Ten inspiring women are honoured with the “Women of Inspiration Award 2024” in recognition of their impactful contributions across various fields.
The award ceremony was organized by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bangladesh, and held at a hotel in Dhaka on Friday.
Rasheda K Chowdhury, executive director of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) said on her keynote speech: “Women are in the driving seat of the cash economy of the country. However, their stature in society does not reflect that.”
“Still, women are facing problems like dowry, early marriage, and domestic violence. The reason behind that is the degradation of our values,” she added.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman, head of the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission, said: “Men should come forward to ensure women’s empowerment because the discrimination begins with the patriarchy.”
JCI President Imran Kadir emphasized that women’s empowerment is not only beneficial for women but the whole country.
“JCI Bangladesh is dedicated to creating a more equitable world, and recognizing the achievements of these remarkable women is a crucial step in that direction," said Imran.
The awardees are, Eshita Sharmin in technology and development, Afsana Zarin in driving inclusion through innovation, Nadia Anwar in changing communities with social business, Barrister Miti Sanjana in ensuring justice through the legal profession, Zareen Mahmud Hosein in empowering women, Zyma Islam in Fourth State journalism, Elita Karim in music for social change, Tasnia Farin in breaking stereotypes through entertainment, Firdausi Qadri in improving public health and medical science, and Farah Kabir in a lifetime achievement for outstanding contribution to equality and Bangladesh development.