Ladies of Liberty Alliance (LOLA), Jahangirnagar University chapter, hosted a session at Fazilatunnesa Hall yesterday, centred on cultural freedom and the strength of individual identity.

The event brought participants together to share their stories, celebrate their differences, and reaffirm their commitment to liberty.

A major highlight of the session was the celebration of Samia Tasnim Swati, a third-year student of International Relations, on the publication of her first book.

During the event, Samia shared her eight-month struggle against what she described as discrimination in the publishing industry, where female authors are often judged through assumptions about “marketability”. She said her experience showed that women’s stories deserve to be told and that social barriers must be challenged.

Co-lead of the chapter Protity Toufique spoke about the values that define LOLA.

“Here, we respect each other for exactly who we are. We encourage everyone to respect women for their true selves – no bullying, no leg-pulling. We are here to uplift one another and honour each person’s right to be whoever they choose to be,” she said.

The organisers said the room reflected that same spirit of solidarity as Monira, Anisha, Mim, Oishee, and Sarjina shared how they navigate cultural differences while remaining true to their own paths.

Closing the event, chapter leader Sanjida Parvin said the beauty of a progressive society lies in its respect for authenticity.

She said that while change for personal wellbeing can be positive, it must always be a personal choice and never the result of force or coercion. Respecting one another’s authenticity, she added, is essential to moving society forward.