The two-day ‘HERizon Fest 2025: Celebrating Women, Skills & Employment’ concluded in Dhaka on Tuesday with a strong call for gender-responsive, inclusive and future-oriented skills development across Bangladesh.

Speaking at the concluding ceremony as the chief guest, M Siraz Uddin Miah, Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser, emphasised the need for inter-ministerial cooperation and public-private partnerships to ensure women’s equal participation in national and international employment.

He urged the Industrial Skills Council to develop a skilled workforce and create sustainable employment, highlighting its role in advancing women’s empowerment and the National Skills Development Policy.

The fest showcased panel discussions, workshops, and cultural programmes focusing on women-friendly, competency-based training, private sector engagement, and inclusive opportunities for disadvantaged women.

NSDA Executive Chairman Dr Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to leaving no woman behind and pledged to implement recommendations to enhance women’s participation in the digital economy, green industries, and creative sectors.

International experts from Nepal, the USA, Austria, Germany and UNICEF, along with GIZ Country Director Dr Andreas Kuck, shared insights on inclusive vocational education and future skills, guiding NSDA’s strategy to increase labour market participation of young, disadvantaged, and vulnerable women.

The event concluded with certificates awarded to participating women entrepreneurs, marking a vibrant celebration of women’s skills, innovation, and leadership.