Breaking the stereotype that women are less interested in pursuing a career in science and technology, female scientists at the Bangladesh Forest Research Institute (BFRI) in Chittagong are leading the path in research and administration with considerable success.
A total of 79 scientists are working at the institute, located in Sholoshahar, Chittagong city. The institute boasts 16 female research officers, field investigators and research assistants.
A female director now leads this 520-person research organization. The position of chief research officer is also held by a woman. Moreover, two women are heading the seed orchard and the pulp and paper divisions. The affiliated BFRI High School is also headed by a woman.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, Director Dr Shaheen Akhter said that top positions held by women in the BFRI were a testament to women’s empowerment in our society.
“There is a general misconception in our society that women are not capable of making decisions and running administration well. I think we have broken the myth and we have proven our mettle through our work. We have invented more than 50 popular technologies so far,” said the director who obtained her PhD degree in Wood Science from the UK.
“I studied chemistry and after graduating from Chittagong University I joined the BFRI in 1984.”
Dr Khurshid Akhter, the chief research officer at BFRI, thinks women are increasingly getting into professions traditionally thought to be fit for men only, and doing better.
“Women are always more sincere and more devoted to their profession compared to their male counterparts,” said Dr Akhter, who obtained her PhD in Wood Science from Jahangirnagar University.
“I had a long-cherished dream of pursuing a career in a research based profession. After graduating from Chittagong University, I joined the BFRI in 1987,” she said.
“We have all the potential to fly high if we get all necessary support from family members and colleagues,” she added.
Dr Akhter believes Bangladeshi women have come a long way and initiatives are needed to get them involved with scientific and research work on a greater scale.
Sadaf Noor, an associate professor at Chittagong University said that congenial atmosphere is needed for women to excel in science, technology and related professions.