Tasnim Azim

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Interviews with women scientists

Tasnim Azim

Tasnim Azim, MBBS, PhD
Scientist
Head, HIV/AIDS Programme and Virology
Laboratory Sciences Division

“It’s such exciting work. Working in a laboratory is getting at the heart of the problem – finding the real solutions – while working in the field is working for the people.”

Dr Azim completed her medical degree at Dhaka Medical College, in the first intake where more than half of the students were female. Although realising she didn’t enjoy clinical medicine, she found a real passion for pathology-based subjects. Laboratory research piqued her interest and she took the opportunity of her husband’s move to London to accompany him and begin her career there. She spent five years working in a laboratory while completing her PhD studies in immunology and virology from the University of London, enjoying the work, the many inspiring female colleagues and the local environment.

In 1988, upon her return to Dhaka, she joined ICDDR,B as a National Officer in the Immunology Laboratory. Even then, the Centre already had a stable of successful female scientists, with at least three or four of international acclaim. Since then she has made the move to the Virology Laboratory, of which she is currently the head, and well as providing a leading role at the Centre as Head of the HIV/AIDS Programme.

What was your inspiration to become a scientist?

It’s such exciting work. Working in a clinical setting can be depressing because there is so much less you can do to improve a situation but working in a laboratory is getting at the heart of the problem – finding the real solutions. The laboratory provides more opportunity to address the real cause of the problem, while working in the field provides more opportunity for working with people.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career development?

Balancing motherhood and a career.

What is the biggest challenge facing Bangladeshi scientists today?

Funding, and being, or proving, that you’re relevant. Justifying that you can do certain sciences in a developing country.

What does it mean to you to be a woman?

Many things. The lack of day-to-day freedom. The notion that being a woman always has to stand for something – you have to be a good mother, a good wife, a good daughter, a good cook, a good homemaker. Everything (including success) is always attributed to being a woman. Being a woman means you are subjected to many unrealistic notions or ideals promoted in advertising.

It’s also great to be a woman today. There are so many challenges but also so many opportunities at the moment, which is very exciting.

Name one woman who has inspired you?

My sister.

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

The inheritance & family laws.

How can we end violence towards women?

We need to work with women first. Changing the inheritance/family laws where men get custody of children after a separation will be empowering.

What are 3 words to describe the modern Bangladeshi woman?

The garment workers in Bangladesh are very modern, meaning they aren’t conforming to traditional roles: they don’t wear sharis, they walk alone in the streets and they earn their own income.

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

It’s very difficult to name a single person. I also have a lot of respect for the many women’s rights activists.

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

To strive for the best. And don’t rely on gender.

What is the next step in your career?

A holiday when I retire will be nice...