Dhaka, Dec 7, 2023 (BSS) - The British Council has organised a symposium on 'Women in STEM in Bangladesh' to emphasise a pressing issue of recent time, the importance of women's meaningful participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Findings from the round table discussions-consisting of panel discussions and a round table- will shape future research and guide next year's activities for UK alumni in STEM, said a press release.

British Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director, Matt Cannell, said, "It was great to see and hear from such talented professionals today at the 'Symposium on Women in STEM in Bangladesh'.
 
"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", he said, adding, "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."

The speakers for the panel discussion consisted of Member of University Grants Commission Professor Haseena Khan, DU Science faculty dean Professor Md. Abdus Samad, and Board Member, WildTeam board member also Assistant Professor of DU Zoology Dr Alifa Bintha Haque.

Adrian Chadwick, South Asian Regional Director of British Council, in his welcome remarks said, "The gender gap in STEM is a shared global challenge and we are focusing on three key stages of women's careers: access, progression, and leadership".
 
"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", he 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", Adrian furthered.
 
Anika Ali, President of Imperial College London Alumni Association of Bangladesh, Managing Director, TechStar Satcom, Chairperson, Techno Green-Carbon Limited, and Dr Mustak ibn Ayub, Assistant Professor, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka moderated the symposium.

 Academicians, educators, and ministry representatives were present at the event.

 According to the World Bank's Bangladesh Country Gender Assessment 2021, women comprise only 14% of all STEM professionals in Bangladesh, said a press release, adding, "According to ILO (International Labour Organisation), 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 percent of female students enroll in STEM in public institutions, and 45 per cent enroll 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.