A new book is celebrating women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh’s beauty industry by telling the stories of 99 entrepreneurs from the sector. Cholo Egiye Jai was unveiled on September 25 at the Notre Dame Club Auditorium in Banani.
The book was published by Desh Publications under the planning and editorial direction of Afroza Parvin. She is Managing Director and Co-Founder of Ujjwala and a prominent beauty expert.
The ceremony celebrating women entrepreneurs brought together entrepreneurs from the beauty industry, writers, poets, journalists, beauty experts and fashion designers. It opened with a Rabindra Sangeet performed by Antara Ray Chowdhury.
Speakers Credit Afroza Parvin With Building Confidence
Prominent lifestyle journalist Labannya Lipi delivered the welcome address. She described how the featured entrepreneurs had changed over time.
“Afroza Parvin has not only brought these entrepreneurs into the spotlight; she has also given them the mental strength to become self-reliant and contribute to society. There was a time when some of them did not even have the courage to speak up at home. Today, they are contributing not only to their families but also to the economy of the country,” she said.
Prominent beauty expert Kaniz Alamas Khan then addressed the gathering. She praised the initiative celebrating women entrepreneurs and highlighted the important role women play in Bangladesh’s beauty services sector.
Business Leaders Describe the Obstacles Women Face
Two leaders from business bodies also spoke. Sangita Ahmed is President of the Bangladesh Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Farzana Khan is Deputy Managing Director of the SME Foundation.
Both spoke about the challenges women face in their professional journeys. Both also expressed pride, as women, in seeing others move forward despite obstacles.
Sangita Ahmed said she would look forward to a second volume of Cholo Egiye Jai. Farzana Khan said she would have been happy to be the 100th woman featured in the book.
Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs Through Their Own Stories
Three of the entrepreneurs featured in the book shared their stories at the event: Maruf Munna, Mohsina Munni and Ikra Ahsan Chowdhury.
Each had faced various challenges at different stages of life. Each built a position in the industry by overcoming those obstacles. All three expressed their gratitude to Ujjwala and Afroza Parvin for their support and encouragement.
Writers Link Beauty Work to Income and Recognition
The event also featured remarks by Bangla Academy Award-winning writer Nasima Anis. She tied the book’s subject to the unpaid work many women already do.
“Creating women entrepreneurs in the beauty sector is an important initiative in the developing world. Women in our society contribute labour to their families, but that labour often has no financial value. This is a major reason for their vulnerability. When a woman entrepreneur begins to earn, she starts contributing to her family and society. Society is then compelled to recognise her,” Nasima Anis said.
Writer, editor and publisher Nahida Ashrafi congratulated the entrepreneurs featured in the book. She focused on what makeup artists give their clients.
“When a makeup artist transforms someone, they do not simply enhance their external appearance; they also make them more confident. For this, we can truly respect them from our hearts. In a way, we are all beauticians. Some of us work with words, while others work with makeup,” she said.
She added that awakening this consciousness of beauty and aesthetics could help society move much further forward.
Ujjwala Outlines Its Work for Beauty Professionals
In her vote of thanks, Afroza Parvin spoke about Ujjwala’s journey. She described its efforts to create opportunities for women beauty professionals.
She also spoke about the publication of Cholo Egiye Jai, the book celebrating women entrepreneurs in the sector. She thanked everyone who contributed to the initiative and attended the event. The guests then formally unveiled the book.
Actor Afsana Mimi hosted the event and recited an excerpt from a poem by Shankha Ghosh. The evening closed with another musical performance by Antara Ray Chowdhury.
Prothom Alo reported the launch under the headline “Celebrating women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh’s beauty industry.” The clearest next step came from Sangita Ahmed, who said she would look forward to a second volume.
Frequently asked questions
What is the book Cholo Egiye Jai about?
It features the stories of 99 entrepreneurs from Bangladesh’s beauty industry and was published by Desh Publications.
Who led the planning and editing of Cholo Egiye Jai?
Afroza Parvin, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Ujjwala and a prominent beauty expert, led its planning and editorial direction.
When and where was the book unveiled?
It was unveiled at a ceremony on September 25 at the Notre Dame Club Auditorium in Banani.
Which business leaders spoke at the launch?
Sangita Ahmed of the Bangladesh Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Farzana Khan of the SME Foundation spoke about challenges women face.
Will there be a second volume of the book?
Sangita Ahmed said she would look forward to a second volume of Cholo Egiye Jai; no second volume has been announced.
