‘Bihan’ explores the everyday barriers shaping women’s leadership choices, aspirations

“Bihan” (The Beginning), a new fiction film produced by Oxfam in Bangladesh under its Rise and Lead initiative, brings the quiet, everyday barriers to women’s leadership to the screen.

Directed by Hemanta Sadeeq and starring Dilruba Hossain Doyel and Nishat Priom, the film follows two working women, Shiuli and Rakhi, as they navigate expectations around behaviour, care, confidence and power.

Oxfam says the protagonists’ journeys explore how social conditioning, workplace realities, family responsibilities and self-doubt can shape women’s choices, and what happens when they begin to find their own voice.

The film focuses on the often-unseen friction that keeps women from stepping into leadership, rather than portraying empowerment through grand speeches or dramatic transformations.

The film uses naturalistic performances and familiar middle-class urban settings to tell a story of gradual change, while mirrors and reflections throughout the film act as symbols of self-discovery.

Sadeeq said, “The power of Bihan lies in its focus on every day, subtle friction, because that is precisely where the real barriers to leadership exist.

“I believe authentic leadership doesn't always demand an extraordinary catalyst; often, it begins with the quiet realisation of one's own voice."

As Shiuli and Rakhi confront both the barriers around them and the doubts within, their journeys point to a simple idea: leadership can begin with recognising one's own agency and finding the courage to act on it.

Doyel said, "What attracted me to the story is how recognisable these women are. They are capable and responsible, yet they are constantly negotiating expectations at work, at home and within themselves.

“Bihan is about that moment when a woman begins to see her own strength differently. I encourage everyone to watch the film.”

Oxfam said “Bihan” is the latest public-facing element of its ‘Rise and Lead’ initiative, which seeks to advance women’s leadership by tackling barriers at the individual, community, workplace and structural levels.

Oxfam in Bangladesh Programme Director Mahmuda Sultana said, “We need systems that recognise women's capabilities, redistribute care responsibilities, create fair opportunities and, most importantly, are prepared to share decision-making power.”

Developed under the supervision of Md Sariful Islam and written by Shawon Koiri, the film also features Bappy Ashraf, Nazmul Hasan, Aadnan Chowdhury, Prionmoyi Prio, and Sayan Rahman.

BoxOffice produced the film, with cinematography by Sahil Rony and Hridoy Sarkar.

Bihan will be released on Oxfam in Bangladesh's social media platforms on Aug 14 at 8pm. Dhaka Tribune is the media partner.