Gender Lens reflects my passion for creating a world where gender equality is not just an ideal but a reality. My journey in this field has been shaped by years of working directly with organizations dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women globally, including impactful missions with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. These roles allowed me to contribute to impactful programs that tackled pressing issues such as gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and equitable representation of women in leadership.
Through my work, I’ve been deeply involved in implementing initiatives to uplift women and dismantle systemic barriers. From developing programs for women and girls in underserved regions and crisis and refugee contexts to driving campaigns advocating for women’s rights and policy reform, I have been at the forefront of efforts to foster lasting change. Working within diverse cultural and social contexts, I gained a profound understanding of the complexities of gender issues and the need for tailored approaches to address them.
During my career, I have also worked extensively in refugee crises across the Middle East and South Asia, addressing the unique challenges faced by displaced women and girls. Additionally, I have contributed to advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, focusing on UNSCR 1325 and supporting the implementation of National Action Plans in various countries to ensure women's meaningful participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Whether it was promoting the voices of displaced women through strategic communications or leading advocacy campaigns to ensure their stories were heard and acted upon, I sought to create opportunities for empowerment amidst adversity.
I also contributed to the world’s largest program to end gender-based violence, the Spotlight Initiative, in the Pacific Islands, promoting the voices of marginalized groups and leading advocacy campaigns to foster peace and inclusion in communities divided by historical tensions.
These experiences gave me the tools and determination to take action. I witnessed firsthand the resilience and strength of women who overcame adversity to transform their lives and communities. Their stories, coupled with the challenges they faced, inspired me to create Gender Lens, a platform that combines powerful messaging with fashion to raise awareness, spark conversations, and empower individuals to take a stand for equality.
Gender Lens is more than just a business to me; it’s a mission rooted in my professional journey and personal commitment to advocating for gender justice.
Each design carries a message that reflects the values I’ve worked tirelessly to promote—equality, inclusivity, and respect. Through this initiative, I aim to continue amplifying voices, fostering dialogue, and contributing to a global movement for change.
This is my way of extending the impact of my work, giving women and girls a means to wear their beliefs proudly and support a cause that matters. Together, we can build a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.
Let’s make a statement that sparks change.
Founder's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmudul-karim