The inaugural Feminist Green Action Award ceremony took place on Wednesday, where the award authorities recognized outstanding contributions to feminist-led green transformation in Bangladesh and honoured three entrepreneurs.
The award ceremony was held at a hotel in Dhaka, celebrating this year’s recipients in a vibrant and well-attended event.
The initiative was organized by ActionAid Bangladesh, aiming to honour entities that integrate feminist perspectives into environmentally sustainable practices.
In the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) category, Tripti Boutique House (under CDP) and Ecolerie Bangladesh were recognized for their innovative contributions.
In the corporate category, Aman Spinning Mills Ltd received the honour.
SME winners were awarded both a cash prize and a crest, while the corporate winner received a crest of recognition.
The ceremony was presided over by Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh.
She said: “This is the first initiative in Bangladesh to formally acknowledge organizations that are working at the intersection of green transition and feminist values. It is a significant step towards building a sustainable future.”
A total of 27 applications were received by the deadline on April 20.
After a rigorous evaluation process, a panel of esteemed judges selected the winners.
The jury included Nasreen Fatema Awwal, founding president of the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh, Suraiya Akter, country manager of SUPPORT, Biplob Ghosh Rahul, CEO of eCourier Ltd, Tanzir Hossain, global resilience adviser at ActionAid International's IHART and Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh.
Special guests at the event included Belinda Morissey, board chair of ActionAid Australia, and Kristina Stefanova, board director.
The ceremony was also attended by diplomats, corporate representatives, civil society members and SME entrepreneurs.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, jury member Nasreen Fatema Awwal noted: “Innovative efforts from the SME and corporate sectors are playing a vital role in promoting environmentally friendly technologies and policies. This sets the course for positive change.”
The event also featured live performances of traditional folk and jazz music, captivating the audience.
The ceremony concluded with a closing address from Ibrahim Khalil Al-Zayed, chairperson of ActionAid Bangladesh, said: “This initiative will stand as a unique example on the path to a greener and more sustainable world.”
