Mon janala brings women together to rediscover self beyond 40

For Upoma, an entrepreneur from Sirajganj, balancing family life and business once seemed impossible.

Overwhelmed by responsibilities after marriage, she was on the verge of giving up her enterprise when her mother-in-law stepped in with firm encouragement: stopping was not an option—the business had to grow. It was from her mother-in-law that Upoma first learned about Mon Janala. On this day, both of them attended together, ready to share and listen to stories long left unsaid.

At the World Literature Centre in Banglamotor, the gathering brought together women from remarkably different walks of life. Among them were a retired vice-president of a leading private bank, now seeking a new purpose beyond professional life; a schoolteacher from Feni; women attending alone; and others arriving hand in hand with their daughters—all searching for something deeply personal.

Different lives, different stories, yet a shared moment of reflection. Standing at the threshold beyond 40, participants spoke of reassessing their minds, bodies, and futures. This shared desire formed the heart of "Not Stopping, But Moving Forward Now", a special session organised by social platform Mon Janala, held on 16 January at the World Literature Centre.

More than 70 women from diverse professions attended the session. Among them were BCS cadre officers, teachers, and entrepreneurs. Some had spent years managing households and were now ready to prioritise themselves. Others had children settled or living abroad and were navigating a new chapter of life alone. Their reasons for attending varied—from building a personal identity and forming new friendships to simply listening to stories of resilience and courage.

Actress Deepa Khandakar, who attended the event, encouraged participants to embrace the present stage of life. She said every phase carried its own responsibilities, and the forties were a time to give oneself space and care. She urged women to prioritise their wellbeing, maintain good health, and nurture mental happiness, reminding them that caring for oneself was neither selfish nor optional.

Speaking about homemakers, she said they carried the heaviest workload, keeping households alive and functional through tireless effort.

University student Ramisa, who attended with her homemaker mother, said identifying as a housewife should be a source of pride. She told the gathering that many women had spent years caring for others, and now deserved to think about themselves.

Several participants shared stories of raising children and building livelihoods without consistent spousal support. One woman recalled being married at 13, becoming a mother at 14, and facing a 26-year age gap with her husband. Despite these challenges, she built her own business, saying personal stability had to be built with one's own strength.

Dr Tawhida Rahman Irene, wellness and beauty contest consultant at Rejuva Wellness, said turning 40 was not a challenge but an accumulation of experience. She emphasised the importance of daily self-care, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity, however small.

Legendary singer Fahmida Nabi shared her personal journey, saying that loving struggle was essential to becoming a "happy butterfly". She spoke of resuming music at 40 after a 12-year break, encouraging women not to suppress their abilities and passions. She urged participants to value those who valued them, avoid resentment, and live for themselves with kindness and self-respect.

Founder and Managing Director of Mon Janala, Mousumi Mou, said the forties were a period of rediscovery, and the platform aimed to create awareness and provide a safe space for women to express themselves freely.

Co-founder and Executive Director Hasibul Karim said the initiative was inspired by his mother, adding that small, collective efforts could eventually grow into something meaningful through mutual support.

Although many participants were meeting for the first time, the atmosphere felt familiar. Shared experiences—physical changes, emotional stress, and concerns about financial security—forged an instant bond. Many expressed a desire to stand beside one another and to help take Mon Janala forward together.