State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and IT Zunaid Ahmed Palak on Wednesday said the government’s Vision 2041 mainly focusing on transforming Bangladesh into a 'Smart Bangladesh.' This vision is not just about economic growth but about fostering a smart society and smart economy where every citizen, especially women, plays a vital role.
“It is important for us to remember that half of the total population is women, so if women lag behind in this sector, the country will never be fully developed in the age of technology”, Palak added.
He was addressing the launching ceremony of a study titled ‘SheSTEM Business Case’ at a hotel in the capital as the chief guest.
Kingdom of the Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Irma Van Dueren as a special guest.
State Minister hoped that the SheSTEM initiative will serve as a roadmap for our universities, industry leaders, and policymakers to foster an environment conducive to the success of women in STEM.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, by the country's top five organizations: Lightcastle Partners, 10 Minute School, a2i, Policy Exchange Bangladesh, and DevLearn.
On behalf of SheSTEM, a survey was conducted among 700 students, faculty members and alumni from January to March this year (2024).
According to the study, there may be 3.7% rise regarding job facility for graduates from other disciplines in 2019-29. But women’s representation in STEM professions is less worldwide though there is a possibility for them.
There are 28% women graduates in engineering and 22% in artificial intelligence. Despite expansion in technology sector worldwide, women portion in this sector is less than one-third percent. In case of Bangladesh, this rate is less than 1.5%.
The Netherlands Ambassador hoped that it will create the scope and environment, where girls and women will pursue their careers in STEM field and contribute equally to create the SMART Bangladesh.
Meenara Khondker, Business Consultant, LightCastle Partners, moderated the event.
Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, Additional Secretary & Project Director of a2i, ICT Division; Ashim Rahman, Business Development Advisor of Netherlands Embassy in Dhaka; Dr. Mahmuda Naznin, Professor of Computer Science and Technology of BUET; Masrur Reaz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Policy Exchange Bangladesh; Farhana Hossain Shammu, Academy Lead of Grameenphone; Bijon Islam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LightCastle Partners; Ameera Fairooz, business consultant of LightCastle Partners, and others also spoke at the event.
