The US Embassy in Dhaka and local NGO Education & Cultural Society (ECS) on Tuesday launched a new project aimed at encouraging Bangladeshi women and girls to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers.
The two year-long initiative, launched to celebrate 2021 International Women’s Day and Bangladesh’s golden jubilee, includes STEM competitions and training for over 800 STEM instructors across the country.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller joined distinguished Bangladeshi scientists and STEM educators, and students, to inaugurate the Embassy-funded “Strengthening U.S.-Bangladesh Sustainable Relationship by Developing Student-centered STEM Education” project at BRAC Inn.
Ambassador Miller recognised the contributions of women in different sectors in Bangladesh and around the world, highlighting the importance of encouraging and supporting women and girls to pursue education and careers in STEM fields.
The two year-long project funded by the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section will encourage female participation in STEM fields through targeted outreach to university-age students, nationwide STEM competitions, and teacher training for STEM educators, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.
Job fairs and career counseling focusing on opportunities in the technology sector will provide young women (ages 18-25) with mentorship and resources needed to launch successful careers.
Nationwide STEM competitions will engage young women and girls especially from ethnic minority communities in Bangladesh.
Over 800 female STEM instructors across all eight divisions will receive training to help teach more effectively and on how to mentor women, girls, and other minority community members about STEM careers.
The “Strengthening U.S.-Bangladesh Sustainable Relationship by Developing Student-centered STEM Education” project is one of U.S. Embassy Dhaka’s initiatives to strengthen and expand people-to-people ties and educational linkages between the United States and Bangladesh.
It engaged marginalised communities, ensure gender parity, and provide women and girls with opportunities to contribute to creating sustainable and inclusive economic prosperity in Bangladesh and a free and open Indo-Pacific region.