by Staff Correspondent,  

Dhaka – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the women and girls to act themselves as the agents of change.

Hasina made the call in a video statement at the 8th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly held at the UN Headquarters, New York, the USA, on Saturday.

Portraying the frustrating scenario of women’s representation in science and research, the Prime Minister underscored the need for global efforts in changing the mindset of all to aloe more women and girls to excel in science.   

“It is unfortunate that women represent only 12 percent of scientists and 30 percent of researchers globally,” she said adding that the women and girls in science and technology must remember that they are not alone.

The steps they take would help open the door further for their sisters around the world, she said.

In Bangladesh, she said they have made it a priority to have Bangladesh’s women and girls lead in every sphere.

“Our women are doing very well in the field of research and higher education,” she said adding that scholarships are being given to girls to carry out research in agriculture, industry, health, science, art, information technology – all fields.

The government has established 5,275 digital centers across the country from where one girl and one boy entrepreneur are providing 200 types of services, she added.

She said her government has established science and technology universities nationwide to ensure easy access to those for Bangladeshi boys and girls.

The Prime Minister said the hi-tech parks have been created an inclusive environment where the girls can thrive alongside the boys.

“We want our girls to have their full share in building smart, knowledge-based societies,” she said.

The International Day of Women and Girls in science began as a resolution by the United Nations in 2015. The mission was to address the gender gap in STEM fields by celebrating the contributions and achievements of women in science.

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