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Hats off to grassroots women torchbearers
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Five grassroots women were honoured at the seventh edition of the Unsung Women Nation Builders Award-2023 yesterday evening for their resilience and dedication that empowered themselves and brought about meaningful changes in society.
Between 2017 and last year, the award, a joint initiative by The Daily Star and IPDC Finance PLC, recognised 42 grassroots women for their tireless and often unnoticed contributions to the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.
This year the awardees, each symbolising courage and strength in their respective fields, received their well-deserved recognition at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium.
The award recipients are Suraya Farhana Resma, an agricultural entrepreneur from Bogura; Hlakrayprue Kheyang, a dedicated advocate for Khyang women from Bandarban and Rangamati; Nacima Akter from Jashore, known for her environment-friendly pens; Alpona Rani Mistry from Satkhira, who preserves indigenous seeds; and Titu Paul, a trailblazer in artificial insemination for livestock farming.
IPDC Finance PLC Managing Director Rizwan Dawood Shams in his speech said, “In 2017, The Daily Star and IPDC began this journey to put the spotlight on indomitable women whose stories resemble novels. Their struggles, courage, and efforts to help others should be publicised. Positive stories like these are key to progress.”
At the event, Rizwan asked for a one-minute silence in memory of Jannatul Ferdous Mohua, a fellow awardee with a physical disability who passed away.
Despite her disability, Mohua completed her education, got trained in embroidery, and pursued e-commerce. She left behind an inspiring story.
In his welcome speech, The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam highlighted the importance of recognising women whose crucial role in shaping the nation, within a male-dominated society, often goes unnoticed.
“Through this unsung women nation builders programme, we honour grassroots women with no formal education. We are delighted, proud, and inspired by their social awareness, patriotism, self-belief, and stories of overcoming immense struggles,” he said.
Mahfuz praised the resilience of the women, who advanced in most cases with their willpower and without any support from banks or social institutions.
“We are truly honoured to recognise such women,” he added.
Resma rebuilt her life after ending her marriage. She was abused in her married life.
She started with a small fish farm, and then expanded her businesses to vermicomposting and cattle, poultry, and vegetable farming.
Despite limited financial resources and no formal education, her ventures achieved remarkable success due to her sheer determination and relentless hard work.
Today, her monthly earnings exceed Tk 2 lakh, with total assets valued at Tk 2 crore. She also became a source of inspiration and hope. She trains and employs people at her farms.
Other award winners, like Resma, have significantly improved the lives of women in their communities.
Hlakrayprue Kheyang emerged as a flag bearer for the disadvantaged Khyang women in Rangamati and Bandarban by creating employment opportunities and helping them become self-dependent. Those women now support their families and fund their siblings’ education.
As the former chairperson and current adviser to the
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