Recognition of remarkable female leaders at the 'Women of Inspiration Awards 2025' by JCI Bangladesh.
The Women of Inspiration Award (WOIA) 2025, hosted by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bangladesh, took place at Aloki Convention, Dhaka, on Saturday evening. The event celebrated the resilience and innovation of ten outstanding women who are shaping Bangladesh's future in various fields such as fashion, business, sports, entertainment, medicine, technology, and community development.
Three community champions were also honoured as Unsung Heroes: Hafiza Akter Rani (founder of Amra Pari Enterprises and women's rights activist), Ayesha Chowdhury (President of Shopnoferi Social Development Society and Hajj with Ayesha Foundation), and Sanu Akter Nodi (a student activist at the University of Chittagong).
The event was opened with remarks by Chief Guest Mahbubur Rahman, President of ICC Bangladesh. Some of the other honourees included fashion designer Sarah Karim, actress and producer Toma Mirza, entrepreneur Farzana Shakil, and emerging leader Zarin Rashid.
In the field of sports, Afeida Khandaker, captain of the Bangladesh Women's Football Team, was one of the honourees. Healthcare innovator Azra Selim was also recognised for her contributions. Influencer Nodi Khandakar was honoured for her contributions to beauty entrepreneurship.
Legendary singer Runa Laila received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong contributions to music and the arts. The event also featured cultural performances by Alif & Co., and a concert by singer Kona.
The "Branding Bangladesh" initiative was inaugurated during the event, and JCI Bangladesh Magazine was launched. A minute of silence was observed to honour victims of the recent Milestone School tragedy. The event was supported by NCC Bank (Title Sponsor), UCB Bank (Powered by Sponsor), and Threadworks Limited (Platinum Sponsor).
For the complete list of all ten winners by name, we recommend checking the official JCI Bangladesh website or their social media channels for full details, as the available sources highlight overall event coverage and some key recipients but do not list every individual awardee by name.
- Hafiza Akter Rani, Ayesha Chowdhury, and Sanu Akter Nodi were honored as Unsung Heroes at the Women of Inspiration Award (WOIA) 2025 event, which took place at Aloki Convention, Dhaka, for their significant contributions in community development.
- In the realm of sports, Afeida Khandaker, the captain of the Bangladesh Women's Football Team, was one of the honourees at the WOIA 2025, showcasing the growing influence of women in sports and health-and-wellness.
- Apart from her musical accomplishments, legendary singer Runa Laila was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at WOIA 2025, crossing the boundaries between science, entertainment, and lifestyle.
