United News of Bangladesh

Oxfam Bangladesh and WaterAid Bangladesh have jointly launched a leadership development program called ‘Anirban – Rise & Lead’, aiming to facilitate women leadership in middle and senior level. The inaugural event was held at a hotel in the capital on Saturday. The initiative will empower mid-career women professionals and help them re-enter the workforce and take on leadership roles after career breaks. Humaira Azam, Managing Director of LankaBangla Finance, said that "Anirban – Rise & Lead is a remarkable initiative. Success is not just about academic skills – it requires interpersonal skills, mental training and strategies to utilize extra time. “If you have knowledge, you will succeed, but you also need the confidence to speak strongly, present yourself fluently, and the ability to face challenges." Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam Bangladesh said that Despite the progress, many women face invisible barriers that hinder their career growth.  “It is time to create a workplace environment where diverse leadership is recognised and equal opportunities are ensured for all.” Nusrat Anwar, Project Coordinator of WaterAid Bangladesh’s Women’s Returnship Program, and Bidwara Tahmin Khan, Head of Economic Inclusion and Justice at Oxfam Bangladesh, presented a keynote speech at the event, highlighting how this initiative will help women overcome the challenges of career transitions and pave the way for leadership. This was followed by a panel discussion titled ‘Breaking Barriers: Women’s Leadership in the Modern Workplace’. It was moderated by Leadership Coach and Organisational Development Consultant, ChangeMantras. Robust laws, interventions key to protect informal sector workers: Oxfam The discussion was attended by Kavita Bose, Country Director, Plan International, Uma Chatterjee, Leadership Coach and OD Consultant, ChangeMantras, Md. Rubaiyat Sarwar, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Innovation Consulting, Shaheen Anam, Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Hasane Ara Begum, Asian Development Bank and Maherin Ahmed, Communications Manager, CIMMYT. The discussion session discussed the existing gender inequality in the workplace and possible avenues for institutional change. The event concluded with a ‘LabTalk and Career Fair’, which provided women professionals with an opportunity to network directly with employers from various industries. The event opens up new opportunities for professional women by connecting them with organizations committed to ensuring the inclusion of women in leadership roles.