Coding a new path

"While delivering a presentation to a multinational company, I concluded the discussion, and a company officer inquired, "Madam, how did you enter into the men's world?" "This moment unfolded in an office where I was the sole woman amidst a male-dominated environment," recounted Shaheda Mustafiz, the trailblazing first woman programmer in Bangladesh. Her anecdote sheds light on the challenges women faced in the IT sector in Bangladesh during that period.

As a pioneer for women in the IT sector, Shaheda Mustafiz had to carve her own path and navigate numerous challenges through sheer determination. Following the completion of her studies at Dhaka University, where she majored in Economics, she embarked on her IT career in 1975 after completing the City & Guilds exam in London successfully. During an era when Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) was not established in Bangladesh, Shaheda joined IT companies and honed her technological skills at NCR in London. Upon returning to Dhaka, she was stationed at the Bangladesh branch of NCR, further contributing to her pioneering journey in the male-dominated field of IT.

In 1976, Shaheda Mustafiz initiated her career as a system manager in the Bangladesh branch of the organization. Subsequently, when Leads Corporation commenced its operations in Bangladesh, her responsibilities transitioned to the Leads project. Shaheda played a pivotal role in the automation of banking software in the country, establishing herself as a key figure in the field. Her focus was particularly directed toward local banks such as City Bank, Prime Bank, South East Bank, Dutch Bangla Bank, and so forth. Additionally, she provided immense support to foreign banks, further contributing to the widespread implementation of automation solutions in the financial industry. Shaheda's dedication and expertise significantly exerted influence on the modernization of banking processes in the country during that era.

She expanded the scope of their initiatives from serving individual users to catering to multiple users. Shaheda Mustafiz's influence extended beyond the realm of banking, as she also actively contributed to IT development in investment banks, including ICB, and guided entities such as Titas Gas, Shadharan Bima Corporation, and other non-banking sectors such as ACME pharmaceutical.

After a dedicated tenure of 22 years with NCR, including her work with Leads, Shaheda Mustafiz finally resigned in 1998. Following this, she took on the role of Managing Director at Probity Systems Limited, a pioneer in software export, marking a new chapter in her professional journey. She has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from BASIS, acknowledging her significant contributions to the field of Information Technology.

While reflecting on her experiences, Shaheda recalled the general manager of her company, a Frenchman, who consistently smiled when she opted to arrange client meetings in her own office rather than traveling to the client's premises. This choice symbolized her confidence and determination making a statement about her role and presence in the professional domain.

"I was determined that I had to earn the respect of my colleagues and clients, and I succeeded. This determination led us to work with great care, ensuring that no negative discussions arose. Achieving this goal spared me from many difficulties," she affirmed. Shaheda Mustafiz mulled over the challenges faced by women in the workplace during the seventies of the previous century, specifically highlighting the difficult times for women in professional settings. After the liberation war, only a handful of women began working in various offices, making her journey even more remarkable in that context.

The programming workplace stereotype was inherently biased against women, but Shaheda Mustafiz defied these norms. Once she firmly established her position, she proactively recruited women from diverse backgrounds, providing them with comprehensive training and transforming them into proficient programmers. These women not only excelled but also actively contributed to numerous successful projects.

Recalling the initial skepticism from her male colleagues, Shaheda stated, "When I selected a woman for the office, my colleagues doubted her abilities and questioned whether she would truly deliver, anticipating excuses post-appointment. However, within two or three months, these same individuals were impressed by her outstanding performance and even suggested hiring more women after witnessing her accomplishments." This narrative ensured the tangible success of her endeavors in breaking down gender barriers and solidifying the presence of women in the IT sector.

Since the inception of computer science, the integration of women into programming workplaces has become considerably easier. Shaheda Mustafiz expresses great joy in witnessing this positive transformation.

Cogitating on her experience working with a limited number of women during her early career, Shaheda noted that these women were remarkably devoted to their work. She emphasized the importance of encouraging both women and men to work sincerely, fostering a culture of commitment and excellence in the workplace. Her observations uphold the evolving landscape and the dedication of individuals, irrespective of gender, in the dynamic field of technology.

Shaheda Mustafiz was an early advocate for remote work even before the widespread adoption was prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 2005-06, when the internet became available in Bangladesh, she implemented a system allowing her team to work from home, demonstrating foresight in recognizing the potential of remote work.

At present, Shaheda is actively involved in developing software for healthcare services at Rite-Solutions, her son's firm, where she serves as the main architect. The entire team, comprised of developers, collaborates on creating software solutions for hospitals and labs. In this dynamic family venture, her son manages the marketing side, showcasing a multifaceted approach to technology and business within the healthcare sector.

Shaheda Mustafiz, who has devoted over four decades to the software sector, is now 75 years old. Despite her extensive career, she continues to strive for impactful contributions. Her current focus is on providing software solutions to government hospitals, aiming to bring about a level of service that has already been achieved in developed countries.

She shares a profound mantra that guided her throughout her career: "If anyone possesses the three qualities of sincerity, integrity, and professional ethics, they can overcome any hurdle in life." These principles have been the cornerstone of her success and resilience in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of software and technology.

"I have been advocating for ensuring education for females for years. Parents must invest equal efforts in the education of both their sons and daughters. This assures that daughters have the opportunity to decide and carve their future paths. The potential within the women's workforce is substantial, and society can no longer afford to overlook it," announced Shaheda Mustafiz, underscoring the importance of equal educational opportunities and recognizing the vast contribution that women can make to the workforce.

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