Oxfam and Wateraid launch ‘Anirban – rise and lead’ to empower mid-career women

Despite a rise in women's labour force participation in Bangladesh from 36.3% to 42.67%, their representation in mid- and senior-level leadership roles remains disproportionately low.

Structural barriers—deep-rooted societal norms, institutional biases, and career breaks due to family responsibilities—hinder women's professional growth.

Recognising these systemic challenges, Oxfam in Bangladesh and WaterAid Bangladesh have jointly launched 'অনির্বাণ – Anirban Lead' today on 8 February 2025, a leadership initiative aimed at empowering mid-career women professionals and supporting their reintegration into the workforce and leadership roles after career breaks. The launch event at the Sheraton Hotel in Banani, Dhaka brought together key stakeholders from various industries, development organisations, and policymakers.

Humaira Azam, Managing Director, LankaBangla Finance, attended the event and said, " Anirban—Rise and Lead is a great initiative. Success isn't just about academic excellence—it's about interpersonal skills, mental training, and how we use our spare time to grow. If you know, you will shine, but you also need the confidence to speak well, strong body language, and the ability to navigate challenges."

"The system must change, and men play a crucial role in that transformation. They should be strong ambassadors for women, supporting and championing their leadership journey. We need to rise and shine from within to break barriers and create lasting change," she added.

The 'Anirban—Rise and Lead' seeks to dismantle barriers to women's assuming leadership roles by providing mentorship, skills training, and advocacy.

Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, said, "Despite progress, many women still encounter invisible barriers that limit their career growth. It's time to create workplaces that recognise and nurture diverse leadership, ensuring equal opportunities for all professionals to thrive."

Hasin Jahan, Country Director of WaterAid Bangladesh, reflected, "A career break should never define a woman's potential. By providing structured support and mentorship, we can help women confidently re-enter the workforce, bringing their valuable skills and perspectives to leadership roles."

A keynote presentation by Nusrat Anwar, Project Coordinator of the Women's Returnship Programme from WaterAid Bangladesh, and Bidowra Tahmin Khan, Head of Economic Inclusion and Justice from Oxfam in Bangladesh, detailed how the initiative will support women professionals navigating career transitions and overcoming leadership roadblocks.

A panel discussion, 'Breaking Barriers: Women's Leadership in the Modern Workplace,' moderated by Leadership Coach and OD Consultant, ChangeMantras, featured Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International; Uma Chatterjee, Leadership Coach and OD Consultant, ChangeMantras; Md. Rubaiyath Sarwar, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Innovision Consulting; Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of Manusher Jonyo Foundation; Hasne Ara Begum, Asian Development Bank, and Maherin Ahmed, Communication Manager of CIMMYT.

The discussion delved into the ongoing challenges of workplace gender biases and explored pathways for systemic change.

The event concluded with a LabTalk and Career Fair, providing an interactive platform for women professionals to network with potential employers across industries. By fostering direct connections between women seeking leadership roles and organisations committed to gender inclusion, the fair played a crucial role in opening doors for new professionals.