Shamima Akhter

Home

Who We Are

Gender Issues

Women Scientists & Researchers Forum

Interviews with women scientists

Shamima Akhter

Shamima Akhter
Research Investigator
Health Systems and Economics Unit
HSID

“Women are in particular need of a stronger mindset and a greater voice in the workplace.”

Dr Shamima Akhter is a young scientist working in the Health Systems and Infectious Diseases division at ICDDR,B. Completing her medical degree from Rajshahi Medical College, after then she obtained an MSc in Health Economics from Dhaka University. She joined ICDDR,B in 1993 as a poverty and health research fellow in Public Health Sciences division, and is now working as a research scientist on several projects including studies on pneumococcal disease, tuberculosis, kala azar, and willingness-to-pay for zinc.

What was your inspiration to become a scientist?

Since my higher secondary education, I wanted to do something innovative in scientific research but my family circumstances resulted in my studying for a medical degree. Later on, I found a balance between my desire and family’s interests in public health research.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career development?

There are fewer opportunities in Bangladesh, for both furthering your education and your career. Quite often it is difficult to balance between income generation and professional development, and social barriers sometimes make the situation worse for women. For example, lack of part time job opportunities, social conditions for women to join evening courses, family support to continue education for career development etc.

What is the biggest challenge facing Bangladeshi scientists today?

I can only speak from the viewpoint of a young scientist, I have noticed some differentials according to age and gender. There is lack of mentoring for young fellows. Young scientists and female scientists tend to conform to socio-cultural norms whereby they are less likely to voice their concerns or articulate their needs, even in case of injustice. This often leads to a situation of taking advantage, sometimes extend to intellectual misuse. Women are in particular need of a stronger mindset and a greater voice in the workplace.

What does it mean to you to be a woman?

Being a woman is a great thing. I really enjoy being a daughter. I am lucky to have good parents (who although not overly educated, are very supportive of my ambitions). I also enjoy being a sister and aunt.

Name one woman who has inspired you?

My mother. She is so intelligent and so caring. She is also a decision maker in the family by herself, and without her support, I couldn’t have learnt to stand up for myself and to achieve what I have.

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

I’d like to empower women but not in the way some activists are proposing; but from inside. Strengthen women by improving education, insight about life and social status. This will lead to improved decision-making ability (which is difficult to achieve but most important condition to acquire women empowerment).

How can we end violence towards women?

I’m not really sure. It’s a difficult problem to solve; I have thought about and have been unable to find an appropriate solution. Existing institutional help only gives legal support that most of the time leads to family dissolution. This is not always the most appropriate solution for the woman, especially for her children. Many of these affected women in our country are not self-dependent, and are least able to support themselves and their children. We need to find out alternative ways for solution but I’m not yet sure what that is. The solution virtually depends upon the partner’s realisation.

What are 3 words to describe the modern Bangladeshi woman?

The modern woman I dreamt should be educated, having self-dignity, and having a voice to raise issues of human rights.

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

Unfortunately most good role models in our country are politically involved. Geeti Ara Shafia Chowdhury (Caretaker Government advisor) provides a good example of leadership.

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

Get proper education in the field of interest and according to the ability you have. Then work very hard.

What is the next step in your career?

My goal in life is to be an independent woman and to be a very good scientist. I want to work and contribute to Bangladesh, not elsewhere. The next step in my professional development is a PhD in Health Economics.