Dr Ruchira Tabassum Naved

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Dr Ruchira Tabassum Naved

Dr Ruchira Tabassum Naved
Scientist
Center for Equity and Health Systems, icddr,b
68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali
Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
Email: ruchira@icddrb.org

“I am constantly humbled by the challenges experienced by so many women I come across in my life.”

Dr Ruchira Tabassum Naved is a Gender & Reproductive Health Specialist in the
Public Health Sciences Division. She researches issues of violence against women in Bangladesh, focusing on determinants, coping strategies, consequences, and planning interventions. Dr Naved also works on other gender issues such as adolescent nutrition, and in particular the relationship between early marriage, first conception and nutrition. Gaining her PhD in Economics from the People’s Friendship University (Moscow) she began her career at the International Food Policy & Research Institute, followed by positions as Research Director at Save the Children (USA), and Project Director at Population Council before joining ICDDR,B in 1999.

What was your inspiration to become a scientist?

It was not really by choice but by design. I was following in the footsteps of many of my family members who are researchers.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career development?

To be honest, I don’t focus much on career but rather on my work. I work on issues close to my heart, but as a researcher not an implementer. I am not a lobbyist or an advocate so I am constantly challenged by how to feed my results back into programs.

What is the biggest challenge facing Bangladeshi scientists today?

There are limited opportunity to work in Bangladesh. Unfortunately, this leads to many of our researchers leaving the country, which is not something I want to do.

What does it mean to you to be a woman?

I am lucky to be a woman and I enjoy being a woman. But I am constantly humbled by the challenges experienced by so many women I come across in my life.

Name one woman who has inspired you?

My mother (an activist, writer, and a researcher).

If you could change one thing for women in Bangladesh...?

To encourage them to see and dream what lies beyond their boundaries.

How can we end violence towards women?

We do not really know the answer to this question. What seems important to do at this time is to advocate against it, to educate children, men and women and to equip them to deal with conflicts without resorting to violence.

What are 3 words to describe the modern Bangladeshi woman?

Rural women are amazingly smart. They cope with many adverse situations and still find the strength to be witty and to have a great sense of humour.

Who is a good role model for young women in Bangladesh today?

Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (an activist of late 19^th to early 20^th century).

What is one lesson you would like to share with young scientists?

Don’t be a careerist: be a researcher and enjoy the work.

What is the next step in your career?

I’d like to move into the area of interventions addressing violence against women, and evaluation.