W.O.W Market 2 Brings 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Dhaka

The second edition of W.O.W Market 2 (Women of Worth and Wonder) brought women entrepreneurs, artisanal women and women creators together to create a space for them to present their products to their customers and enhance women's market visibility in Dhaka. The event took place at the Crowne Plaza Dhulal Gulshan with approximately 30 stalls of women entrepreneurs in the fields of fashion, handicraft, food and sustainable products.

Runa Khan, a Founder of Friendship, inaugurated the market, as a chief guest in the event. In her visit Runa met the women entrepreneurs who participated in the program and learnt about the products and journeys of their businesses and their experiences. Her involvement underscored the emerging role of platforms that allow women entrepreneurs to connect directly with customers and opportunities to showcase their work outside of the conventional business environment.

The second edition was also a follow-up experience for a few participants, who have embarked on their entrepreneurial journey with W.O.W Market. Women who attended the first edition came back this year, saying the platform has helped them achieve visibility, get feedback from customers, gain confidence and get closer to buyers.

Key Highlights

• W.O.W Market featured around 30 women-led entrepreneurial businesses.
• Runa Khan inaugurated the second edition and met entrepreneurs.
• Market sales directly supported participating women-owned and artisan businesses.

The marketplace featured a diverse range of products, including handwoven and handmade clothing, jute and coconut husk crafts, homemade food products, jewellery, and other handcrafted goods. Participating businesses included Dmart, Box of Ornaments, AURUM Bangladesh, and Bene Bou, reflecting the range of creative and entrepreneurial ventures led by women.

The initiative also incorporated a social impact component. Organised as part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Giving for Good Month, each participating entrepreneur contributed Tk 3,000 toward their stall, with the entire amount directed to Mojar School. Meanwhile, the sales made over the marketplace were directed straight to the participating entrepreneurs, so the event could incorporate the concepts of women empowerment, entrepreneurship and also customer access and community support.

Women entrepreneurs who attended the market spoke about how such platforms can offer a meaningful opportunity for business growth. Also, Shahana Akter from Karukaj arrived with the products of jute and coconut husk from Barisal. Reflecting on her experience she said, “It was a great experience, because they were the first time I was in this fair, and I brought products made from jute and coconut husk from Barisal and the buyers' reaction made me feel good and we can contribute to the country's economy with these types of opportunities.”

Kaniz Fatema from DMART also highlighted the broader importance of creating opportunities for women beyond their homes. She said, “Events like this create a positive attitude towards women. If women are given opportunities beyond their homes, they can contribute significantly to the economy.”

The second edition follows the success of the first W.O.W Market bringing back over 600 visitors and supporting more than 50 women to offer their skills and businesses.

Additionally, ActionAid and Acid Survivors Foundation participated, expanding the scope to cover women empowerment, inclusion and community impact. “The idea was conceived with the conviction that if the right platform is given to women, they could help them realize their creativity and skills into meaningful opportunities”, Karthi VK, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan, said. The enthusiastic feedback to the first edition has encouraged the return of W.O.W Market with greater emphasis on helping women entrepreneurs and supporting Mojar School, he added.