Australia Awards South and West Asia

This International Women’s Day, Australia Awards – Bangladesh spotlights two extraordinary alumnae: Tahsina Binte Islam, a transport engineer in the public sector, and Fatematuz Zohara, a dedicated public sector professional—women who prove that ambition doesn’t pause for motherhood.

Their journeys reflect remarkable resilience, academic brilliance and unwavering commitment to public service. In line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls’, their stories show how determination, opportunity and support can empower women to lead, excel and shape the future of Bangladesh.

Fatematuz Zohara, known as Fatema, completed a Master of Economic and Public Policy in 2024 at the University of Queensland, where she earned a place on the Dean’s Roll and received a Dean’s Commendation for her academic excellence. She also received the 2024 Australia Awards–University of Queensland High Achiever Award, recognising her outstanding academic performance. She won the Three Minute Research Proposal Competition in the Public Choice category, preparation for which further strengthened her ability to communicate complex policy ideas with clarity and confidence.

Fatema receiving the Academic Excellence Award from the Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ms Susan Ryle (right).

Her studies spanned economic analysis, public finance and evidence-based policy evaluation. Outside the classroom, she contributed actively to the 2024 Australia Awards Climate Resilient Agriculture thematic event, volunteered in community initiatives and promoted cultural exchange as the Cultural Secretary of the University of Queensland Bangladesh Association, creating a welcoming community for Bangladeshi students in Australia.

Managing the requirements of her academic journey alongside the demands of parenting a young daughter was one of her biggest challenges. With her husband also studying with the support of Australia Awards, mutual support became essential.

Fatema (third from right) presenting a group poster with other scholars as the 2024 Australia Awards Climate Resilient Agriculture thematic event.

“Balancing studies and motherhood was challenging, but the support of my family and the Australia Awards community helped me stay focused and resilient,” Fatema says.

Fatema recalls prioritisation, emotional resilience and teamwork as the pillars of her success. Watching her daughter adapt and thrive in an Australian school reinforced her belief in the power of education to transform families and future generations.

After completing her studies, Fatema resumed her role as a Deputy Director (Senior Assistant Secretary) at the Bangladesh Public Service Commission, where she applies evidence-based analysis and global best practices to improve recruitment processes, advance transparency and strengthen institutional reforms vital for good governance.

Fatema attending an International Women’s Day event at the University of Queensland.

“The Australia Awards experience empowered me not only to grow professionally, but to inspire my family and serve my country with greater purpose,” says Fatema.

Tahsina Binte Islam completed a two-year dual master’s degree at the University of Technology Sydney, graduating with a Master of Civil Engineering and a Master of Engineering Management, earning a High Distinction weighted average mark of 90.64%, a place on the Dean’s List in both 2024 and 2025, and the Australia Awards Academic Excellence Award—a reflection of her exceptional determination and hard work.

Tahsina receiving the Academic Excellence Award from the Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ms Susan Ryle (right).

Her academic journey included exposure to major Australian infrastructure projects, such as the Sydney Metro Tunnel construction works, and large urban transport systems. These experiences strengthened her skills in engineering design, transport planning, project management and digital engineering tools. She also actively participated in student societies, contributing to multicultural engagement and orientation programs.

Her achievements are those of a devoted mother balancing multiple roles. Living in Australia with her husband—who is also an Australia Awards scholar—and their two school-aged children, Tahsina navigated academic demands, childcare responsibilities, adapting to new environments and family healthcare challenges.

Careful planning, prioritisation and strong family support helped her stay on track throughout her studies. “My children inspired me every day. Their achievements in school pushed me to keep striving towards my own goals,” says Tahsina.

Tahsina (left) with other scholars from Bangladesh at the 2024 Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia Scholars Symposium in Sydney.

Today, she serves as a Project Manager in the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar Highway Improvement Project (Phase I) at the Roads and Highways Department. She applies her Australian experience to improve road safety; reduce congestion through traffic-focused design; and support sustainable, large-scale transport infrastructure development across Bangladesh.

“My Australia Awards Scholarship gave me the opportunity to excel in my studies while balancing family life. Its support and inclusive policies made my journey possible,” Tahsina says.

Tahsina and Fatema’s journeys show that motherhood does not limit dreams, nor must it be a barrier to academic or professional success. They faced demanding academic programs, navigated childcare responsibilities, adapted to new environments, and still excelled—proving that with support, determination and opportunity, women can thrive in every role they take on. Such stories embody the spirit of International Women’s Day 2026 and its global call to champion women’s rights, advance justice and encourage action that empowers women to lead change.

The message of these two alumnae to women across Bangladesh is simple and powerful: Believe in your potential. Embrace challenges. Your dreams are valid—and achievable.