Project Overview
The "Strengthen the Asi@Connect Female Network Engineer (SAFE): A capacity development program for NREN TechGirl and Future IT Girl (Phase-2)" was a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance the capabilities and motivation of female network professionals, recent graduates, and students in the ICT/network sectors across Asia.
Project Period
March 1, 2022 - February 28, 2023
Coordinating Institution
Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Bangladesh
Beneficiary Countries
Key Activities Conducted
Awareness Seminars (SNIPFI)
10 seminars conducted across universities in Bangladesh, targeting 400 female undergraduate/graduate participants to raise awareness about IT careers and the SAFE project.
Timeline: March - May 2022
Online Webinar Courses
10 comprehensive webinar courses on computer networking delivered remotely via Zoom, covering networking devices, campus design, IP addressing, routing protocols, and network management.
Timeline: July - October 2022
Local Workshops (WNBCND)
4 two-day workshops on networking basics and campus network design held in diverse institutes across Bangladesh, training 200 female participants with hands-on experience.
Timeline: November - December 2022
International Blended Workshop (WWNCS)
3-day workshop on wireless networking and cybersecurity combining onsite participation (46 total) with virtual attendance (77 total), fostering international collaboration.
Timeline: December 23-25, 2022
Fellowship Program
25 fellowships distributed for CCNA/Fortinet/Other academic courses to selected female participants based on their performance in project activities.
Timeline: January 5-31, 2023
Key Outcomes & Achievements
Impact Areas
- Awareness Development: Successfully raised awareness about IT career pathways among female university students across Bangladesh
- Skills Enhancement: Provided foundational and advanced networking skills through virtual and physical platforms
- Certification Support: 25 fellowship awardees gained formal industry certifications enhancing their career prospects
- Community Building: Created sustainable female tech networks via WhatsApp and Facebook groups for ongoing collaboration
Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals
Future Directions & Legacy
Sustainable Engagement
The project has established lasting online forums and dedicated platforms where participants continue to collaborate, share challenges, and seek expert guidance, ensuring ongoing knowledge exchange and professional growth.
Knowledge Multiplication
Trained participants are now serving as "train-the-trainers," sharing their acquired expertise within their communities, universities, and institutions, amplifying the project's impact exponentially.
Career Pathway Development
The initiative continues to motivate female participants to pursue careers as network professionals, IT engineers, security specialists, and ICT faculty members, fostering long-term gender inclusion in the technology sector.
Expansion Potential
Based on its success, the SAFE model is positioned for replication across other NRENs within the TEIN community, with potential for additional Asi@Connect funding to extend its benefits region-wide.
Continuing the Mission
Participants have expressed strong interest in sequential activities offered annually, ensuring continuous opportunities for "Future IT Girls" to develop their technical skills and professional networks.