Nusrat Karim Tonima set out to launch Chef’s Avenue, she was not just creating another food court — she was creating an opportunity.

For women in Bangladesh and beyond, may Rayana Hossain’s journey serve as a reminder that ambition knows no gender.

Tasnuva Islam’s initiative at Le Méridien Dhaka provides weavers a rent-free platform to sell textiles, merging CSR with ethical commerce. She aims to expand globally, ensuring Bangladeshi craftsmanship gains recognition while preserving traditional weaving heritage.

Azra Mahmood, a pioneering figure in Bangladesh’s fashion industry, discusses her journey, evolving trends, and industry challenges. She emphasizes continuous growth, inclusivity, and perseverance, envisioning Bangladesh’s future as a global fashion hub with better management and recognition.

Women in Dhaka face workplace sexism, societal pressure, and constant undermining of their careers. Often treated as hobbies, their professional roles are dismissed, but they persist, balancing expectations, harassment, and ambition in quiet rebellion.

Star Lifestyle caught up with four such female sportspersons who have had their impacts on Bangladesh’s upward journey in global sports.

Star Lifestyle speaks to some of the women athletes of Bangladesh who are role models for countless young girls across the country.

Nearly half of the population, primarily women, are deprived of their right to access critical information, said Sharmeen S Murshid, adviser to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare, at an event yesterday.

In October 2024, Mariya stood at the starting line of the Ironman 70.3 Malaysia, her heart pounding with anticipation. The 1.2-mile ocean swim, the 56-mile bike ride, and the 13.1-mile run ahead were daunting, but Mariya was ready. Her journey is not only remarkable for her personal achievement but also for how she has defied societal expectations and broken through barriers, particularly as a young woman coming from a conservative family.

After a six-year sabbatical, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is back, and the internet is divided.

In a city like Dhaka, women often face added difficulties when it comes to finding safe and reliable transportation. For many, commuting daily in the city can feel like navigating a minefield! Moving around is always an ordeal for a large portion of the population.

Durga Puja celebrates Goddess Durga, highlighting her strength, courage, and compassion. These divine traits are present in every woman, empowering them to face challenges and embrace their inner goddess during the festival and beyond.

True empowerment is built on empowering women to make life decisions free from outside pressures like discrimination, constraints, or societal standards

From towering skyscrapers to sprawling bridges and intricate road networks, civil engineering is a field that shapes the physical world around us. However, despite its critical role in society, this field remains a male-dominated profession, where women are largely underrepresented.

Are reservations to CEDAW a barrier to gender equality?

To fully harness the benefits of these digital financial services (DFS) to close gaps in gender equality, policymakers must consider the unique challenges women face in accessing formal financial services. 

As long as the problems addressed in Sultana’s Dream continue to exist and be relevant, we must uphold Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain’s work, values, and ideologies

Women’s bodybuilding is on the rise in Bangladesh. Even if we rewind the clock to a few years back, we would hardly find any news that had women and bodybuilding paired together. But despite the lack of opportunities and the alarming number of obstacles they have to overcome, more and more women are entering the field of professional bodybuilding and the number of participants in such events are rapidly increasing with each passing event.

The biggest highlight of fencing in Bangladesh was when Fatima Mujib earned the gold medal in the sabre event of the South Asian Games in December, 2019.

In Dhaka, where societal norms often expect women to prioritise family over personal ambition, Fatema stands tall as an awe-inspiring exception. She is not just a fencer, but also a dedicated mother to her 8-year-old daughter.