In a striking stride toward a more inclusive digital future, the Asian University for Women (AUW) in Bangladesh has proudly announced a new partnership with global tech giant Cisco. This collaboration is poised to revolutionize the prospects of women in the IT sector, as Cisco will offer its esteemed Networking Academy Program to the university’s cohorts.
As we march into an increasingly digital age, the importance of IT and cybersecurity skills cannot be overstated. Recognizing this, Cisco’s initiative will deliver cutting-edge IT education and cybersecurity training to select students at AUW, priming them to enter the workforce with not just a degree, but a robust digital acumen.
The Networking Academy Program, which is Cisco’s flagship global IT and cybersecurity education venture, will provide AUW students with the opportunity to gain career-focused certifications and hands-on experience in fields such as networking, cybersecurity, digital literacy, data science, and programming. The program is slated to commence in December 2023, and will be integrated into the curriculum for all undergraduate and pre-undergraduate students.
The significance of this program extends beyond the university halls; it is a beacon of empowerment for women. The AUW, since its inception in 2008, has been at the vanguard of offering exceptional education to women from diverse and often disadvantaged backgrounds across Asia. By providing these students with highly sought-after technical skills, the AUW and Cisco are contributing to a reduction in the gender gap within the IT industry.
At the AUW’s Annual Impact Event in Hong Kong, Lynne Anne Davis, the board chairman of the AUW Support Foundation, expressed profound gratitude towards Cisco. She highlighted the company’s generous contribution to augmenting the transformative power of an AUW education. Davis emphasized the pivotal role such educational empowerment plays in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
AUW’s mission to serve as an educational haven for women who have been sidelined by societal disparities or upheaval is remarkable. With students hailing from 17 countries, including regions marred by civil unrest and political turmoil, the university stands as a testament to the power of education in changing lives.
The impact of this partnership is far-reaching. As these students return to their home countries after graduation, they carry with them not only the beacon of knowledge but also the skills to make tangible contributions to their local IT sectors. The ripple effect of this empowerment could potentially transform communities, industries, and economies.
In a world where technology is omnipresent and constantly evolving, the need for comprehensive IT education is paramount. Cisco’s collaboration with AUW is a commendable effort to bridge the educational divide and support the aspirations of young women looking to carve out a niche for themselves in the IT domain.
Cisco’s commitment is a game-changer for these students, many of whom are on full or near-full scholarships, thanks to global supporters. With over 1400 graduates from AUW already making waves across Asia and the Middle East, this partnership is set to amplify the university’s impact, turning it into a crucible of IT expertise for women.
The AUW-Cisco partnership is not just a corporate agreement; it’s a catalyst for progress, a beacon of hope, and a step towards a more equitable digital future. As these young women gear up to become the movers and shakers in technology, the world watches in anticipation of the innovative strides they are bound to make. This is more than just education; it’s the kindling of a revolution in the IT landscapes of their respective countries.