Power of She holds women’s summit in Dhaka
Power of She organised the two-day "Women Summit and Exhibition 2026" at Elite Convention Hall in Gulshan, Dhaka, on 9 and 10 May, highlighting women's role and importance in the national economy.
The theme of this year's event was "Women's Role and Importance in the National Economy", while the slogan was "She Leads, She Shines", according to a press release.
Jadoube, IPDC Finance and Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited were the main sponsors of the event.
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The summit opened on 9 May with an exhibition moderated by media personality Naima Care.
Power of She Trust Chairman Sabina Saby, fashion consultant and heritage textile expert SK Saifur Rahman, and Power of She Trust General Secretary Raisul Hoque Chowdhury delivered welcome remarks.
The exhibition drew visitors and buyers throughout the day, giving women entrepreneurs an opportunity to sell their products and build networks.
A panel discussion titled "Women's Physical Health", presented by Incepta Pharmaceuticals, was held at noon.
Moderated by Dr Sain Faria Setu, the session featured gynaecologists, oncologists and cancer survivors, who discussed women's health, cancer awareness, reproductive health, nutrition and preventive healthcare.
Another panel discussion titled "Women's View of the Economy" focused on women's entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, culture, financial literacy, technology and safety.
Moderated by media personality Sangita Khan, the session was attended by Bibi Russell, Dr Melita Mehjabin, Farzana Khan, Professor Selim Jahan, Mamun Rashid and Barrister Omar Sadat, among others.
The second day began with a mental health session titled "Open Up", where speakers discussed motherhood, stress, work-life balance, parenting and self-love.
The session also included a special discussion marking Mother's Day.
Psychologist Mehtab Khanam later conducted a session on self-love, childhood emotional development and relationships.
An entrepreneurship masterclass, moderated by media personality Farhana Rahman, was also held.
Sifat Sarwar provided guidance on start-ups, investment, digital skills and business expansion.
At the closing session, the winner of the Entrepreneur Hunt competition was announced.
Jannati Eva, a student of Stamford University Bangladesh, won the competition and received Tk20,000.
The event ended with a cake-cutting ceremony marking Mother's Day and a cultural performance by senior journalist, BBC team manager and singer Sharmin Rahman Roma.
Power of She said it has been working since 2017 to promote women's empowerment, skills development, entrepreneurship, health awareness and sustainable networking.
This year's event featured 38 stalls showcasing local products by women entrepreneurs.
The organisers said the summit would help advance women's leadership, entrepreneurship and local products.
