SDG - 5
Increased Female Enrollment in STEM Fields where they are underrepresented in Bangladesh
Daffodil International University (DIU) has achieved notable progress in increasing the number of female students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. As of 2023, female enrollment in STEM programs rose to 29%, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year. This improvement is a result of DIU’s strategic outreach initiatives and partnerships with local and national organizations aimed at promoting gender diversity in these fields. The university’s efforts align with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), striving to break gender barriers and open more opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated areas.
|
Female students got admission from underrepresented groups |
32% |
|
Mentoring and counseling received by students from underrepresented groups |
100% |
Female Students Encouraged in STEM Subjects where they are underrepresented:
|
Scheme Focus |
Initiative Details |
Photograph |
|
Encouraging Female Applications in STEM/Research |
The Department of CSE organized an event titled "Women in Research: Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Researchers" on April 12, 2025. The event featured speakers who shared their research journeys and experiences to encourage aspiring female researchers to dream bigger and aim higher. This initiative supports SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality by promoting and uplifting women in research. |
|
|
Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs |
The Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship introduced the "KnowledgeVale Accelerator," which is designed to empower entrepreneurs with the resources, tools, and network to succeed. The accelerator offers expert mentorship, co-working spaces, business training, and funding opportunities. This initiative is a vital step in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, which aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. |
|
|
Women in STEM based industry |
The DIU Girls' Computer Programming Club successfully organized an industry visit to Brain Station 23 on May 16, 2025. Students explored mobile app development, UI/UX, and career paths in AI and machine learning. This visit is an inspiring day that gives a clearer vision of the tech world beyond the classroom, which aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. |
|
|
Women in STEM Education |
The DIU Girls' Programming Club launched a workshop on "BERT for the Recognition of Mathematical Equations from Math Statements," led by Tanjim Taharat Aurpa. The workshop was designed to teach aspiring programmers and data enthusiasts how a state-of-the-art language model can be applied to identify and structure mathematical equations. This event promotes Quality Education (4) by enhancing digital literacy and analytical skills, and contributes to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (9), while also touching on the importance of Gender Equality (5) and Responsible Consumption and Production (12). |
|
|
Entrepreneurship Funding and Mentoring |
Tamasha Chakma, a student from the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is the founder of "Tamasa Closet," a business that focuses on skincare products and women's apparel, and she has successfully opened two outlets. Tamasha received funding from the department to expand her business, which serves as an inspiration for other women. This initiative highlights the university's commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs, which supports SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. |
|
|
Entrepreneurship Funding and Mentoring |
Halima Afroj Moni, a promising student from the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is the founder of "Green Heaven," a reliable brand for Korean cosmetics and health supplements. Her initiative has created employment opportunities for young people and women while raising awareness about healthy products. This initiative is a source of inspiration for new entrepreneurs, which supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. |
|
|
Career Insights and Skills Development |
The Department of English and the Office of Alumni Affairs organized two insightful sessions for students under the Employability 360 Course. Ms. Adiba Islam, an alumna from 10 Minute School, led a session on digital marketing, while Ms. Anika Nawar Eeha conducted a session on cartooning as a storytelling tool. These sessions provided valuable career insights and practical skills, supporting quality education and gender equality, in line with SDGs 4 and 5. |
|
|
Inspirational Role Models |
Kady Kanouté Tounkara, a Malian-French Olympian and global advocate for ethical and sustainable sports, visited DIU to explore opportunities and knowledge exchange. She toured campus facilities, interacted with students and faculty, and expressed interest in working with DIU's Social Business Students' Forum and other departments. Her visit brings valuable insights and inspiration to the university, which aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. |
|
|
Alumna in Global Tech Leadership |
The Department of CSE congratulated its alumna, Ms. Nusrat Jahan Prottasha, on joining Nokia Bell Labs as a GenAI Research Scientist (Intern). After completing her bachelor's degree at DIU, she pursued a master's and a PhD, and her team secured second place in the Amazon Alexa competition. Her success is a testament to the quality of education at DIU and her dedication to research, which aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. |
|
Women Access, Participation, Counseling and Mentoring Policy
DIU has implemented a comprehensive Women Access, Participation, Counseling, and Mentoring Policy to increase female enrollment and success in underrepresented subjects like engineering and information technology. This policy includes targeted outreach, mentorship programs, and resources designed to inspire and support women in pursuing careers in these fields. This initiative demonstrates DIU’s commitment to promoting gender equality and broadening academic opportunities for women in STEM, in line with SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
The following clause# 8 of the above-mentioned DIU policy covered Encouraging women to get admitted in subjects where they are underrepresented:
“8. DSA in collaboration with NGOs, educational institutions, local community will carry out outreach activities to encourage the women to get admitted in different subjects such as engineering, mathematics, journalism, real estate etc. where they are underrepresented.”
