Despite significant improvements in workforce participation, women’s presence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in Bangladesh remains disproportionately low. According to World Bank data, only 21% of women in Bangladesh work in STEM, compared to 43% in India, 41% in Sri Lanka, and 37% in Indonesia. In contrast, women make up 42% of the overall workforce in Bangladesh, a rate higher than India (24%) and Pakistan (25%).
Experts are calling for increased efforts to inspire, educate, and empower young women to pursue STEM careers, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 4 (Quality Education). They stress the importance of fostering collaboration between academia, private organizations, and government policies to build an inclusive business model that connects universities, students, and the STEM sector.
The need for relevant research and evidence is highlighted, with industry experts pushing for the promotion of local and international programs aimed at increasing women’s participation in STEM. Additionally, data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that employment in STEM fields is expected to increase by 4% by 2029, underscoring the importance of bridging the gender gap in these sectors.
Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI), Sangita Ahmed, emphasized the importance of women acquiring skills in engineering and technology to become entrepreneurs and create job opportunities for other women, boosting the economy and advancing SDGs. She called for breaking free from traditional societal norms and for the state to play a key role in integrating women into the mainstream economy.
A recent event identified key challenges contributing to the underrepresentation of women in STEM, including outdated curricula, insufficient research facilities, limited university-industry connections, and social stigma. Jurriaan Middelhoff, ambassador for Youth, Education & Work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, added that a lack of role models and inadequate gender-inclusive policies further hinder women’s participation in STEM careers.
Sayeed Al Noman, founder and vice chairman of East Delta University, noted that many girls interested in STEM are discouraged due to a lack of confidence in their ability to succeed. The absence of female role models in the field exacerbates this issue.
