For the last few days, I was engaged in an art project where I had to represent one Of the Bengali woman who shaped up leadership in this land. I chose Pritilata Waddedar, though there were lla Mitra,Jahanara Imam, Noorjahan Begum, Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, Dr. Nilima Ibrahim, Novera Ahmed and more – who have their own extraordinary leadership for a purpose. While doing the art pieces I was visualizing their inner strength, integrity and power of contribution. By the age of 21, Pritilata achieved the vision and courage to become such an enormous power and became a revolutionary nationalist; what an inspiration! In our society, at that time it was not an easy task at all.
Despite all Odds women everywhere are taking lots Of challenges, facing it upfront and continuing to march forward.The context of revolution might have changed but the core challenge remains the same and it is more complicated as the world has shaped in a very complex and critical way.
The term ‘woman’ has become totally victimized by the patriarch society where leadership is the only element that can help women to pursue their life journey and realize their full potential.Though women have come a long way but still if we study the data, gender diversity is still one of the biggest challenges the world economy is facing. A recent study by Mckisney reveals that the world can add additional $28 trillion to global GDP by 2025 if the full gender gap is addressed. That is a huge pc Right BBF contribution. Imagine how much the economy of Bangladesh will receive if a large number of women get actively engaged in economic and social activity. Women in Leadership (WIL) project is all about assisting Bangladeshi women to pursue their passion. We want to touch the lives Of women and create the same level Of spirit which many of the women leaders over the decade have demonstrated.
Does the 21 -year-old girl know that she can be so much more? That she can flourish in an area which she may not be even aware of. Can she unlock her inner self? Can we unlock the inner strength of our female? Can we make her dream? Can we bring out the true strength beyond just our homes? I simply imagine if we can bring Out all the strength, what a change we can make in our society! I long to see that happen one day.
Women are not a commodity but a strong force for any society. And Bangladesh can never reach its potential, if one of its most potent force – the WOMEN cannot be all that they can become. Through all our future endeavor from WIL project we will try to do just that.
Dear beautiful women, be passionate for your will; because it is your life and you are the only person who decides for yourself. ‘Sky is the Limit’ as we know, so we have to try to reach where we see ourselves. Only then we will be fulfilling in a true sense. Women are homemakers, they are mothers, wives, sisters; so why won’t she be the leader and take control of her own life? Why can’t she contribute in the society and become the true Leader she always had been?
Nazia Andaleeb Preema
Editor, WIL Publication
President, Women in Leadership
