khan's Kitchen, won the “Inspiring Women Entrepreneur” award.

Tasnia Afrin, brand manager of British American Tobacco Bangladesh; Rifaat Nasrin, vice president, Commercial Banking of HSBC; and Shaila Rahman, general manager, Head of Core and Service Projects, Grameenphone Limited, were also among the winners.

Nine university students were recognised in the category “Leaders of Tomorrow”, including three winners and six honourable mentions.

Anindya Chowdhury, director and chief executive officer of Mentors Education Ltd, received the “Wow-Man” award.