Women in Leadership (WIL) is a groundbreaking initiative that spearheads women’s empowerment in Bangladesh. With a relentless commitment to fostering gender equality and amplifying women’s voices, WIL stands as a powerful platform dedicated to advancing women’s leadership journeys across diverse sectors.
Led by the visionary President Nazia Andaleeb Preema, WIL serves as a catalyst for change, striving to dismantle barriers and create an inclusive environment where women can thrive and make significant contributions to society. Recognising the immense potential of women leaders, WIL actively works towards bridging the gender gap and inspiring future generations to pursue leadership roles.
Since 2014, WIL has been encouraging professional women to pursue leadership in their careers. The Inspiring Women Award is the flagship accolade of WIL, recognising outstanding women leaders in various frontiers. The Inspiring Women Award was first given in 2014, and since then, the underlying message of the Inspiring Women’s Award is to recognise women’s efforts officially in the growth of the country; to empower women professionals, and create role models in society (both individual and the organisational levels). 2022 marked the 7th iteration of the Inspiring Women Award. This year, for the 8th edition of this prestigious award, WIL launched its highly anticipated ‘WIL Table-Talk’ series at the WIL room in Gulshan on June 25, 2023. The inaugural conversation, titled “Be the Master,” was moderated by the esteemed Nazia Andaleeb Preema, President of Women in Leadership, igniting a captivating dialogue that set the stage for future discussions.
The captivating event revolved around the overarching theme of “Creating an Era for New Women.” Distinguished ambassadors of the WIL initiative graced the occasion, sharing their profound thoughts and personal experiences on how women can smartly navigate their professional and personal lives.
Esteemed participants included Taslima Miji, Managing Director, Leatherina; Sayeda Umme Salma, Chief Strategy Officer, Top of Mind; Sabera Anwar, Founder, GoDeshi – Made in Bangladesh; Shaila Rahman, Director, Head of Business Partner & Circle HR, People & Organization, Grameenphone Limited; Shamira Mostafa, Chairperson, Baah Store; Afsana Ferdousi, Founder, CEO and Creative Head, Afsana Ferdousi (AF) and Co-Founder, Art Artist Artisan.
The table talk ventured into several critical topics, including the need for robust policies to cultivate women-friendly workplaces and entrepreneurship, the pivotal role of strategic thinking in effective leadership, the significance of creating networking opportunities for women professionals, and the urgency to eradicate the mindset that treats women as mere quota holders.
Thought-provoking discussions emerged around the impact of maternity leaves on promotion opportunities. The conversation also delved into the challenges posed by patriarchal mindsets in the workplace, particularly when women hold key management positions and oversee teams. Furthermore, the platform proposed a visionary initiative to engage educational institutions at various levels, aiming to raise awareness among students about the significance of gender inclusivity and empowerment in the workplace.
OPENING SPEECH
During the event, Nazia Andaleeb Preema, who is a prolific and internationally recognised visual artist, eloquently addressed the audience, stating, “WIL is an important platform that serves as the catalyst for professional women to influence their ability and unleash their inner power. Our ambassadors work tirelessly to promote WIL’s objectives and foster an inclusive environment for women in the workplace.”
WIL TABLE TALK
The two-hour-long table talk shed light on some of the most timely and important issues revolving around women’s role in leadership in current times. Nazia Andaleeb Preema presented the issues in the form of questions before the ambassadors. The discussion from there on brought in important insights and policy suggestions for the stakeholders.
Below we have presented all five key issues and discussions for our readers to get a comprehensive idea about the inaugural WIL Table Talk of the year.
BEING THE MASTER OF YOUR LIFE
Starting the conversation, Nazia Andaleeb Preema tossed a question among the ambassadors. The question goes, “If you can narrate who you are and beyond that, how do you describe yourself as a master of your life?”
Sayeda Umme Salma started the discussion by sharing her family’s role in her success as a professional leader. She shared how living in an open-minded joint family helped her in being a master of her life. She also addressed the challenges she faced while taking over a male counterpart. However, strategic operations and team building soon made her a reliable resource among her colleagues.
Afsana Ferdousi highlighted the prevailing notion in society that only boys are expected to support their families. Despite her significant contributions, she has faced challenges regarding salary increments, often being questioned by HR about the need for higher pay. Working in the sustainability field, she has dedicated herself to creating eco-friendly products, with 99% of her brand’s offerings aligning with this ethos.
Taslima Miji marked her way to mastering her own self through various challenges and triumphs that shaped her into an unwavering and uncompromising individual. Starting her journey in the business field in 2008, she ventured into the realm of creativity around 2013. In 2016, she took a leap of faith by launching her own fashion line through Facebook. While lacking formal academic training in the field, she devoted herself to extensive self-study in design. In her business, she prioritised diversity by fostering a workforce encompassing different backgrounds and perspectives. Notably, she implemented a robust gender policy, with over 60% of her employees being female. Building a strong bond with her workers, she cultivated an environment where open and fearless communication thrived.
Shaila Rahman, an integral part of Grameenphone for 16 years, embarked on a remarkable journey of leadership spanning over 13 years. As the first female manager, she faced the challenge of overcoming people’s preconceived notions about women in managerial roles. In her role as the chairman of the anti-sexual harassment team, she became acutely aware of the realities faced by women in the workplace.
Sabera Anwar, a prominent figure in local fashion, has dedicated herself to working with aspiring designers, striving to create opportunities within the local market. Despite being the second-largest garment exporter globally, Sabera recognised the need to cultivate a thriving domestic fashion industry and took it upon herself to carve out the necessary avenues. Throughout her journey, she has collaborated with over 3000 individuals, nurturing their talents and propelling the growth of the local fashion scene.
Sabera’s unwavering determination and go-getter mindset have been the driving forces behind her success. Despite facing resistance from her family due to her decision to transition from corporate jobs to entrepreneurship, she remained steadfast in pursuing her goals. As a single mother of two, she fearlessly embraced the challenges and setbacks that came her way, never straying from her chosen path.
Sabera’s relentless pursuit of her dreams and her significant contributions to the evolution of the local fashion industry has positioned her as a master of her own life.
MITIGATING THE GAP BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN
Nazia Andaleeb Preema upheld the timely issue of gender disparity and asked the question, “How can we really address and mitigate the gap between men and women? What measures should we take to break it and to make women more visible?”
Sayeda Umme Salma shared her experiences and insights on addressing the gender gap and empowering women in the workplace. Reflecting on her promotion last year, she recalled that her boss’s initial question revolved around her family plans for the next three years, highlighting the prevailing bias towards women’s family responsibilities. Despite her 12 years of leadership in the organisation, her professional achievements seemed overshadowed by discussions about her personal life.
Salma further discussed her experience with maternity leave, underscoring the challenges faced by women. However, she advocated for an opportunity to bring her child to work, highlighting the importance of balancing work and family responsibilities. Fortunately, her request was granted, and the experience proved positive. However, Salma acknowledged that not all organisations provide such flexibility and support for working mothers.
Salma’s keynote highlighted the need to address and mitigate the gender gap by breaking down societal and organisational barriers. She emphasised the importance of challenging traditional norms and implementing policies that support women’s career progression while accommodating their family responsibilities.
Afsana Ferdousi expressed her initial belief that good work would lead to respect, but her personal experiences revealed a different reality – facing disrespect despite her accomplishments. This clash between her philosophy and firsthand encounters motivated her to take action and challenge stereotypical gender ideas.
Ferdousi conducted workshops in various institutes as part of her efforts, encouraging individuals to see themselves as human beings rather than being limited by gender roles, especially in fashion and competition. She aimed to change people’s mindsets and foster inclusivity.
Through her keynote, Ferdousi advocated for breaking the gender gap by addressing biases, fostering respect, and providing equal opportunities for women. She emphasised the importance of challenging stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and creating supportive environments where women can thrive without discrimination or limitations.
As a practitioner and activist, Taslima Miji emphasised the importance of setting up gender policies and creating a strong ecosystem among workers, even if they do not come from high-profile backgrounds.
Miji highlighted the role of decision-makers in driving change and creating an impact. She encouraged those with the power to influence policies to engage in conversations about abuse, discrimination, and their impact on society. Miji reminded the audience that patriarchy is a system that exists not only among men but also among women. Breaking the gender gap requires addressing and challenging this system collectively.
During her keynote address, Shamira Mostafa highlighted the importance of addressing and mitigating the gender gap by involving men and instilling a sense of responsibility in them. She emphasised that grooming boys in families is crucial in shaping their understanding of gender equality and their role in the job sector.
Mostafa pointed out the lack of policies for paternity leave in Bangladesh and the limited duration of maternity leave. She stressed the need for policies recognising paternity as a responsibility, enabling men to understand their role in caregiving and family support.
Shaila Rahman highlighted the need to establish contemporary role models who inspire and motivate women to pursue leadership roles. Additionally, she emphasised the significance of networking as a crucial factor for women’s advancement. Networking provides formal and informal mentorship opportunities, helping women overcome barriers and expand their professional connections.
Building a bond of sisterhood was another key point discussed by Rahman. Encouraging women to share their stories and connect fosters a supportive environment and helps women navigate their struggles. She emphasised the importance of women supporting each other and creating meaningful connections.
Ju-un Nahar Choudhury focused on addressing and mitigating the gender gap by promoting equality based on qualifications rather than gender alone. She highlighted the need to avoid the perception that women are given preferential treatment solely because of gender, which can create resistance among men. Choudhury stressed the importance of focusing on meritocracy and ensuring that women are equally qualified for the positions they hold.
Choudhury emphasised the need for women to form networks to support and encourage each other. She acknowledged that women often face additional responsibilities outside of the workplace, making it crucial to create opportunities for networking and interaction that accommodate their needs and schedules.
The speaker pointed out the societal challenge of discussing problems openly and advocated for creating a space where both men and women can openly address and discuss issues related to gender equality. Choudhury highlighted the need to overcome the dichotomy that portrays emotional power as negative and women as aggressive for asking questions. Networking among women is essential to challenge these societal norms and change mindsets.
Sabera Anwar spoke about the ongoing industrial revolution in the subcontinent and the increasing financial involvement of women in Bangladesh. Despite this progress, she emphasised that there is still a significant gender gap that needs to be addressed.
Anwar emphasised the importance of raising awareness about gender equality starting from educational institutions. She stressed that women should assert their rights not merely as equals to men but as human beings deserving equal treatment and opportunities.
Nazia Andaleeb Preema emphasised the importance of continuing the conversation on gender equality within the workspace and not solely relying on company initiatives like Women in Leadership (WIL). She encouraged creating gatherings at the office to educate and inspire women, particularly those struggling in rural areas, and involve them in the empowerment narrative.
She further emphasised the need to convert emotions into strength and vulnerability into power. Preema stressed the importance of owning decisions and embracing multiple roles while elevating one’s life.
CHANGING THE POWER DYNAMIC FROM YOUR OWN POSITION
The third question was, “How do you change the power dynamic from your own position?”
Sayeda Umme Salma, reflecting on her personal experiences, revealed the unique dynamics within her family where her husband never felt threatened or diminished by her earning more than him. They celebrate their individual salaries together, emphasising the unity of their efforts. Together, they have formulated a family strategy that enabled her to strike a balance between her personal and professional life, defying societal norms and expectations.
Recognising the impact of family dynamics on empowering individuals, Sayeda emphasised the crucial role of teaching one’s children to have a voice and fostering a safe environment for open communication. With her daughter, she proactively initiated conversations about menstruation, providing assurance and support. By creating a safe and inclusive environment within her own home, Sayeda recognised the importance of addressing power dynamics and promoting equality.
Shaila Rahman, a proponent of transforming power dynamics, recognised the importance of reshaping interview dynamics to create a more inclusive and respectful environment. Understanding that certain questions about a person’s future personal life are inappropriate, she took the initiative to change the narrative. Shaila emphasised that it is crucial to refrain from asking any individual, regardless of gender, about their personal life during interviews.
She acknowledged that some senior individuals may struggle to grasp this dynamic due to their ingrained perceptions based on their own family experiences. Breaking through these barriers requires speaking up and challenging the status quo. Shaila believes it is her responsibility to help others understand the importance of treating individuals equitably, irrespective of their gender, and recognising that women can be equally logical and correct in their viewpoints.
By actively advocating for change and educating others about the need for fair treatment, Shaila strives to alter power dynamics within her sphere of influence. Her commitment to fostering understanding and creating a more inclusive environment highlights her determination to challenge ingrained biases and promote equality.
Nazia Andaleeb Preema emphasised the role of individuals as ambassadors of change. She believed in embodying the qualities and values that can inspire transformation. Recognising the importance of continuous learning, Preema considerd smartness as an inherent trait that stems from an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Learning, for her, is not just an act but a strategic approach to personal growth.
Preema believes in creating an aura that commands attention and respect. Being aware and mindful in every moment enables individuals to change the game. It’s not solely about the work one does but also about how one positions themselves. Having honed power dynamics for over three decades, Preema has witnessed the magical impact it can have.
Driven by her passion for art, Preema became a consultant to sustain her artistic endeavours independently, ultimately leading to her art gaining recognition worldwide. She highlights the power of strategy, urging women to master it personally, as it becomes a beautiful addiction. While many are familiar with organisational strategy, Preema believes in the importance of strategising one’s personal life.
Moreover, Preema recognises the potency of sarcasm as a tool for discourse, even though it may be misunderstood in Bangladesh. She encourages women to embrace sarcasm, using it to dismantle the power structures that seek to diminish them.
WIL AS THE PLATFORM FOR TRANSFORMING ORGANISATION
As the President of WIL, Nazia Andaleeb Preema addressed the ambassadors and invited them to suggest reformations for a more effective WIL platform. She asked, “What sort of things should be highlighted in a platform like WIL? Which things should be given priority in terms of transforming the organisation, in the perspective of giving women not priority but rather blending them into the system equally?
Addressing the professional women, the ambassadors posed thought-provoking questions, urging them to consider their actions to support mothers facing financial crises, trauma, and a loss of identity. They suggested that at the organisational level, efforts should be made to encourage women to return to work after becoming mothers, even if it means being slightly biased. They believe that by providing opportunities, at least 10% of women who have become mothers can regain their place within the workforce.
In terms of transforming organisations, they highlighted the need to prioritise blending women into the system equally rather than giving them preferential treatment. The ambassador’s panel asked the audience to consider strategies that support mothers in maintaining their careers while balancing family responsibilities. By highlighting the experiences of mothers and implementing supportive measures, organisations can create a more inclusive environment that allows women to thrive and contribute fully.
Empowering Women In Leadership Positions With WIL
Finally, the table talk discussion came to a head with the final and most significant question from the moderator, Nazia Andaleeb Preema. She asked, “Collectively, from the WIL Platform, what initiatives can we bring to empower women in leadership positions?”
Taslima Miji emphasised the importance of pushing policies through recognition and follow-up initiatives within the Women in Leadership (WIL) platform. She acknowledged the challenges of implementing idealistic policies due to financial constraints. Miji highlighted the significance of networking and storytelling platforms, like the WIL platform, in uplifting women and diverse business initiatives. She emphasised that all the ambassadors within the platform are already empowered and have valuable insights and contributions to offer. Miji also emphasised the need to question existing and proposed policies to ensure they effectively empower women in leadership positions.
Shamira Mostafa discussed the need for gender-inclusive policies beyond simply increasing female employees in organisations. She emphasised the importance of creating a comfortable work environment for women. She highlighted the role of the Women in Leadership (WIL) platform in guiding organisations to develop supportive policies for female employees. Mostafa suggested that WIL could recognise and award organisations with exemplary HR departments that have successfully implemented the right kind of gender policies. This recognition would serve as a guide for other organisations and promote gender inclusivity in leadership positions.
Shaila Rahman highlighted the importance of maintaining the quality of employees while striving for increased female participation in the workplace. She emphasised the need for the Women in Leadership (WIL) platform to communicate this message effectively, ensuring that women entering the workforce with the necessary skills are respected by their male colleagues.
Ju-un Nahar Choudhury highlighted several initiatives that the Women in Leadership (WIL) platform can undertake to empower women in leadership positions. Choudhury suggested incorporating multinational corporation (MNC) policies into local companies, including maternity and paternity leave. It is important to focus on policies and supporting women to return to work after becoming mothers. Choudhury also emphasised the need to involve government wings, if available, from Smart Bangladesh to acknowledge the efforts. In the garment sector, discussions on maternity leave, security, and sustainability are essential due to demands from foreign buyers.
Choudhury recommended organising talks at the university rather than at the school level. While change at the school level should start with families, focusing on universities can lead to faster progress. Universities provide a crucial point where individuals can shape their identities, making it an opportune time for WIL to impact identity formation significantly.
Nazia Andaleeb Preema highlighted that the Women in Leadership (WIL) platform has played a crucial role in connecting women and providing them with the recognition they deserve. She emphasised the need to establish smart organisations that address the critical issues hindering women’s progress.
