Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the need for global efforts to change the mindset of people to give more women and girls the opportunity to excel in science. At the same time, he urged women to act as agents for their own change.
It is unfortunate, she said, that women represent only 12% of scientists and 30% of researchers worldwide. We must work to remove barriers in the mindset and learning environment so that more women and girls can excel in science.
In a video statement at the 8th Women’s and Girls’ Day Science Assembly held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Saturday, the head of the government called on women and girls to act as agents of change.
She said, women and girls engaged in science and technology should remember that they are not alone. The steps they take will help open more doors for their sisters around the world.
She said, we are giving priority to the leadership of women and girls in every field in Bangladesh.
‘Our women are doing very well in research and higher education. Scholarships are being given to girls for research in all fields including agriculture, industry, health, science, industry, information technology’ added the Prime Minister.
She said that, to encourage girls, her government has established 5,275 digital centers across the country from which one girl and one boy entrepreneur are providing 200 types of services.
Describing the steps taken by her government, she said, to ensure easy access for Bangladeshi boys and girls, they have established several science and technology universities across the country.
The Prime Minister said the hi-tech parks have created an inclusive environment where boys as well as girls can thrive.
‘We want to see our women and girls fulfilling their potential for innovation and creativity in science’, she said.
We must remove barriers to access opportunities that exist for them in developed and developing countries. We want our girls to have the full opportunity to build a smart, knowledge-based society.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was started in 2015 as per the resolution adopted by the United Nations. The goal was to close the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields by celebrating the contributions and achievements of women in science.
She added, “Today we celebrate the achievements of women and girls who are making significant contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
