Dhaka: Bangladesh Permanent Representative (PR) to the UN Ambassador Masud Bin Momen has advocated for creating more opportunities for girls and women in science.

He was addressing the first panel discussion titled ‘Assessment of Investment in Women and Girls for Inclusive Green Growth’ marking the International Day for Women and Girls in Science in New York on Monday, reports the UNB.

The UN Member States, NGOs and civil society together with UN system celebrated the Day, said the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the UN on Tuesday.

Ambassador Masud highlighted how Bangladesh, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has become a role model in women empowerment.

‘With our high school enrollment ratio in particular for girls, we’re making steady progress over the past decade in increasing the share of girls and women participation in scientific field,’ he said adding that women have achieved near parity in college education, and in some cases outmatched their male peers, for example in medicine and life sciences.

The Ambassador, however, said there is still gender inequality in research domains. ‘To overcome this inequality, our updated National Science and Technology Policy ensures application of science, technology and innovation (ST&I) for achieving sustainable economic growth with due attention to employment generation, gender equity and environmental sustainability’.’

He also outlined some of the obstacles and limitations that hinder women and girls in taking up more prominent role in science and research.

Through a consensus resolution on December 22, 2015, the General Assembly proclaimed February 11 of each year as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Since 2016, every year, the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) led by Princess Nisreen El-Hashemite works with Member States and other entities in holding a forum to commemorate this event.

Last year, Bangladesh joined 23 Member States to sign an outcome document titled ‘Equality and Parity in Science for Peace and Development’ at the third International Day of Women and Girls in Science.