Tahmina Nupur, a student at Dhaka University and an alumna of the DFTP course, along with sixteen friends, launched the “She Leads: Cocreating Space for All” project in September 2022. The initiative is ongoing and aims to empower women in Bangladeshi society.
Women in Bangladesh face gender-based discrimination in both family and workplace settings. They often receive lower wages than men and encounter numerous obstacles in entrepreneurship and business. Despite women holding many of the highest political positions in the country, common women still struggle to access political roles and leadership opportunities. Additionally, education for women is frequently undervalued. This project seeks to address these issues by empowering women to assert their rights and amplify their voices.
To achieve this, Nupur and her team formed a network of “She Leads” members from 16 chapters across different communities. They also celebrated International Women’s Day in 2024 and plan to continue this celebration annually. Through these activities, the project aims to foster collective action and solidarity, challenge societal norms, and promote the full participation and leadership of women in all aspects of community life.
The project has seen significant success in its efforts to empower women. The formation of the network has created a supportive community where women can share their experiences, learn from each other, and mobilize for change. Celebrating International Women’s Day has raised awareness about gender-based discrimination and highlighted the importance of women’s rights and leadership. These activities have inspired many women to take on leadership roles and advocate for their rights.
The impact of the “She Leads” project is profound. By challenging societal norms and addressing gender-based discrimination, the project is fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Women are becoming more confident in asserting their rights and taking on leadership roles, paving the way for future generations. The continued celebration of International Women’s Day and the growth of the network promise to sustain this momentum, driving lasting change in the community.