ATHENA International, a globally recognised organisation based in the US, has honoured nearly 7,000 exemplary leaders since its inception in 1982 worldwide. In their latest list of recipients, Bangladesh’s prominent designer, Maheen Khan, was honoured as a successful woman entrepreneur and actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. She was nominated from Bangladesh as one of the recipients of the ATHENA Certificate of Excellence. The event was organised by South Asian Women Development Forum, in partnership with Athena International in Nepal on 13 September, 2019. Rt. Hon. Vice President of Federal Republic of Nepal was the Chief Guest here.

At the event, Maheen Khan’s social work for empowerment of underprivileged women was displayed at the ATHENA Award Event through photographs. The Award highlighted her distinct work for landless women through various schemes which has supported around 3,000 women through her company.

Over the years, some of the recipients of the Award were global leaders, such as Condoleezza Rice, Former US Secretary of State, Her Excellency Dr Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the US; Sally Armstrong, Human Rights Activist; Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Former Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs U.A.E., to name a few. The vision of ATHENA International is to develop, support and honour women leaders for creating a balance in leadership worldwide. It also offers programmes tailored for women business owners, young professional women, and outstanding organisations. This was the first time ATHENA Leadership Award event took place in Nepal as well as in the South Asia region.