For Bangladesh to truly be on the path to build a “Smart Bangladesh,” there remain many unexplored avenues. Among those with the highest potential is being able to get more of our youth, especially girls, interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
To that end, it is good to hear about the joint initiative taken by the Netherlands, together with support from some notable organizations in Bangladesh such as 10 Minute School, the a2i program of the Ministry of ICT, Policy Exchange Bangladesh, and DevLearn, for getting more women into STEM fields through the SheSTEM: Career Knows No Gender program.
The empowerment of women in STEM is not merely a matter of gender equality; it is a strategic imperative for our nation's advancement. Bangladesh's journey towards becoming a knowledge-based economy is intrinsically linked to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Women, constituting half of our population, hold untapped potential that, if harnessed, can fuel innovation and drive economic growth.
By encouraging more women to pursue STEM careers, we open doors to a wealth of talent that can address complex challenges facing our nation. Above all, gender diversity in STEM fields promotes inclusivity, setting the stage for a more equitable society.
While this collaborative program is a necessary step, more concerted efforts are needed to break down barriers and dispel stereotypes that hinder women's entry into STEM fields. More collaboration among industry and academia to create environments that support and nurture female talent must also be explored.
We envision Bangladesh as a tech-savvy and innovative nation in less than two decades. As such, it is essential to recognize that the journey to progress is incomplete without the active participation of women in STEM. Bangladesh must leverage the full potential of its entire populace to ensure a brighter, more inclusive future.
