Daily Star- BWIT Discussion
Women's involvement in technology stressed
Participants in a discussion titled “Encouraging women to embrace technology” jointly organised by The Daily Star and Bangladesh Women in Technology (BWIT) at The Daily Star Auditorium in the city yesterday marking the International Women's Day.Photo: STAR
The country cannot move forward without assisting and encouraging women to study and become professionals in the fields of science and technology as this involvement is one of the major ways towards development, said speakers at a discussion yesterday. Though women have been playing a crucial role in national economic growth, they still find difficulties in building a career in the field of technology due to social stereotype towards them, they said. Parents should give their daughters the opportunity and support to study subjects that interest them, as young girls can achieve anything if given the opportunity, they added. The discussion titled “Encouraging women to embrace technology” was jointly organised by The Daily Star and Bangladesh Women in Technology (BWIT) at The Daily Star Auditorium in the city marking International Women's Day. Women entrepreneurs, corporate executives, computer science professionals, and students and teachers of different schools, colleges and universities participated in the discussion. Speakers said the country's future could dramatically change for the better if women are given more exposure and opportunities. Dr Suraiya Parvin, chairperson of Department of Computer Science and Technology of Dhaka University (DU), said women's advancement is facing a setback due to stereotypical notions of society. "From their childhood, girls are taught that they are not meant for tough tasks or challenging jobs. It is even said they are not good at the subjects like science, mathematics or technology," said Dr Suraiya, also vice president of BWIT. This creates a typical mindset about women and as a consequence, many girls pursuing higher education consider technological subjects as not for them, she said. "Guardians, teachers and women who moved ahead despite the challenges will have to take the lead to change the mindset," Dr Suraiya said. Prottasha, a student of the DU computer science department, said most girls could not reach higher education due to many social reasons. She suggested starting science studies from primary level so that every girl can attain that education from root level. A student of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College suggested introduction of job counselling in schools so that students can have a clear aim of their professional career. Enrolment of girls at primary and secondary levels increased and they are performing remarkably at higher education levels. But they are not pursuing their professional career which is regrettable, said BWIT President Luna Shamsuddoha. Girls are not encouraged and informed about the prospect of the subjects, she said, adding that it is necessary to assist them in taking up information technology as a career. Luna, also chairman of Dohatec New Media, said girls should be encouraged to study mathematics, science and engineering subjects to become professionally fit for the global challenge. The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam said technology envelops us and there is no question that we need to embrace technology as well as its basis, science. In a male dominated society, it is difficult to suppress a woman educated in both science and technology, he said. "Traditionally when we think of women in profession, we think of her as a teacher or as an artist. We have to break that mindset," he said. The country has many women who are economists, entrepreneurs, political analysts and linguists, but in the area of science, a huge gap remains, he added. He said, "Our lives are totally dependent on technology and in that technology, the role of women has to be enhanced. "If you devote your time and energy into science studies and as a consequence, evolve your scientific skills, you have a far better chance in evolving Bangladesh." Farhana Rahman, chairperson of UY Systems Ltd; Sonia Bashir Kabir, director of business development (South East Asia) for Microsoft; Rumesa Hossain, channel manager of Dell Bangladesh; and Emran Rahman, vice chancellor of University of Liberal Arts of Bangladesh; also spoke.
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