↑ zareena bano
@theleapbd
tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am a Visual Artist and freelance Creative Arts Practitioner with over 20 years of experience. My work fuses South Asian traditions with contemporary expression, using mixed media to create vibrant, intricate, and thought-provoking pieces. I’m passionate about sustainability and I transform discarded materials into eco-friendly artworks, blending creativity with environmental responsibility.
I’m deeply engaged in community arts and deliver workshops and collaborative projects that inspire self-expression and well-being. My work is a bridge between tradition and modernity, culture and innovation, making a lasting impact on audiences.
what qualities do you most admire in other women?
I admire resilience, kindness, and the courage to be unapologetically themselves. Women who lift others up, push boundaries, and keep going even when things are tough inspire me every day.
how does your art or creative process help amplify the voices of under-represented women?
My work is about telling stories that often go unheard. Through my art, I highlight the experiences, struggles, and strengths of women who don’t always get a platform. Whether it’s through themes, materials, or the subjects I focus on, I aim to make sure these voices are seen, felt, and remembered.
Creativity has a way of reaching people beyond words. I try to create work that sparks conversations, challenges perceptions, and makes people stop and think. If my art can help someone feel recognised or valued, then it’s doing its job.
how do you collaborate with other community groups to support women's rights through cultural initiatives?
I believe in the power of community and often work with groups that share the same values. Whether it’s exhibitions, workshops, or public art projects, I collaborate with organisations that support women’s rights to bring these messages into shared spaces.
Art can connect people in ways activism alone sometimes can’t. By partnering with cultural and grassroots groups, we can create projects that inspire change, educate, and celebrate the strength of women in our communities.
what challenges have you faced in promoting gender equality and how have you addressed them??
One challenge is that conversations about gender equality aren’t always welcomed. Some people see it as a divisive issue rather than a necessary one. I try to navigate this by focusing on storytelling—showing lived experiences rather than just stating the problem.
Another challenge is ensuring visibility for women, especially in male-dominated creative spaces. I push back by making space—curating exhibitions, mentoring, and championing other women artists. It’s about using whatever platform I have to uplift others.
