Challenges and Opportunities for Young Female Learners in STEM from the Perspective of Bangladesh

Abstract

This work presents an overview of the participation of young female learners in the STEM field in Bangladesh. The female stakeholder percentage in STEM fields in Bangladesh is one of the lowest in South Asia. The gender disparity in this sector is visible from early on in the educational journey of K-12 students. Mathematics Olympiad, a major nationwide celebrated competition in STEM, shows gender disparity, particularly during puberty of young female students. This qualitative study on Math Olympiad participants, parents and mentors, statistical analysis of performance over the years, the intervention of government and private entities, and supporting qualitative analysis on women in computing in Bangladesh shows the ongoing challenges and presents the opportunities for female STEM enthusiasts in the coming days.