Purpose

Women are under-represented in the tech field globally (26%); Bangladesh (BD) and the United States (US) are no different. In Bangladesh, only 2% of females have foundational information and communication technology skills (UNICEF, 2020), and only 27% of females in the US are STEM workers (Census Bureau, 2021). This gender gap in the STEM field is frustrating for the women, governments, and any person who believes in equality. “[Gender inequality] should shame us all in the 21st century because it is not only unacceptable, it is stupid”- UN Chief Antonio Guterres. Inequality starts from the classroom and then steeps into the workplace, and it has severe long term impacts on women, their households, and their countries. The recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies challenge educational institutions to respond with resources. Bangladesh is behind because of the lack of resources.

Solution 

Our solution has three important factors: 1) courses designed to promote interest in real technology applications, coding and AI, 2) mentorship programs to undo social status quo and motivate young women to pursue study and career in STEM, and 3) peer-to-peer interactions between the US and Bangladeshi students to enhance tech and cultural knowledge that goes beyond just attending classes. Our AI technology and coding courses have three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. We will also offer  a 3-day summer program.