US Embassy in Dhaka and local NGO Education & Cultural Society (ECS) launched a new project aimed at encouraging Bangladeshi women and girls to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.
To celebrate 2021 International Women’s Day and Bangladesh’s golden jubilee, they inaugurated the two year-long initiative which includes STEM competitions and training for over 800 instructors across the country.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller, along with Bangladeshi scientists and STEM educators, students, launched the project titled “Strengthening US-Bangladesh Sustainable Relationship by Developing Student-centered STEM Education” at BRAC Inn on Tuesday.
Ambassador Miller recognised the contributions of women in different sectors of Bangladesh and around the world, according to a statement.
He highlighted the importance of encouraging and supporting women and girls to pursue education and careers in STEM fields.
The initiative will encourage female participation in STEM fields through targeted outreach of university-age students, nationwide STEM competitions, and teacher training for STEM educators.
Job fairs and career counselling with focus 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 on teaching more effectively and to mentor women, girls, and other minority community members about STEM careers.
The project is one of US Embassy Dhaka’s many initiatives to strengthen and expand people-to-people ties and educational linkages between the United States and Bangladesh.
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