Breaking the Barrier

Munira Mirza Mira is from Tangail of rural Bangladesh. She was one of the fortunate girls who had a chance to complete her Bachelors with the support from her families which is not available for a majority of girls in rural Bangladesh due to traditional gender and social norms, poverty, and psychology which do not accept the fact that women and girls can thrive in IT. However, just like any other girl in Bangladesh, she lacked guidance in her career path. After her graduation, she was confused about what to do next and what steps to take further. At that time she came across Women in Digital. After being enrolled in TECH school in Women in Digital (WID) her life began to gain momentum with new insights. She enrolled herself in WID graphic designing courses. She was eager to learn and achieve something in her life.When I first started my training my family did not believe in me whether I could do anything in IT. Girls joining IT is not very common in Bangladdesh, so, I was daring to do unusual. But now after seeing my progress, they are happy. They also think that I can be a role model and inspire my younger sister, brother and my whole community. I feel happy that I am earning and also contributing to my family, says Munira. When she finished her training she was able to explore at her life differently. Munira expanded her career as well as continued her education at the same time. Now Munira is working as a Digital Marketing Officer in an education. She started working with various clients and has been completing her assignments successfully. Munira feels that her life has changed drastically since she started her training and is growing up as a confident digitally empowered professional.Munira thinks that WID helped in shaping her life process. She further adds, My experience with WID has been very rewarding. What I like about WID is its dedication for girls and women and dedicated women teachers who understand the issues of women and girls and offer support as much as they can. This provides an enabling environment for girls. I learn a lot from WID which played an important stepping stone in my career and I am grateful to WID. Achila Nila the founder and CEO of Women in Digital remember Munira as one of the success and inspiring story of her journey where she dared to dream that girls in Bangladesh can access IT education and can lead to life with dignity.

(Based on the conversation among Nila, Munira, Sabita.Sabita Gyawali supports WID efforts as a volunteer advisor)