The gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is a “shared global challenge” and thus, the British Council focuses on three key stages of women's careers – access, progression, and leadership.
Adrian Chadwick, regional director for South Asia, British Council, commented this while talking at the “Women in STEM” symposium in Dhaka.
The British Council organized the event on Tuesday to press the importance of women's meaningful participation in STEM.
According to the World Bank's Bangladesh Country Gender Assessment 2021, women comprise only 14% of all STEM professionals in Bangladesh.
According to ILO (International Labour Organization), over the next two decades, women's jobs that don't require STEM skills will be put at risk.
Additionally, even though females are doing better than males in both primary and secondary levels, fewer girls are enrolling in STEM at the tertiary level.
According to research, only 38% of female students enrol in STEM in public institutions, and 45% enrol in STEM in private institutions.
As Bangladesh becomes ready to confront an array of complex challenges — from economic stagnation to climate change to global health epidemics to rising inequality — the role of STEM has become instrumental in the technology-driven world.
There is a direct correlation between the development of a country and its practice of science and technology. And the participation of women in STEM occupations is crucial.
“Access is one of the most critical factors for underrepresentation and since 2018, we have supported 100 women across South Asia to take master’s degrees in STEM at UK universities,” Adrian Chadwick said.
“On progression, we are working in partnership with South Asian governments and universities to establish policies for professional development of women in STEM at all levels, providing opportunities to advance in their careers; and on leadership, we have focused on researching the key barriers and supporting women empowerment, particularly of 100 young female leaders across South Asia that are breaking barriers in their own fields."
British Deputy High Commissioner Matt Cannell said that the UK’s new White Paper makes clear that science and technology has a major role in tackling development.
“We know that women play a vital role in our tech-driven world, and we need full representation in order to build an equitable, sustainable future for all. The UK is delighted to be working with the Government of Bangladesh to develop inclusive policies that can empower women and girls to fulfil their potential. Let's bridge the gap and create a future where gender is no barrier to success.”