W.O.W Market Celebrates Women Entrepreneurs, Creativity and Social Impact in Dhaka

 

On September 19, 2026, Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan in Gulshan-2 became a vibrant meeting point for women entrepreneurs, artisans, creatives and shoppers as it hosted the second edition of W.O.W Market. Held at the Grand Ballroom on the hotel’s 25th floor, the day-long marketplace celebrated women’s creativity, entrepreneurship, independence and commitment to social causes.

W.O.W stands for “Women of Worth and Wonder,” reflecting the spirit of an initiative designed to create opportunities for women to showcase their talents, businesses and creative work. The second edition brought together around 30 stalls representing nearly 40 women-led businesses, each offering something different to visitors.

The event began at 10:30 a.m. and continued until 9:30 p.m., giving visitors plenty of time to explore the stalls, meet entrepreneurs and discover locally created products. From handwoven clothing and handcrafted items to products made from jute and coconut husk, the market offered a diverse collection of creative goods. Homemade food and other unique products also added to the lively atmosphere.

Among the participating businesses were Dmart, Box of Ornaments, Aurum Bangladesh and Bene Bou, alongside many other women-led ventures. Their presence demonstrated the diversity of businesses being developed and led by women, while their products reflected creativity, individuality and years of dedication.

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More Than Just a Marketplace

What made W.O.W Market particularly meaningful was that it was not simply a place to buy and sell products. Behind every stall was a woman with her own story, ambition and journey.

For many entrepreneurs, events like this provide a valuable opportunity to meet customers face-to-face, receive direct feedback and introduce their products to new audiences. A marketplace can also help small businesses build visibility and develop relationships that may eventually lead to new customers, collaborations and commercial opportunities.

Each product displayed at the market represented more than its price tag. Whether it was a piece of handmade clothing, a crafted item or a homemade food product, it reflected the entrepreneur’s time, creativity and determination.

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Business with a Social Purpose

This year’s W.O.W Market also placed a strong emphasis on giving back to the community.

Every participating entrepreneur paid a stall fee of BDT 3,000, with the collected amount being contributed to Mojar School, an initiative of Odommo Bangladesh Foundation. At the same time, entrepreneurs were able to keep the full proceeds from the products they sold.

This approach created a meaningful balance between business and social responsibility. Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to promote and grow their own ventures while also contributing to a cause supporting children and education.

The event also featured the participation of ActionAid and the Acid Survivors Foundation, further highlighting themes of women’s economic empowerment and social inclusion.

W.O.W Market was also organized as part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Giving for Good Month, adding another dimension to its commitment to community engagement and positive social impact.

Home made Food

 

A Growing Platform for Women

The first edition of W.O.W Market attracted more than 600 visitors and provided over 50 women entrepreneurs with opportunities to showcase their products, increase market visibility and explore commercial possibilities.

The success of the first edition helped create momentum for the second event. This year, the organizers again expected more than 600 visitors, reflecting the growing interest in women-led businesses and creative marketplaces.

According to Karthi VK, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan, the central idea behind W.O.W Market is that women can transform their creativity and skills into meaningful opportunities when they are given the right platform. Following the encouraging response to the first edition, the second event was organized with an even stronger focus on supporting women entrepreneurs while contributing to Mojar School.

Every Stall Tells a Story

The theme of this year’s event—“Where Women, Creativity & Purpose Come Together”—captured the essence of the marketplace.

Although there were around 30 stalls, each one offered a different story. One showcased the beauty of handwoven fabrics, another demonstrated the creative possibilities of natural materials such as jute and coconut husk, while others highlighted handmade crafts, lifestyle products and homemade food.

For a small business owner, selling a product is not simply a commercial transaction. When someone chooses a product that she has created, it can also feel like recognition of her effort, courage and vision.

That is perhaps what made W.O.W Market special. It created a space where entrepreneurship was connected with creativity, community and purpose.

As women across Bangladesh continue to build businesses, develop creative careers and create their own paths toward financial independence, platforms like W.O.W Market can play an important role in connecting them with customers and wider communities.

Ultimately, W.O.W Market was more than a one-day marketplace. It was a celebration of women who are turning ideas into businesses, skills into opportunities and creativity into meaningful work.

The hope is that this journey will continue to grow, creating space for more women to share their stories, showcase their talents and turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. ❤️

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