Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan will host the second edition of W.O.W Market (Women of Worth and Wonder) on September 19, bringing together women entrepreneurs, artisans and creators for a day focused on entrepreneurship, creativity and community impact.

The marketplace will run from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm at the ballroom on the hotel’s 25th floor.

This year’s event will feature 30 stalls representing around 40 women entrepreneurs, offering handwoven and handmade clothing, jute and coconut husk crafts, homemade food products and other handcrafted items. Participating businesses include Dmart, Box of Ornaments, AURUM Bangladesh and Bene Bou, among others.

The initiative follows the first edition, which attracted more than 600 visitors and benefited over 50 women by providing visibility, confidence and opportunities to showcase their skills.

Organisers said the market is intended to offer participating entrepreneurs more than a platform to sell products. It will allow them to meet customers directly, share the stories behind their products, build connections and increase visibility for their businesses.

Reflecting on last year’s event, Shahana Akter of Karukaj said she brought products made from jute and coconut husk from Barisal and described her first participation in the fair as a positive experience. She said buyers’ appreciation encouraged her and that opportunities of this kind could enable women entrepreneurs to contribute to the country’s economy.

Kaniz Fatema of DMART said events such as W.O.W Market help create a positive attitude towards women, adding that women given opportunities beyond their homes can make a significant contribution to the economy.

The 2026 edition will place greater emphasis on charity. Each participating entrepreneur will contribute BDT 3,000 towards their stall, with the full amount going directly to Mojar School, an initiative of Odommo Bangladesh Foundation. The entrepreneurs, meanwhile, will retain all sales proceeds generated through the market.

ActionAid and the Acid Survivors Foundation will also participate in the event, adding to its focus on women’s empowerment, inclusion and community impact.

The initiative is being organised as part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Giving for Good Month, linking the marketplace with the broader objective of giving back to the community.

Karthi VK, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan, said the initiative is based on the belief that women can turn their creativity and skills into meaningful opportunities when provided with the right platform. He said the hotel was encouraged by the response to the first edition and was pleased to return with a stronger purpose, including support for women entrepreneurs and a contribution to Mojar School through Giving for Good.

The organisers expect more than 600 visitors, including entrepreneurs, families, professionals, shoppers and members of the wider community.

Under the theme “Where Women, Creativity & Purpose Come Together,” W.O.W Market aims to create a space for women to showcase, sell, connect and grow while encouraging visitors to support women-led businesses and shop with purpose.

The initiative also reflects Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan’s continued focus on People, Purpose and Prosperity.