The three-day 18th biennial conference of Zonta International District 25, a global voluntary organisation of professional women, ended in Dhaka on Sunday.
On the inaugural day, former adviser to caretaker government Hossain Zillur Rahman was present as chief guest at The Westin Dhaka on October 31, said a press release.
More than 150 representatives from various Zonta clubs across Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and India under district 25 participated in the event.
The conference is being recognised as a significant gathering of South Asian women leaders and professionals to discuss issues of women鈥檚 leadership, gender equality and women鈥檚 advancement.
The ceremony began with the national anthems of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Led by conference secretary Nasima Akhter, the flags of the participating countries were displayed at the event.
Later, singer Meherin Mahmud performed a song titled This Is Zonta, highlighting women鈥檚 empowerment and the prevention of violence against women.
Hossain Zillur Rahman said, 鈥榃e believe in the advancement of women not only in Bangladesh but across the world. Women鈥檚 empowerment is now a call to action. We need women who can awaken their inner strength and lead from within.鈥�
Guest of honour Lulzim Pllana, ambassador of Kosovo to Bangladesh, remarked that women in Kosovo were making remarkable achievements in politics, sports, music, cinema and the arts. 鈥楳any of them are now global examples of inspiration.鈥�
Mentioning that Zonta International also believes in equality, leadership and collective effort, Lulzim Pllana said, 鈥業 hope Zonta in Bangladesh will play a major role in building women leaders.鈥�
At the event, internationally acclaimed Bangladeshi fashion designer Bibi Russell was honoured with a special award.
She said, 鈥業 dedicate this honour to the weavers of Bangladesh. Our traditional handloom industry is going through a difficult time. Once, these artisans were the pride of our rural economy and culture, but now they are struggling to survive.鈥�
One of the attractions of the ceremony was the fashion show directed by acclaimed fashion designer Tootli Rahman on the traditional and modern Bangladeshi women鈥檚 attire.
The 3-day conference featured plenary sessions, leadership workshops and thematic discussions on key issues such as women鈥檚 economic empowerment, climate action and the prevention of gender-based violence.
Delegates also participated in networking and cultural exchange sessions designed to strengthen inter-club partnerships and foster regional collaboration
The welcome address was delivered by conference chair Ztn Sonia Panni. Other speakers included Phillippa Jacobs-Lory, director of the Zonta International Board;
Ztn Dilruba Ahmed, District 25鈥檚 bylaws and resolutions chair and parliamentarian; and Ztn Ratan Abul Hossain, lieutenant governor of district 25, among others.
