In a world where gender equality is increasingly at the forefront of social change, one initiative is making a significant impact, helping young girls in coastal areas find their voices and paths to success. On October 12, 2023, an inspiring event took place at Shaheed Kamel Model High School, Tala, Satkhira under the STEM & ICT Skills for the Girls of Coastal Area (SISGCA) project, funded by the Malala Fund in association with Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN).
The SISGCA project has set ambitious objectives to address critical issues facing girls in coastal areas. It aims to reduce the disparity in digital device use, enhance problem-solving skills, reinforce foundational science concepts, and instill a passion for Science and Technology. The ultimate goal is to create a positive attitude towards these subjects and prepare students for the future workplace.
The resource person of the session was Chanda Mahbub, also known as Khaleda Rockshana Mahbub, who is a focused professional in the development area, focusing on human rights, good governance, and gender equality, both at the social and institutional levels. With skills in research and monitoring, she has performed over fifteen social research projects on diverse issues, including gender, child rights, education, mental health, and disability, partnering with government and non-government entities. Chhanda has been actively involved in courses and seminars on gender, development, and women's human rights locally and abroad. Beyond her development work, she is a Member-Owner of Ujan Prakashana, a Dhaka-based publication house. She serves as an executive member of the Space Foundation, an organization committed to tackling gender and sexuality issues. Furthermore, Chhanda is interested in literature translation, with five translated novels released so far, mainly focusing on children's literature. She won a Translation Grant from the Literature Translation Institute in South Korea for translating Korean poetry and short tales. She encouraged students to share experiences and concerns in a safe and open environment, setting the tone for an impactful and insightful discussion on gender issues.
It began with a warm welcome from Mahbub Ul Islam Khan, the Project Coordinator for SISGCA. Throughout the session, Chanda Mahbub delved into various facets of gender, highlighting gender inequality, the division of labor between men and women, and the paramount importance of gender equality. Her message was clear and resonant: awareness is the key to eradicating gender discrimination. She emphasized the significance of creating a level playing field where both sexes have the same opportunities to develop their skills and talents. This is not just about achieving gender equality; it's about tapping into every individual's potential, regardless of gender.
As we reflect on this incredible event, it's a reminder of the vital role that discussions and initiatives like the Gender Awareness Session play in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Education and inspiration for young minds are instrumental in bringing us closer to a world where true gender equality is not just a dream but a tangible reality.
Every step counts in the journey to equality, and the Gender Awareness Session at Shaheed Kamel Model High School marks an inspiring milestone in that journey. Let's remember its lessons and continue to work towards a world where gender equality is an aspiration and a lived reality. Throughout the seminar, 83 Female students actively participated in this awareness session.