A two-day ‘Women Summit and Exhibition 2026’, organised by Power of She, was held at the Elite Convention Hall in Gulshan, Dhaka, with the theme “The Role and Importance of Women in the National Economy” and the slogan “She Leads, She Shines”.

The event was supported by Jadoube, IPDC Finance, and Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited as the main sponsors.

The summit officially commenced on 9 May at 10:00 am with the inauguration of the exhibition, hosted by media personality Naima Khair. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Power of She Trust Chairperson Sabina Sabi, Heritage Textile expert and fashion consultant S.K. Saifur Rahman, and General Secretary Raisul Haque Chowdhury.

Throughout the day, the exhibition hall saw significant visitor and buyer engagement, with women entrepreneurs actively networking and promoting their products.

At 12:00 pm, Incepta Pharmaceuticals presented an important panel discussion on “Women’s Physical Health”. Moderated by Dr. Sain Faria Setu, the session featured renowned gynaecologists, oncologists, and cancer survivors who shared insights on women’s health, cancer awareness, reproductive health, and lifestyle practices.

Panelists included Professor Dr. Samina Chowdhury, former President, OGSB; Professor Dr. Kohinur Begum, former President, OGSB; Professor Dr. Saleha Begum Chowdhury, former Secretary General, OGSB; Professor Dr. Sabera Khatun, former Vice-President, OGSB; Professor Dr. Farhana Dewan, Secretary General, SAFGIO and former President, OGSB, as well as Chairman of OGSB Hospital and IRGC; Professor Dr. Salma Rouf, former Secretary General, OGSB; Professor Dr. Fauzia Hosain, Gynaecologic Oncologist, BSMMU and Chair, RCOG, IRC Bangladesh; Dr. Suravi Salim, Marketing Manager, Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited; and Samia Afrin, Director, Ujjala Foundation and media personality.

Speakers emphasised mental well-being, lifestyle, cancer screening, reproductive health, nutrition, and preventive healthcare.

Later in the afternoon, a panel discussion on “The Economy Through Women’s Eyes” addressed women entrepreneurs, economic empowerment, culture, financial literacy, technology, and safety. Moderated by media personality Sangeeta Khan, the discussion featured Bibi Russell, UNESCO Artist for Peace and founder of Bibi Productions; Dr. Melita Mehjabin, Professor, IBA, University of Dhaka; Farzana Khan, Chairman, National Bank PLC and Deputy Managing Director, SME Foundation; Professor Selim Jahan, internationally renowned development economist; Mamun Rashid, Chairman, Financial Excellence Limited; and Barrister Omar Sadat, Senior Lawyer, Supreme Court and urban rights advocate.

Speakers highlighted the importance of cultural engagement, entrepreneurial mindset, financial education, and market expansion for women. The day concluded with cultural performances and a live music session by the Dhaka Community Band.

The second day, 10 May, began with a panel discussion on mental health titled “Speak Your Mind”, focusing on motherhood, stress, work-life balance, parenting, and self-love. Moderated by Dr. Sifat E. Saeed, Assistant Professor, Bangladesh Medical University, the session featured Professor Mehtab Khanum, Principal Psychotherapist, Counselling and Wellness Centre; Professor Dr. Farzana Rahman, Head, Community and Social Psychiatry Department, National Institute of Mental Health; Samia Asadi, Assistant Professor, Stamford University Bangladesh; and Shanta Kabir, fashion designer and entrepreneur, Azura by Shanta Kabir.

Speakers paid tribute to mothers on the occasion of Mother’s Day, emphasising that motherhood represents both a deep personal connection and a source of strength and support in a woman’s life. They also stressed the growing importance of women’s mental health, sharing household responsibilities, and self-identity.

A special session by psychologist Mehtab Khanum addressed self-love, childhood mental development, and relationships.

The day concluded with an entrepreneurship development masterclass, moderated by media personality Farhana Rahman, where Sifat Sarwar provided guidance on startups, investment, digital skills, and business expansion.

The closing ceremony, hosted by media personality Sharmin Iffat Shams, featured guests including Zobera Rahman Linu, Guinness World Record holder and Independence Award recipient; Mahin Khan, President, Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh; Sangeeta Ahmed, Entrepreneur and Senior Vice President, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Lipi Khandakar, renowned fashion designer; and Maisha Rahman Maliha, Deputy Director, Hatil. Winners of the entrepreneur hunt competition were announced, with Stamford University student Jannati Eva receiving the top prize of BDT 20,000.

Participating entrepreneurs expressed that the summit provided a major platform for learning, networking, and business growth. They emphasised the importance of creating such opportunities across the country to empower rural women entrepreneurs.

The event concluded with a Mother’s Day cake-cutting ceremony and cultural performances, including music by senior journalist and musician Sharmin Rahman Romar, marking the end of the two-day summit.

Since 2017, Power of She has been working to empower women, develop skills, support entrepreneurship, promote health awareness, and foster sustainable networking. Since 2020, the summit has served as an effective platform for women entrepreneurs. This year’s event featured 38 stalls showcasing domestic products by women entrepreneurs, along with special opportunities, stall allocations, and mentorship for new entrepreneurs.

Organisers stated that the summit plays a vital role in promoting women’s leadership, entrepreneurial development, and domestic products.