IUB and Pathao jointly award 26 women for their role in leadership

In celebration of International Women's Day, Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) and Pathao jointly held an award giving ceremony for the women contributing to the welfare of the country,

The awarding ceremony was held under the program titled "Ladies in Leadership" at IUB auditorium on Sunday.

26 women who are leading and excelling, breaking the barriers of patriarchy in their respective fields such as business, academia, healthcare, law enforcement, arts and media, sports, journalism have been presented the award.

Following the opening ceremony, a seminar titled "Generation Equality: Realizing Women's Rights in Social Justice, Tech, Academia and Corporate World" was held at 10 am. 

The hour-long panel was hosted by Beautiful Mind Founder Chairperson Dr Shamim Matin Chowdhury, Top of Mind CFO Salma Adil.

Bangladesh Human Rights Foundation Chairperson and Chief Executive Advocate Alena Khan, ACI Ltd Managing Director Shusmita Anis, Head of Legal and External Affairs for British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) Mubina Asaf and Reflections CEO Sabrina Islam were present at the program.

Following that, another seminar titled "Changing Times and Changing Eras: Women in Journalism, Entertainment, Sports, and Media" was held. The panel was moderated by Profesor Niaz Zaman from IUB. 

Among others renowned writer, television director and filmmaker  Chayanika Chowdhury, writer and  women's right activist- Noorjahan Bose, visual artist Kanak Chanpa Chakma, designer and TV show host Tootli Rahman, Director of Daily Ittefaq Tareen Hossain and CEO of Bitopi Sarah Ali  were present during the session.

Pathao Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hussain M Elius in regard to the occasion shared his thoughts saying: "Bangladesh is moving forward to become a middle income country; it is our responsibility to ensure the active participation of women to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs)."

"49 years since independence, Bangladesh wouldn't be able to stand where it is standing now, without the outstanding leadership of women. Women have showcased their expertise in multifaceted fields moving Bangladesh and leaving a trailblazer of brilliance at their wake, becoming amazing role models for the new generation. Thus, Pathao is incredibly honored to have presented these awards to these wonderful women," the Pathao CEO added.

 "The state along with the society have to foster the idea of women in leading positions. This event stands as a testament to the brilliance of women, we are seeing how insanely successful they are in different sectors of the country.  IUB and Pathao are extremely excited and proud to take part in this joint initiative to celebrate womanhood," said IUB Vice Chancellor Professor Milan Pagon.