Women's tech empowerment remains priority amid budget constraints: ICT Division secretary

The government remains committed to advancing women's participation in technology, even with a cautious and cost-conscious approach to the 2025-2026 budget, said Shish Haider Chowdhury, secretary of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division, yesterday.

"Despite being cautious and cost-conscious in preparing the 2025-2026 budget, the government is committed to continuing projects that enhance women's tech skills, boost their economic participation, and promote their development and empowerment," he said while addressing a seminar titled "Women in Technology" organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) in Motijheel, Dhaka.

Shish Haider noted that 21 projects focused on women's development are currently underway under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology, aimed at equipping women with ICT-based knowledge and skills, according to a press release.

Praising FBCCI for hosting the seminar, he stressed the importance of women's participation in technology in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and called for greater collaboration between the ICT Division and FBCCI in areas like innovation, research, and development.

Speaking as a special guest, Nurun Nahar Chowdhury, additional secretary (development) at the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, highlighted the social challenges many women face. "Women often face barriers within their households and communities. To involve them in the digital transformation, we must change our mindset," she said.

A business delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by Selwa Al-Hazzaa, CEO of the health-tech service provider SDM, also participated in the seminar.

Selwa shared her experience in leveraging technology for healthcare and women's empowerment in Saudi Arabia and announced upcoming plans to launch health-related tech services in Bangladesh.

FBCCI Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman, who presided over the seminar, noted the importance of improving women's tech skills for global competitiveness.

"With the rise of the digital economy, more women are joining the workforce and taking on challenging roles. To stay competitive globally, Bangladeshi women need to improve their tech skills and build strong international communication and networks," he said in his welcome speech.

In her keynote address, Rubaba Dowla, country managing director (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan) of Oracle, called for stronger public-private partnerships to provide tech training, foster innovation, and support women's entrepreneurship.

She also advocated for more investment in women-centric development initiatives.

Other speakers included Mahreen Nasir, director of Mir Telecom; Sumaiya Tabassum Ahmed, head of sustainability at PRAN-RFL Group; Sadia Haque, CEO of ShareTrip.com; and Md Aminul Islam, assistant professor at Bangladesh University of Health Sciences.

Zakir Hossain Nayon, president of the Bangladesh CNG Machineries Importers Association, concluded the seminar by thanking the attendees for their contributions to the discussion.