SARIC Rising Tide

shameema sultana 50 “In spite of those numbers, the office went out of their way to accommodate women. I’m very lucky to be here - we are a government organisation with minimum gender discrimination. Many other organisations are not as progressive. My boss once asked me what I wanted of this role and was pleasantly surprised when I said I am serious about the job, so I want to try everything properly. Please mentor me and wait and see; I will try my best and will not disappoint!” It’s a promise she has kept and a trust she has strengthened. Nominated for the SAR100 course, Shameema found herself appreciating the training she received. Thinking back on the program’s sense of connection and partnership, she adds, “the last module on leadership was interactive and I think it encouraged every woman who attended.“ SAR100 brought us together as a network and I am even working on going back to college for my Master’s degree as a direct result. Reflecting on the legacy she’d like to leave for her daughter, she focuses on raising her to be a good human being. “But, I want her to know too the role that her mother has played in developing Bangladesh’s infrastructure. We are working hard to achieve the 7th goal of SDG: Affordable and Clean Energy. Our aim is to have universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services by 2030 and I hope someday my daughter will continue to help move our country forward.” 51 Shameema engages with the SAR100 program degrees of confidence