DHAKA,  – 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.