ICT skill makes women self-reliant: State minister

State Minister for Education Shamsun Nahar Begum on Wednesday said that the women of the country will be economically self-reliant by achieving proper skills in information communication and technology (ICT).

She made the remarks while addressing a seminar, titled “Empowering Girls with ICT Skills and Employment: Challenges and Opportunities”, at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of Dhaka University (DU).

The programme was organised by the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Centre for Gender and Development Studies of DU.

Dhaka University Pro VC (Academic) Prof Sitesh Chandra Bachar presided over the programme. Dr Monzur Hossain, research director of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, presented the keynote and Dr Tania Haque, director of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Centre for Gender and Development Studies, delivered a welcome speech.

“At present, there are huge employment possibilities in the country’s ICT sector. If our women can utilise this properly, huge economic and social development will happen and women’s empowerment will be ensured,” Shamsun Nahar said.

She also said that women are now earning money through freelancing while staying at home thanks to different initiatives taken at the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Prof Sitesh said that participation of women is increasing in all sectors, including ICT, education, industry and business. “So, we should work to ensure a better environment at the women’s workplace.”