Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged the world to adopt the right policies and institutions to encourage young women to pursue a career in science and technology. She said that more women and girls in science are needed for a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. She made these remarks in a video statement that was played at the 9th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

PM Hasina Highlights the Achievements of Women Scientists in Bangladesh

The prime minister said that she is personally committed to advancing the work of women scientists in Bangladesh through recognition and incentives. She said that the government is digitally empowering thousands of women and girls across the country, and offering them dedicated training to help them grow as IT freelancers. She also said that the government is expanding technical and vocational education for women to help them prepare for the future of work, and making it mandatory for all high school graduates to get an education in science and ICT.

She said that the participation of women in science education has improved significantly in recent years due to the government’s concerted efforts. She said that in public universities of Bangladesh, about 40 percent of total students are female, while in private universities, their percentage is 30. She also said that the government ensures that women get preference in the research and innovation grants that it offers. She said that the young girls of Bangladesh need to be prepared to realise the vision of a ‘Smart Bangladesh’.

She also highlighted the achievements of some of the prominent women scientists in Bangladesh, such as Dr. Firdausi Qadri, who won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2020 for her research on infectious diseases, and Dr. Samia Subrina, who won the OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award in 2019 for her research on nanomaterials.

PM Hasina Stresses the Importance of Women in Science for Global Development

The prime minister said that the world needs more women and girls in science for a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. She said that women in science are essential for addressing the global challenges of climate change, poverty, health, and education. She said that women in science can also contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is based on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

She said that it is important that women in science are promoted to leadership positions, and that their voices are heard and respected. She also said that it is important that young women are inspired and motivated to choose a career in science and technology, and that they are provided with the right policies and institutions for their education and empowerment.

She said that the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women and girls in science, and to raise awareness and action for their inclusion and participation. She said that she will always remain devoted to women’s and girls’ education in science and technology, and that she hopes to see more women and girls in science in Bangladesh and the world.