Empowering Female STEM Graduates 
On Wednesday, October 17, 2024, SheSTEM hosted an inspiring Role Model Talk at North South University (NSU). The event, part of the broader SheSTEM initiative, was organised by the NSU IEEE Student Branch and featured a panel of accomplished industry professionals who shared insights on navigating careers in STEM industries.
The session began with opening remarks by Md. Afzal Hossain Sarwar, Policy Analyst at a2i, who presented an eye-opening overview of female participation in STEM education in Bangladesh. He shared key statistics, noting that only 21% of STEM students in Bangladesh are female, and this number drops further to just 14% when these women enter the workforce. Sarwar emphasised the need for systemic change and encouraged young women to break barriers and pursue careers in STEM fields.
From left to right: Salma Sultana, Mobile App Developer, BD Jobs Ltd; Md. Moynul Haque Bhuiyan, Deputy Secretary, Human Resource Development Branch, ICT Division; Sadia Ferdous Samindra, Data Analyst, Optimizely; Dr. Fariah Mahzabeen, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, North South University.
Following the presentation, the role model talk then commenced, featuring:
- Salma Sultana, Mobile App Developer, BD Jobs Ltd.
- Sadia Ferdous Samindra, Data Analyst, Optimizely.
They were joined by Md. Moynul Haque Bhuiyan, Deputy Secretary of the Human Resource Development Branch at the ICT Division, who provided valuable insights into hiring practices for fresh graduates in the tech industry. The session was moderated by Dr. Fariah Mahzabeen, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NSU.
Salma Sultana spoke about the importance of confidence and resilience in overcoming gender biases, while Sadia Ferdous Samindra highlighted the need for students to proactively build their skills, engage in personal projects, and reach out to mentors. Both speakers encouraged students to utilise platforms like LinkedIn to expand their professional networks. The summary of the key insights from the discussion were:
- Confidence and Resilience: Salma Sultana stressed the importance of staying confident and resilient in the face of challenges, especially in a male-dominated field like technology.
- Proactive Career Building: Sadia Ferdous Samindra advised students to take a hands-on approach to career development, encouraging them to work on personal projects, develop strong communication skills, and seek out mentorship.
- Skill Development: Both speakers emphasised the importance of building both technical and soft skills, with a focus on continuous learning to remain competitive in the evolving job market.
- Utilising Available Resources: The speakers also encouraged students to leverage the wealth of resources available online, such as courses, workshops, and networking events, to enhance their employability.
Following the fireside chat, Zulkarin Jahangir, Research Specialist at a2i, delivered a brief talk discussing key takeaways from the event and the role of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving industry like STEM. He urged students to remain adaptable and curious, emphasising that learning does not stop with graduation.
Mushfiqua Zaman Satiar, Senior Policy Advisor, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
in Bangladesh
In the closing session, Mushfiqua Zaman Satiar, Senior Policy Advisor, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, delivered a compelling and engaging speech. She warmly connected with the students, discussing the mission behind SheSTEM and the importance of empowering women in technology and STEM fields. In addition, she applauded the role model speakers for their valuable insights and practical advice, acknowledging their contribution to inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
The closing remarks also featured speeches by Omar Farhan Khan, Senior Business Consultant and Project Manager at LightCastle Partners, and Md Sahariar Hasan, National Consultant at a2i and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, who both emphasised the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to drive change and support female participation in STEM.
