JCI Bangladesh honors trailblazing leaders at Women of Inspiration Award 2025

Dhaka : Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bangladesh has organized the Women of Inspiration Award to honour and acknowledge the contributions of exceptional women who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. The award ceremony was held at Aloki Convention, Dhaka. These women have demonstrated exemplary leadership, shown unwavering dedication to their goals, and have inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams, according to a press release.
The gala recognized 10 Outstanding Women across various fields and a special segment celebrating 3 unsung heroes spotlighting their transformative impact across different fields in fashion, business, sports, entertainment, medicine and healthcare innovation, technology, local community development influential impact, among many others. Legendary music icon Runa Laila was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing her as a celebrated cultural icon for her indelible contributions to music and arts. In addition, due to recent Milestone School Trajedy, a special commemoration and minute of silence was held. The Women of Inspiration Award is a symbol of gratitude for their incredible influence on society and a celebration of their journey towards excellence. The chief guest of this ceremony was the Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, President of ICC Bangladesh and Chairman of ETBL Holdings, who delivered an inspiring address and officially declared the event open. Keynote Speech by JCI Bangladesh National President Kazi Fahad and JCI World Advisor Ravi Shankar delivered a memorable address. The event included an award ceremony honouring outstanding female leaders of Bangladesh.
Awards were handed to 13 remarkable women in different categories such as Runa Laila (Lifetime Achievement Award) – Legendary musician and cultural icon.
Afeida Khandaker (Woman in Sports Award) – Captain, Bangladesh Women’s Football Team, Toma Mirza (Woman in Entertainment Award) – Actress & Producer, Farzana Shakil (Woman as Entrepreneur – Beauty Award) – Founder & MD, Farzana Shakil’s Makeover Salon, Azra Selim (Woman in Innovation Award) – MD & CEO, Shombhob Health Ltd.Sarah Karim (Woman in Fashion & Lifestyle Award) – Founder & Lead Designer, Sarah Karim Couture, Zarin Rashid (Woman as Aspiring Leader Award) – Director & Head of R&D, TRZ Garments; Founder of KINO & “Feed Me”, Nodi Khandakar (Woman as Influential Personnel Award) – Founder & Lead Makeup Artist, Nodi Khandaker’s Makeover, Nazia Kabir (Woman in Law & Order Award) – Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Independent Director, Prime Bank PLC, Prof. Dr. Farhana Dewan (Woman in Medical Science Award) – Professor & Head, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ibn Sina Medical College
Unsung Heroes (3 Community Champions): Hafiza Akter Rani – Founder, Amra Pari Enterprises; Women’s Rights Activist, Ayesha Chowdhury – President, Shopnoferi Social Development Society & Hajj with Ayesha Foundation, Sanu Akter Nodi – Student Activist, University of Chittagong. Cultural Performances by Alif & Co. and a live concert by renowned singer Kona. JCI Bangladesh natinal president kazi fahad says, Tonight, we celebrate the resilience, innovation, and leadership of women who are shaping Bangladesh’s future.” The event was led by Event Advisor Fatema Akter Naz, NEVP, JCI Bangladesh, Event Director Raihatul Zannah Tabin (National Vice President, JCI Bangladesh), COCs Samia Tahsin, Shameema Nasrin and Shahmina Isha Mannan.