In Bangladesh, the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields is a significant challenge, with only 14% female participation in such roles. This gap not only reflects gender disparities in education and the workforce but also impacts the country’s potential for inclusive economic development. The SheSTEM Programme; supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and in collaboration with Aspire to Innovate-a2i, 10 Minute School, DevLearn Consulting, LightCastle Partners, and Policy Exchange Bangladesh; aims to address this issue by fostering skills, engagement, and inclusion in STEM careers among university students.
To commemorate the official launch of the Business Case Report, the SheSTEM Programme hosted a Business Case Launch Event on May 8th, 2024, held at the city hotel. Light Castle Partners CEO Bijan Islam gave a welcome speech at the She-STEM Business Case Lunch in collaboration with the Netherlands government. A2I Project Director Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan and Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Erna van Durein were present as special guests.
While speaking as the chief guest, State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak announced the introduction of special quota for women in every initiative in information technology sector.
This event marked the inaugural presentation of the report, which encapsulated a compelling value proposition targeting stakeholders on the critical significance of investing in women in STEM. Collated through insights from government bodies, private enterprises, educational institutions, and female STEM students, the report sought to shed light on the hurdles faced by female STEM professionals in Bangladesh while proposing strategic solutions to surmount these challenges.
Furthermore, the event featured an insightful panel discussion titled How Private and Public Organizations, Universities, and Development Partners Can Help Strengthen Female STEM Participation. The objective of this discussion was multifaceted: to pinpoint challenges and opportunities, explore collaborative strategies, advocate for policy and cultural reform, mobilize support and commitment, and delineate actionable steps to inspire, educate, and empower women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM.
The panel comprised esteemed representatives from various sectors, including government entities, academia, research institutions, private corporations, and development partners. Distinguished panelists included Saila Farzana, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration (MOPA); Md. Ashim Rahman, Policy Advisor, Business Development, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Raisul Kabir, Founder & CEO, BrainStation23; Farhana Hossain Shammu, Grameenphone Academy Lead, Grameenphone; Dr. Mahmuda Naznin, Professor of Computer Science & Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET); and Afia Siddika Raisa, Civil Engineering Student, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
The Business Case Launch Event comprised a captivating keynote presentation, an engaging panel discussion, and interactive sessions, fostering ample opportunities for participants to actively engage and contribute to the dialogue.
Among others, Mushfiqua Zaman Satiar, Senior Policy Advisor, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, CEO (Additional Secretary) Agency to Innovate & Project Director, Aspire to Innovate-a2i, ICT Division; and Md Shamsul Arefin, Secretary, ICT Division were present at the session.