By Women In Digital
Last Modified : Tuesday, 25th of January 2022

Dr. Lafifa Jamal

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Dr. Lafifa Jamal is currently working as a Professor of the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Dhaka. She is the former Chairperson of the same department. Previously, she was a faculty member of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Dhaka. At present, she is the President of Bangladesh Women in Technology (BWIT), Vice President of Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN), Director of Bangladesh Flying Labs and Member of the International Robot Olympiad Central Committee.


Dr. Jamal is a Senior Member of IEEE. She received PhD Degree on Reversible Logic Synthesis from University of Dhaka. Actively involved with research, Dr. Jamal has around fifty research publications in reputed international journals and conferences. One of her papers got the best paper award in an international conference. She attended various seminars, conferences and workshops internationally. She delivered invited talks in South Korea, USA, China, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.












Currently, Dr. Jamal is the Membership Development Coordinator of IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) Bangladesh Chapter, Advisor of IEEE RAS University of Dhaka Student Branch Chapter and Moderator of Dhaka University Science Society. She is the founder advisor of IEEE University of Dhaka Women in Engineering Student Branch Affinity Group. She has been elected to the Senate of Dhaka University and has also been an elected member of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) several times. She is the former Treasurer of Bangladesh Computer Society (BCS),








She was the Women in Engineering Chair of 7th IEEE International Symposium on Smart Electronic Systems (iSES 2021, India), Technical Program Committee Chair of 2nd International Conference on Innovation in Engineering and Technology (ICIET 2019, Bangladesh), Regional Program Chair of The 6th International Conference on Robotics, Informatics, and Intelligence Control Technology (RIIT 2018, Thailand); Member of the International Advisory Board of 6th International Conference on Mechatronics (ICOM 2017, Malaysia) and General Co-Chair of 1st International Conference on Innovation in Engineering and Technology (ICIET 2018, Bangladesh).

In 2019, she participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) which was arranged by the U.S. Government. 50 Women STEM leaders from 50 different countries participated in this multi-regional project titled “#HiddenNoMore: Empowering International Women Leaders in STEM”. Under her dynamic leadership, Bangladesh got the very first Gold Medal in the 20th International Robot Olympiad 2018 which was held in Manila, Philippines. She was the convener of the National Girls Programming Contest 2015 which played a significant role to raise the awareness of computer programming in female students of Bangladesh.

Questions & Answers with Dr. Lafifa Jamal

What is your specific area of STEM?

My specific area of STEM is Computer Science and Engineering.


When did you first become interested in tech and was there a moment where you knew you were going to be a (computer programmer/ Professor / Network engineer/ etc)?

I had a passion for math and science from my very childhood. From a very early age, I started to quench my thirst for knowledge by reading books. With no internet to surf, we had a library at our home where my imagination grew, and my curious nature was nourished. I was very fortunate to have access to computers during my HSC. At that time, very few people had computer access. I used to go through different computer related books in a library of Narayanganj named Sudhijan Pathagar. My interest to computer science grew that time and I desired to pursue my study in Computer Science.


How would you explain your STEM field to young girls?

It is a well-known and widely lamented fact that men outnumber women in a number of fields in STEM. Our society provides explicit and implicit messages starting in early childhood that boys are better at math and science. I would like to say our young girls that they have same talent as boys, there is no difference in our brain. I would like to strongly urge all the young girls to embrace technology and pursue their career in technology.


What traits might a child possess that may indicate an interest or aptitude for your STEM field?

I think curiosity, creativity and supporting surroundings are very much necessary for a child irrespective of the field.



Why did you choose your STEM field? Were you inspired by someone?

I had a passion for math and science from my very childhood. I am very much grateful to my family that they always encouraged my passion towards math and science. I used to play with different science and block-based kits in my very childhood. My uncle used to buy different brain teaser books and puzzles for me. My supporting family encouraged me a lot.


What is the biggest challenge you face as a woman in STEM?

Actually both men and women will always face challenges in their career, regardless of whether they work in STEM-related fields or in different field. I am very lucky to have family support all through my life to pursue my career which really helps me to face the challenges in my working environment. STEM career is a male-dominated field. Women always need to prove themselves, beyond what is required.


Do you still see sexism and discrimination in the workplace?

Yes, there are still sexism and discrimination in the workplace. However, the situation is improving. Women need to be more assertive in their work environment.


What is Lafifa’s life like in 2025?

I would like be an inspirational role model for young girls dreaming of a career in STEM. I would like to see a large community of STEM sisters around me.


What inspirational message would you give young girls to inspire them to pursue STEM?

Eleanor Roosevelt said “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”. Have faith and believe inn yourself. You are more powerful than you know.