Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday honoured outstanding women with the 'Indomitable Women’s Award 2025' for their significant contributions to various fields.
The award ceremony was held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city, marking International Women’s Day.
Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid chaired the event, which was attended by members of the Council of Advisers, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, women leaders, and senior government officials.
The award is part of a government initiative aimed at paying due respect and inspiring women by recognizing their achievements.
The recipients of the awards included Sharifa Sultana, Halima Begum, Marina Besra, Lipi Begum, Muhin Mohona, and members of the Bangladesh National Women’s Cricket Team.
UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis and Prof Gitiara Nasreen of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism spoke as special guests, while senior secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Mamtaj Ahmed, delivered the welcome remarks.
A documentary was screened at the event, followed by a powerful and emotional cultural program highlighting the July uprising.
Earlier, Dr Yunus emphasized that the current interim government is diligently working toward the goal of building a developed Bangladesh by harnessing the potential and skills of women in productive work.
"The women of Bangladesh will advance alongside the developed world to realize the vision of a prosperous Bangladesh. This should be our commitment to their development and empowerment," he said in a message marking International Women’s Day on Saturday.
This year’s theme is “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.”
Dr Yunus highlighted the achievements of Bangladeshi women, noting that many girls from the country are making their mark on the international stage and gaining recognition beyond national borders.
He also pointed out the numerous initiatives undertaken to honour women’s contributions, such as the Indomitable Women’s Award and the Begum Rokeya Padak.
Dr Yunus further said the significant role women played in the mass uprising of July-August last year, where students, workers, and the public rallied for democratic transformation.
"Women were at the forefront of this movement," he said. "Many have sacrificed their lives, and I respectfully remember those martyrs and offer my condolences to the July fighters."
He acknowledged that women represent half of the country's population and are making strides across various sectors.
He mentioned that the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is carrying out numerous initiatives to increase women’s participation in all fields, including economic development.
These efforts include shelter homes for distressed women, Women’s Support Centers providing legal aid, housing for working women, and microcredit programs designed to foster self-employment and financial independence.
These initiatives significantly contribute to women’s social security and economic empowerment.
International Women's Day, celebrated worldwide, is a day to recognize women’s achievements irrespective of national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political backgrounds.
Since its inception, International Women’s Day has evolved into a global event, embraced by women in both developed and developing countries.
The movement, reinforced by four United Nations women’s conferences, has helped shape the day into a platform for advocating women’s rights and encouraging their participation in political and economic arenas.
Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, International Women’s Day traces its roots to the labour movements in North America and Europe at the turn of the twentieth century.
