A roundtable on "Use of ICT in Empowering Women in Today’s World" was held at BASIS Conference Hall in the Capital on Saturday (July 16).  

Samira Zuberi Himika Senior Vice President & Convener, BASIS women's forum, presided over the roundtable. The four segmented sessions were moderated by BASIS women forum members Rezwana Khan and Achia Neela. 

The discussion focused on the current activities of the BASIS women's forum, cyber security and cybercrime, girls in ICT and their possible careers in ICT, women's participation in decision-making positions, and sharing the success of women in IT to inspire others in IT.

Ms. Amena Begum, DIG (Protection & Protocol), Special Branch Bangladesh Police, Barrister Nazmus Salihin, Advocate, Bangladesh Supreme Court Salihin & Associates, Dr. Mekhala Sarkar Psychiatrist, Associate Professor (Psychiatry) National Institute of Mental Health, Ms. Kaniz Fatema CEO bdOSN, Prof. Dr. Nova Ahmed, PHD Director BWIT, Ms. Shaila Rahman Deputy Director, Head of Shared Services, People & Organization Grameenphone, Ms. Jannatul Ferdaus Manager, Business Development CLASSTUNE, Mr. Vashkar Bhattacharjee Consultant of A2I, Sharmina Islam, News Coordinator of Banglanews24.com and Ms. Naznin Nahar, Editor & Publisher, Techworld BD, was present at the session as a discussant.

Sharing the activities of the BASIS women’s forum, Samira Zuberi Himika said, “There is enormous potential for women in ICT, but women's participation in IT is not remarkable. So we need to empower and encourage women in IT, and that needs to be started from school. Besides, we need to pay attention to the cyber security issue. “We need more women in top management of technology teams in MNCs and private sectors”. Of course, women also need to be more skilled and trained to excel in their profession. Social mindsets also need to be changed for women. 

On the other hand, “We must make sure that women in the workforce have equal access to facilities and opportunities”. The BASIS Women's Forum is eager to collaborate with governments, organizations, and other stakeholders to adapt, modify, and enhance women's empowerment in ICT in conjunction with choices made at the policy level.

Nazneen Kamal, Senior member, BASIS women's forum, Rasell T Ahmed, President, BASIS, Sabila Enun, member, BASIS women's forum, and Rajonno Mughha, member secretary, BASIS women's forum also attended the session.

BDST: 1724 HRS, JULY 17, 2022
MSK/SMS