Bangladesh Women in Technology (BWIT) celebrated International Women's Day and at the same day introduced newly elected Executive Committee of this organisetion's at a local hotel in Gulshan on March 6.
State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak was chief guest on the occasion. Deputy Education Minister Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel was the special guest. The representative of the US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brian Seeler, BASIS President Russell T Ahmed. World Bank Digital Development Specialist Suparna Rayake and Vice President BASIS Samira Zuberi Himika were present as discussants.
Newly elected president of BWIT Rezwana Khan gave a welcome speech on behalf of the newly elected committee. In her speech, she said, "We have dedicated this International Women's Day programme to our founding president, the legendary Luna Shamsuddoha, who was a Bangladeshi tech entrepreneur.
Bangladesh Women in Technology (BWIT) was established in 2010 on her own initiative to increase the participation of women in information technology. And until the last day, she worked as a mentor to increase the involvement of girls in technology, empowering them and moving them forward."
"Women's participation in technology must be increased and equal participation in innovation and technological change must begin at a young age. Technology initiatives and innovation should be encouraged. We will work on these matters with importance," she added.
Rumesa Hossain, vice president of the newly elected committee, moderated the second phase.
State Minister of ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak has expressed hope that the ratio of women to men in the country's economy will be equal by 2031. He also said that the ICT department is always women-friendly and to increase the participation of women in information technology, the government is currently starting to train 35 thousand women through the "Her Power" project.
In addition, to remove discriminatory thoughts from the curriculum, lessons such as domestic education are being removed and the process of including women in science education in other professions is underway, said Deputy Minister of Education Muhibul Hasan Naufel. At the same time, he urged the banks to give easy loans to women.
In his speech, Brian Seeler said that people's interest in information technology in Bangladesh is positive and a large number of Bangladeshi students are studying in America. The potential will have to be exploited and we will support BWIT in training and other activities in this regard.
In his speech, Russell T Ahmed said, "Our girls are attentive and diligent in their work. By developing their skills, they have made their own place which is a matter of pride for us. We are positive of any assistance in moving them forward."
Also participating in the discussion were BASIS Senior Vice-President Samira Zuberi Himika, and World Bank Digital Development Specialist Suparna Roy.
