Upturn Co-founder, CEO Anwar Ali Announces Support for the Pink Ribbon Project

Upturn is proud to announce its support for the Henna Foundation’s Pink Ribbon Project – which is currently raising awareness of breast cancer in Bangladesh.

Our Chief Executive Anwar Ali OBE said: “This initiative is close to our hearts because it aims to raise awareness and promote early detection of breast cancer in underserved communities building on the work we do in the UK.

Did you know that breast cancer accounts for 19% of all female cancer cases in Bangladesh, with around 13,000 new diagnoses each year? Early detection is crucial to saving lives.

In a world with so many inequalities, especially where women suffer whether at home or abroad, sharing knowledge and spreading the word is vital in saving lives. Unlike the UK, where we often take the NHS for granted, Bangladesh lacks an integrated health system, and healthcare which is often at the bottom of people’s priorities due to lack of finance and stigma around illnesses, especially in women.”

The Pink Ribbon Project – Bangladesh 2025 is designed to educate, support, and sustain long-term awareness in rural areas by implementing:

• Interactive educational workshops to increase awareness of breast cancer symptoms
• Self-examination training to help women identify early warning signs
• Mammogram screenings as part of a pilot programme for early detection
• Training for local healthcare workers to ensure ongoing community support and sustainability.

Anwar Ali continued: “In our visit so far in Bangladesh, we have provided awareness to over 2,500 women in both Dhaka and now in Sylhet, reaching deep into the heart of the community. This journey has been about more than just education; it has been about breaking down barriers, forming friendships, and show-casing the power of sharing knowledge that saves lives.

At Upturn, we support a whole range of initiatives, but health injustices are particularly close to our hearts. We are actively involved in women’s health programmes, supporting menopause awareness, and breaking down taboos so women can speak openly, whether in the workplace or at home. We also address period poverty, which should not exist, but unfortunately, many women suffer in silence due to financial constraints. And of course, breast cancer – if detected early, it can be treated, but the message still isn’t getting across.”

Muzahid Khan, Upturn's Social Enterprise Business Coach, who is also part of the team supporting this trip, commented, "This trip has been quite emotional, seeing the amount of unnecessary suffering among the women. But more importantly, I believe this awareness will go on to save lives. We are already looking to develop the programme with partners to spread the word both at home and abroad."

Anwar Ali concluded:  "We are honoured to support the Pink Ribbon Project – Bangladesh 2025. This initiative aligns with our commitment to community health and empowerment. By raising awareness and providing essential resources, we hope to make a significant impact on the lives of women in rural communities. The connections we've made and the stories we've heard reinforce the importance of this mission."

Pictured left to right, are Muzahid Khan and Anwar Ali.