On Thursday, 22 March 2023, the AIUB Women Forum organized a panel discussion titled “Your Story Matters” to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023 in the AIUB Auditorium. The theme of IWD 2023 is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,” as set by the United Nations with a hashtag #EmbraceEquity. The panelists of the discussion were:

Ms. Nadia Anwar, Founder, Member, Board of Trustees, AIUB

Ms. Dana L. Olds, Chief of Party, Democracy International

Ms. Lesley Richards, Deputy Chief of Party, Democracy International

Ms. Maliha Meherin Bushra, AIUB Alumni and Executive Assistant, IVD, WHO

Mr. Manzur H Khan, Proctor, and Director, Office of Student Affairs (OSA)

Ms. Dana L. Olds shared her thoughts on worldwide women empowerment and capacity building. Ms. Lesley Richards spoke on women in politics and the role of Democracy International in this regard. Both of them briefly informed the audience about various inclusive initiatives taken by Democracy International.

Ms. Nadia Anwar, Founder, Member, Board of Trustees, AIUB highlighted how important a woman’s mental well-being is, particularly when she goes through various phases of life and stress. Everyone resonated with her and agreed to recognize the need for mental health services and break the stigma about it. She also mentioned the services that AIUB offers for students, faculty members, and officials. She urged everyone to come forward and encourage others to avail these opportunities.

Ms. Maliha Meherin Bushra, AIUB Alumni, who is working as an Executive Assistant, IVD at the World Health Organization (WHO) spoke about her experience as a student and also a professional on this matter. She pointed out that respecting everyone as a human being is the best way to deal with this issue.

Mr. Manzur H Khan emphasized the fact that it is the individual mindset where everything starts, and ensuring the exact value of work, regardless of men or women, is the way to achieve true equity.

Initially, Prof. Dr. Farheen Hassan, Associate Dean, Faculty of Business Administration, delivered the welcome address and at the end, Prof. Dr. Siddique Hossain, Dean, Faculty of Engineering delivered the vote of thanks.