Spark your inner power

Bangladesh-being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world has grabbed the attention of several first-world countries.  A country previously labelled as a "Bottomless Basket" is now being termed as the "Emerging Asian Tiger" in just five decades. Fueled by the export revenues of ready-made garments, jute, leather, manpower, and fisheries, Bangladesh successfully holds its position strongly on the list of trusted manufacturers worldwide.

This turnaround took good governance, infrastructure, strategies, and international liaison but, most importantly, hard work. And in the list of catalysts behind this success, the participation of women comes at the very top. Additionally, women's participation has been gradually increasing in the service industries too. The combined participation is, of course, great but has yet to walk a long way to reach gender parity. Numerous issues have hindered the journey to reach our true potential by slowing women's participation in job sectors. A study shows that it is possible to add a staggering sum of 28% to the current GDP by 2025 if the participation rate of women can be matched with that of men.

Some women who have stood against the stigmas and rose above the issues are now bearing the torch, leading the way for other women by setting examples to follow and pursue. The dream of a better Bangladesh is still alive for these extraordinary women who have been proving themselves in both the job sector and building the nation.

Numerous women from different walks of life participating hand in hand, to contribute to societal causes. These resilient and promising women have been working tirelessly to improve society and the nation, not for them but for the upcoming generation and the mass population. It's our duty to pay tribute to these women who have been redefining the meaning of success and inspiring thousands of other women to break numerous social stigmas.

bti believes true excellence can only be achievable by uplifting women to ensure their participation in all fields. And so, bti has partnered with the country's leading English daily- The Daily Star, which upholds the same value too, to honour these young emerging yet less-known women through the 'Stellar Women' initiative. bti and The Daily Star will recognize 12 women in 12 months from 12 different categories.

Stellar Women Initiative believes this platform will inspire the young working women of society who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes for years. This will also enable them to get the necessary spotlight to ensure they get the required support while building the nation in the upcoming days and to become the inspiration for the women who want to be the next torch bearer.