Women in Bangladesh lag behind in engineering, tech jobs

Despite notable growth in Bangladesh's information technology sector, women's participation in STEM-related professions remains much lower than men's, experts highlighted at a recent event.

In Bangladesh, women's representation in STEM is only 21%, according to US-based Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) data, which highlights significant gender and workplace inequality — issues that experts view as major obstacles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and meeting future challenges. 

Experts shared this viewpoint at the event "Role Model Talk and Panel Discussion" held at East Delta University in Chattogram.

The event was organised by Policy Exchange Bangladesh, LightCastle Partners, the international business consultancy firm A2i, Ten Minutes School, and the UK-based consultancy firm DevLearn, under the SheSTEM Consortium, according to a press release issued today (1 March).

The discussion focused on four key challenges contributing to women's underrepresentation in STEM: lack of latest curriculum, inadequate research facilities, limited connectivity between the university-industry sector, and gender-biased social stigma.

Additionally, several other issues were highlighted during the discussion, including the absence of role models for women who have pursued STEM careers in the country, the lack of gender-inclusive recruitment policies in most organisations (or poor implementation of existing policies), and concerns about inadequate facilities and safety for women in the workplace.

Jurriaan Middelhoff, ambassador for Youth, Education & Work at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Thijs Woudstra, deputy head of Mission at the Netherlands Embassy in Bangladesh, attended the session.

Key figures from East Delta University, students and industry experts from various sectors actively participated in the event.

The event also highlighted that women in Bangladesh have made significant progress in the workforce, comprising 42% of the total workforce, compared to 24% in India and 25% in Pakistan.

However, the presence of women in STEM in Bangladesh remains disproportionately low. According to 2019 data from the World Bank, only 21% of women are represented in STEM fields in Bangladesh, compared to 43% in India, 41% in Sri Lanka, and 37% in Indonesia. 

Bridging this gap is crucial to fully leveraging the country's talent potential, as well as ensuring women's empowerment and fostering inclusive economic growth.

According to BLS data for 2019-2029, employment in the four key areas of STEM is expected to increase by 4% by 2029 compared to other professions.

The discussion highlighted that nearly half of the girls interested in STEM fields are deterred from pursuing careers in these areas, as they do not believe they can develop into scientists or industry leaders. The absence of role models in the field exacerbates this lack of confidence.

SheSTEM is a multi-year initiative that creates opportunities for women in science and engineering careers, equips them with essential skills, and advocates for inclusive workplaces and specialised skill development for female university students.

This project not only encourages women's interest in STEM but, more importantly, supports their growth, development, and progress.