Brac Bank,Crowne Plaza host Motherhood Movement
Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan, in partnership with Brac Bank, hosted "The Motherhood Movement" on Friday, 10 May. The event, held to commemorate Mother's Day, focused on celebrating motherhood, supporting entrepreneurship, and championing empowerment.
The initiative launched Dhaka's first-ever "Mother's Market." This event recognised women who are building families, businesses, and futures.
Held at the ballroom of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan, the daylong event featured discussions, networking sessions, and recognition of mother entrepreneurs, drawing corporate leaders, guests, and media. The atmosphere was defined by purpose and possibility.
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At the event's centre, the "Mother's Market" showcased 30 women-led brands with handcrafted creations—ranging from fashion and artisanal foods to jewellery, home décor, candles, and preserves—highlighting the event's diversity and vibrancy.
The marketplace gave mother entrepreneurs a dedicated platform to showcase their work, connect with wider audiences, and share journeys shaped by resilience and ambition.
Centred on the theme "Celebrating Passion, Power & Possibility", the initiative showcased how mothers are evolving as leaders, innovators, and changemakers. It emphasised their determination and grace in balancing entrepreneurship and family life, while demonstrating their role in shaping economic participation.
The "Passion, Power & Possibility – Leadership Session" enriched the event by hosting a panel discussion on "Balancing Business & Motherhood."
The session was moderated by Jannatul Ferdous, Assistant Director for Human Resources, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan.
The panellists included: Taslima Jaigirder, Executive Director for HR, Petromax LPG, SHV Energy Bangladesh; Barrister Miti Sanjana, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh and Founding Partner, Legal Counsel; Anamika Bhakta, Senior Director for Technical Regulations and Communications, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Division, Robi Axiata PLC; and Tapati Bose, Head of Retail Deposits and Initiatives, Retail Banking Division, Brac Bank.
The panellists shared candid reflections on leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the realities of balancing professional ambition with motherhood.
The event concluded with the "Inspiring Mothers Awards," honouring mothers and entrepreneurs whose leadership and dedication make a significant impact on both society and the business world.
Honourees included Farzana Shaikh Shumi, Founder and Chairperson, Shumi's Hot Cake Limited; Farzana Rahman Benu, Deputy Director and Head of Human Resources, Ispahani Islamia Eye Institute and Hospital; Sayma Shawkat, Vice-President, Bangladesh ICT Stakeholders Alliance; Anjumanara Shila; and a standout entrepreneur from the Mother's Market.
Speaking on the initiative, Karthi VK, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan, and Mehruba Reza, Head of the TARA, Agami, and Premium Banking Segments at Brac Bank, reiterated their commitment. They aim to build platforms that elevate women's voices and expand opportunities in entrepreneurship, leadership, and community development.
"The Motherhood Movement" also aligns with IHG Hotels & Resorts' "Journey to Tomorrow" commitment. It reinforces the group's focus on inclusive communities and experiences that drive meaningful positive change.
