US launches STEM education initiatives for women, girls

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DHAKA, March 9, 2021 (BSS) – The US embassy here today launched a Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education initiative for Bangladesh’s
women and girls.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller inaugurated the “Strengthening
U.S.-Bangladesh Sustainable Relationship by Developing Student-centered STEM
Education” project at BRAC Inn in the capital.

While inaugurating the project, Miller recognised the contributions of
women to different sectors in Bangladesh and across the world, highlighting
the importance of encouraging and supporting women and girls to pursue
education and careers in STEM fields.

The two year-long project funded by the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section
will encourage female participation in STEM fields through targeted outreach
to university-age students, nationwide STEM competitions, and teacher
training for STEM educators.

Job fairs and career counseling focusing on opportunities in the technology
sector will provide young women ages 18-25 with mentorship and resources
needed to launch successful careers.

Nationwide STEM competitions will engage young women and girls especially
from ethnic minority communities.

Under the project, over 800 female STEM instructors across all eight
divisions will receive training on how to mentor women, girls, and other
minority community members about STEM careers.

Former president of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Prof Shamsher Ali, ECS
executive director Kazi Nasrin Siddiqa and an America entrepreneur based in
Botswana Michelle Adelman also spoke on the occasion.