Empowering the women of Bangladesh, one name at a time

In parts of Bangladesh women face a unique problem. As their lives go by they lose something that is dear to them. Their name. They are somebody’s mother, wife or sister, but rarely are they referred to by their own name.

The Nameless Women Project conceived by Wunderman Thompson, India, in collaboration with Warah, a premium fashion label in Bangladesh, aims to help women regain their sense of self, through a nation-wide activation.

Warah, founded by designer, entrepreneur, and social activist Rumana Chowdhury, believes clothes can empower women with self-confidence. She has recently been felicitated at the Women of Inspiration Award in 2020 . Her fashion brand strives to be environmentally conscious, promoting local fabric and working with local artisans.

Warah worked with master weavers to recreate the traditional Tangail sari of Bangladesh, with one significant difference. On each sari was woven the name of its wearer. A powerful reminder that your name is your basic right. And every woman has a right to embrace it.

The Nameless Women activation aims to increase self-awareness and a sense of pride in women. The activation that began in Sangamukh Village, Bangladesh is slowly now becoming a movement.

Commenting on the activation, Tista Sen, Regional Creative Director, Wunderman Thompson South Asia, said, “Your name is the most important thing you own and what creates you. Your sense of self, your self- worth begins with how the world addresses you. To weave your name onto your sari is to acknowledge who you are as a human first. And that’s what women need to feel.”

Chandni Kapur, V.P. & Snr. CD and Ashish Pathak, V.P. & Snr. CD, Wunderman Thompson, India, added, “To not be called by your name but get referred to as someone’s wife or daughter or sister can be quite corroding for self-confidence. The power of this idea was to rightfully give women back their name, their sense of self-worth.”