Awards bestowed upon influential female leaders at the 'Inspiration Awards for Women 2025' by JCI Bangladesh.
The Women of Inspiration Award 2025, organised by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bangladesh, took place on Saturday evening at Aloki Convention in Dhaka. The event, supported by NCC Bank (Title Sponsor), Threadworks Limited (Platinum Sponsor), and UCB Bank (Powered by Sponsor), honoured 10 outstanding women for their exceptional achievements across various fields.
The evening began with remarks by Chief Guest Mahbubur Rahman, President of ICC Bangladesh. The program then observed a minute of silence to honour victims of the recent Milestone School tragedy.
The event featured a series of inspiring speeches from JCI Bangladesh National President Kazi Fahad and JCI World Advisor Ravi Shankar, who praised the role of women in shaping Bangladesh's future. They emphasised the importance of recognising and celebrating the achievements of women in diverse fields such as sports, entertainment, business, fashion, healthcare innovation, law, and community development.
Afeida Khandaker, captain of the Bangladesh Women's Football Team, was one of the honorees at the event. She received the Woman in Sports Award. In addition, three community champions were honoured as Unsung Heroes: Hafiza Akter Rani, founder of Amra Pari Enterprises and women's rights activist; Ayesha Chowdhury, a community activist; and student leader Sanu Akter Nodi.
The awards also recognised the dynamic contributions of influencer Nodi Khandakar in beauty entrepreneurship, fashion designer Sarah Karim, entrepreneur Farzana Shakil, healthcare innovator Azra Selim, and actress and producer Toma Mirza.
The event was enlivened by cultural performances by Alif & Co. and a performance by singer Kona. The "Branding Bangladesh" initiative was inaugurated during the event, and the JCI Bangladesh Magazine was launched.
Legendary singer Runa Laila received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong contributions to music and the arts. Emerging leader Zarin Rashid was also honoured for her dynamic role in youth leadership.
The Women of Inspiration Award 2025 was a celebration of the extraordinary accomplishments of Bangladeshi women, serving as an inspiration for future generations.
- The speeches during the Women of Inspiration Award 2025 highlighted the importance of acknowledging and commending women's achievements in diverse sectors, including sports, entertainment, business, fashion, healthcare innovation, law, and community development.
- Afeida Khandaker, a renowned figure in women's sports as the captain of the Bangladesh Women's Football Team, was among the honorees, receiving the Woman in Sports Award.
- The event also recognized non-traditional influencers such as Nodi Khandakar, acknowledged for her impact in beauty entrepreneurship, and Sarah Karim, a notable figure in fashion design.
- The award ceremony, which honored women in fields like science, health-and-wellness (through Azra Selim, a healthcare innovator), and lifestyle (through Farzana Shakil, an entrepreneur), served as an inspiration for future generations of Bangladeshi women.
