The theme of International Women’s Day 2023 is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,” as set by the United Nations with a hashtag #EmbraceEquity

American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) Women Forum recently organized a panel discussion titled “Your Story Matters” to commemorate International Women's Day (IWD) 2023 in the Campus.

The panel discussion was held on Thursday (March 22), said a press release issued on March 28. 

The theme of IWD 2023 is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,” as set by the United Nations with a hashtag #EmbraceEquity.  

Nadia Anwar, Founder Member, Board of Trustees of AIUB, Dana L Olds, Chief of Party of Democracy International, Lesley Richards, Deputy Chief of Party of Democracy International, Maliha Meherin Bushra, an AIUB Alumni and Executive Assistant of IVD, WHO, and Manzur H Khan, Proctor and Director of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) were present as panelists. 

Dana L Olds shared her thoughts on worldwide women empowerment and capacity building. 

Lesley Richards spoke on women in politics and the role of Democracy International in this regard. 

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. 

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 a professional on this matter. 

She pointed out that respecting everyone as a human being is the best way to deal with this issue. 

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. 

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