Australia Awards South and West Asia

This International Women’s Day, we spotlight Bangladeshi alumnae Farida Yeasmin and Sharmin Akther. Their journeys to shape a better future for generations to come stand as a testament to the unwavering strength of mothers who prove that dreams never stop, no matter how many roles they juggle.

Farida, a Senior Assistant Secretary in the Government of Bangladesh’s Power Division, is contributing to her country’s transition to green energy. Through her work in policy formulation, energy efficiency and sustainability, she actively contributes to initiatives shaping a more sustainable future for Bangladesh.

Growing up in a rural village, Farida witnessed the challenges of educational inequality firsthand. Determined to make a difference, she pursued a career in the Bangladesh Civil Service, aligning her aspirations with national priorities and global sustainability goals. Her commitment to sustainable development led her to pursue a Master of Sustainability at the University of Sydney in 2023 with the support of an Australia Awards Scholarship. The degree equipped her with the expertise to contribute meaningfully to discussion, formulation and implementation of policy in Bangladesh.

Farida participating in a specialised technical training on power grid analysis and exchange at the University of Queensland in Australia in February 2025.

“The Australia Awards Scholarship provided the opportunity I needed,” she says. “Its family-friendly policies and strong support network allowed me to balance academic and family responsibilities.”

However, achieving the balance between motherhood and academia was still no easy feat. “There were sleepless nights and moments of self-doubt, but I never lost sight of my goals,” she says. Her six-year-old daughter remained Farida’s greatest source of strength, constantly reminding her of the purpose behind her sacrifices. She also acknowledges the unwavering support of her spouse, who, despite professional commitments in Bangladesh, played a crucial role in keeping her motivated.

Farida’s resilience and dedication were recognised when she was named in the 2023 Dean’s List for Academic Performance at the University of Sydney and received the Academic Excellence Award from the Australian High Commission in Bangladesh in 2024.

Farida receiving the Academic Excellence Award from former Acting High Commissioner, Nardia Simpson, at the Australia High Commission in Bangladesh. 

“One of my proudest moments was receiving my certificate with my daughter by my side—a powerful reminder of the determination and perseverance that defined my journey,” Farida says.

As part of her experience in Australia, Farida had the opportunity to contribute to Open Analysis to Address Slavery in Supply Chains, a research project led by the University of Sydney’s Integrated Sustainability Analysis group and the Sydney Institute for Astronomy. This work strengthens global efforts to combat modern slavery and uphold human rights. The project received the Innovation Award at the 2023 Anti-Slavery Australia Freedom Awards, in recognition of its groundbreaking approach to addressing slavery in supply chains. Exposure to such cutting-edge research and global best practices has enhanced Farida’s ability to engage with policy initiatives and contribute to Bangladesh’s sustainability efforts.

Professionally, Farida’s Australia Awards experience broadened her perspective and equipped her with advanced knowledge, tools and insights that she now applies to her work in the Power Division. Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination and the power of a strong support system.

Sharmin embarked on her own transformative journey as an Australia Awards scholar in 2022. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Chittagong, her passion for empowering underprivileged women entrepreneurs led her to pursue higher education in Australia.

Having researched women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh for years, Sharmin sought to support such women to be more successful. Studying entrepreneurship and innovation in Australia provided invaluable insights and expanded her network. The Scholarship enabled her to complete a Master of Management (Advanced) at the Australian National University (ANU) and connect with some international women entrepreneurs who have inspired her work in Bangladesh.

The first year was particularly challenging as she balanced childcare, her studies and her professional responsibilities. Maintaining a Distinction-level performance was demanding, but the support from Australia Awards—including the strong scholar community—helped her stay on track.

Her family, especially her mother, husband and children, were her biggest supporters. In Canberra, a network of international students provided additional support, allowing her to focus on her studies.

Sharmin achieved a High Distinction for her thesis on women immigrant entrepreneurs in Australia and graduated with a Distinction in her degree. She presented at the Australia Awards 2024 Scholars Symposium in Canberra and published research in two journals on entrepreneurship that are ranked in the top 25% of journals on that subject.

Sharmin presenting at the 2024 Scholars Forum in Canberra.

Sharmin took an active role in campus life, including serving as president of the ANU Bangladesh Student Association (which won the Best Small Club award). “Additionally, I coordinated events for the ANU Muslim Students Association and represented postgraduates in the College of Business and Economics,” she says. Her contributions to the community also included volunteering at Vinnies on Campus and earning a nomination for VolunteeringACT’s ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award. For her commendable volunteering role, ANU provided the ANU+ Award, which formally recognises students’ personal development and contribution achieved through volunteering.

“The Australia Awards Scholarship transformed my life, broadening my horizons and strengthening my role as a mentor for young women entrepreneurs at the University of Chittagong. My journey exemplifies what is possible with the right support and serves as an inspiration for women striving to balance education, family and careers,” Sharmin says.

Today, Sharmin celebrates the resilience of women worldwide and the support she received from her family, mentors and community. She is committed to advocating for women’s empowerment and hopes her work will inspire future generations to break barriers and make their voices heard.

Sharmin pictured with other scholars from Bangladesh in Canberra.

Farida and Sharmin’s journeys highlight the transformative impact of education and a strong support system in enabling women to achieve their goals. They embody the resilience of women across the world and the opportunities that empower them to make a difference.

“Women balancing multiple roles should believe in their potential, embrace challenges and stay committed to their aspirations,” Farida says. Sharmin echoes this sentiment, and says, “I hope my journey inspires other women to pursue their dreams fearlessly.”

On International Women’s Day, their stories serve as a beacon of hope, proving that with determination, support and education, women can overcome obstacles and drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.