Role of female physicists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh and their career challenges and opportunities Open Access

The status of Bangladeshi women in physics in terms of enrollment, academia, and research remains the same as was previously reported [1]. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all academic institutions in the country have been closed since March 2020. Online classes have been held; however, lab classes have not been possible. Other important issues, such as financial support for students who had been supporting themselves through home tutoring, were addressed by female physicists through the Annesha Science Society. Most funds come from donations, mainly from teachers, scientists, and other philanthropists. Along with financial support, female physicists are regularly providing mental support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to keep the students mentally strong during pandemic conditions. Female physicists have been active in holding Zoom meetings featuring doctors and scientists, participating virtually from home and abroad, discussing COVID-19 issues and remedies. In addition, female physicists participated as invited speakers at home and abroad virtually in international events. Furthermore, they continued their research work by analyzing previously acquired data, advancing new theoretical modelling and simulation, and organizing online meetings and discussions among group members and collaborators, which has led to many publications in internationally reputable journals. The challenges faced by female physicists in Bangladesh are mainly family commitments, lack of funds, and discrimination. Opportunities for female physicists are less than those available to their male counterparts for various reasons, including social attitudes. Data are presented for postgraduate students who were in physics and building their careers prior to the onset of the pandemic.