In the rapidly evolving ICT sector, women’s participation remains significantly low, especially in countries like Bangladesh. Despite the sector's growth, the underrepresentation of women in ICT is a critical issue, hindering the progress of societies aiming for full digitalization.

The #missingdaughter initiative by Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN) addresses this imbalance. It focuses on creating opportunities, providing education, and fostering an environment where young women can thrive in ICT. The mission is clear, to close the gender gap by inspiring and empowering the next generation of female tech leaders.

Historically, women like Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper were pioneers in computer science. But the industry became male dominated, pushing women to the periphery. In Bangladesh, cultural norms, societal expectations, and a lack of encouragement have contributed to the low number of women in ICT. A 2017 BdOSN study showed that only 13% of female ICT graduates pursued careers in the industry, reflecting a disconnect between education and employment.

The #missingdaughter initiative was born to tackle these challenges by creating a supportive ecosystem for girls to learn and grow in technology. Starting with workshops and seminars, the initiative quickly expanded to include a wide range of programs, from national coding contests to IT office visits. The overwhelming response demonstrated a strong desire among young women to engage with technology, revealing their untapped potential. 

Below this initiative we have multiple programs:-

The Luna Shamsuddoha All Girls Programming Contest stands as a hallmark event organized annually by the Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN). This prestigious contest, named in honor of Luna Shamsuddoha—a pioneering figure in Bangladesh's technology sector and an emblematic role model for women—aims to create a competitive yet nurturing environment where young women can excel in the field of programming. Each year, this contest draws participants from across the nation, offering them a platform to demonstrate their coding prowess and problem-solving acumen. The challenges presented are meticulously crafted and moderated by an all-female team of problem setters, ensuring that the problems not only reflect real-world scenarios but also push the boundaries of creativity and technical expertise. The Luna Shamsuddoha All Girls Programming Contest is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of female talent in technology. By engaging female participants, problem setters, and coordinators, BdOSN reaffirms its commitment to fostering gender diversity in ICT and inspiring the next generation of female tech leaders.

The Ada Lovelace National Girls’ Programming Contest (NGPC) is one of the premier annual events organized by the Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN), dedicated to female high school to university students across Bangladesh. Since its inception in 2015, the contest has aimed to foster a competitive environment that nurtures young women’s skills in programming and problem-solving. In 2021, the contest was renamed to honor Ada Lovelace, a pioneering figure in computing, reflecting its commitment to celebrating and promoting women in technology. The NGPC follows the rigorous standards of the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC), featuring a team-based, onsite format. Each team comprises three female students, who work together to tackle complex algorithmic challenges. The contest serves as a significant platform for female students to demonstrate their programming abilities and gain recognition for their talents. By focusing exclusively on female participants, the NGPC addresses the gender disparity in STEM fields, providing an empowering space for girls to excel and develop confidence in their skills. The event has seen growing participation each year, becoming a highlight in the academic calendar for many institutions.

The Bd Girls’ Coding Contest, a six-month project funded by the Educational Charitable Humanitarian Organization (ECHO-USA) and organized by Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN) and ECHO-BD, was launched in November 2021 with the goal of introducing high school girls to computer programming and preparing them for national and international contests. The initiative commenced with week-long online programming courses and one-day coding camps at schools. Despite many students beginning with no prior programming knowledge, the program effectively ignited their interest in technology. The project's vision was to engage high school girls in programming to enhance their problem-solving skills and increase women's participation in technology. By fostering a strong foundation in tech, Bd Girls’ Coding aimed to boost female presence in the industry. Following the project's conclusion, BdOSN has continued these activities independently, sustaining the initiative and its impact on empowering young women in technology.

The Ada Lovelace Celebration is a prominent event in Bangladesh dedicated to honoring and empowering women in technology, named in tribute to Ada Lovelace, the pioneer of computer programming. This celebration aims to bring together a diverse group of women from across the country, including female students, industry experts, service holders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.This event offers an array of activities designed to advance women’s engagement in technology and related fields. These activities include seminars, conferences, policy dialogues, keynote speeches, datathons, job fairs, scholarships, and workshops, all aimed at enhancing the skills and career prospects of female participants. The event also features programming contests, poster contests, and a platform for new women entrepreneurs to pitch their ventures.