More women participation in ICT stressed
Lack of security and discrimination are the major reasons for which women are lagging behind in ICT professions in the country, speakers said at a dialogue yesterday.
Non-cooperation and rigid mentality of male counterparts and social barriers are some of the other reasons, they added.
Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) and Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN) organised the event at BCS Innovation Centre in Dhanmondi.
Citing recent government statistics, BCS President Shahid-ul-Munir said about 25 percent of ICT students are female, but only 12 percent employees in the industry are women.
“It is unfortunate and a matter of concern,” said Shahid, adding that women’s dropout rates from jobs are also high.
Speaking as chief guest, Science and Technology Minister Yeafesh Osman said, “We cannot achieve desirable progress by keeping half of our population in the dark. We need more skilled women in the ICT sector.”
Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury said the government is planning to modify curriculum at school level so male students learn to show more respect to their female peers.
Janata Bank Chair Luna Shamsuddoha and BdOSN general secretary Munir Hasan spoke at the event among others.
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