Interviewed by Muktadir Mubassir, Team MBR

Ms. Rakhshanda Rukham, at the helm of digital products and data at Preneur Lab has emerged as a dynamic professional in the area of tech innovation. Specialising in AI and big data, her technical prowess is underscored by a deeper commitment to women’s empowerment. At Preneur Lab, she spearheads initiatives transcending technology, aiming to bridge gender gaps. Her impactful work provides women with opportunities, resources, and a platform to thrive in the tech landscape. Her profound expertise across multiple fields shines brightly through her diverse set of responsibilities. Team MBR was in a conversation with Ms. Rakhshanda Rukham to learn about her remarkable journey that led to the founding of Preneur Lab.

Muktadir Mubassir: Preneur Lab is evidently committed to challenging gender disparities in STEM and empowering women.  How has your personal journey, from volunteering with various organisations to obtaining a Master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, led to the establishment of Preneur Lab, and how has this journey shaped the organisation's commitment to empowering women in STEM?

Rakhshanda Rukham: From a young age, my fascination with technology set the stage for a journey that would later define my mission. As a child, I accompanied my father on his frequent work-related travels, offering me the opportunity to explore various cities. It was during these adventures, particularly in the '90s, that I observed a stark gender disparity in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Witnessing the underrepresentation of women in STEM, I became acutely aware of the societal mindset prevailing at the time—a mindset that unjustly deemed women less capable in these fields. This realization ignited a passion within me to challenge and reshape these stereotypes. As I grew older, I dedicated myself to self-education, recognizing the profound impact that STEM has on shaping our lives.

My journey wasn't just about personal enlightenment; it was a call to action. Motivated by the pervasive gender biases and societal expectations, I embarked on a mission to empower women in STEM. Starting with those closest to me, I sought to break down the barriers and cultivate an environment where individuals, regardless of gender, could pursue their interests and potential in STEM fields. As I witnessed the transformative impact of my efforts within my immediate circles, it fueled my determination to extend this influence further. This passion became a focal point in my organisation and this is how our organisation Preneur Lab started its journey, where empowering women in STEM is not just a goal but a guiding principle. Recognising the untapped potential of women in these fields, our organisation is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, providing opportunities, and challenging the stereotypes that hinder progress.

Muktadir Mubassir: Preneur Lab has arranged several boot camps, such as ‘Freedom Fellows’ on civic leadership and digital safety and 'Startkoro', which primarily focused on building young entrepreneurs. Would you kindly share how these boot camps by Preneur Lab work?

Rakhshanda Rukham: In recent years, Preneur Lab has been at the forefront of initiating impactful programs and projects geared towards empowering and uplifting the youth, with a particular emphasis on fostering opportunities for women. Our commitment to creating meaningful initiatives is reflected in the diverse range of projects that have been launched, ensuring active and inclusive participation.

Among the noteworthy projects, the "Freedom Fellowship" stands out as a fully funded residential fellowship designed to enrich the knowledge of youth in areas such as digital verification, civic leadership, and social media etiquette. This initiative not only provides valuable insights but also nurtures the development of critical skills essential for the digital age.

"I Can Code - Workshop for Female Developers" is a commendable endeavor, specifically tailored to empower young female developers in Bangladesh. This workshop goes beyond theory, focusing on practical skills related to cutting-edge technology, thereby bridging the gender gap in the tech industry and creating a more inclusive environment. Hundreds of women get benefited from this workshop.

StartKoro was one of the programs that helps hundreds of entrepreneurs during covid. It started its journey during covid period to support entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship and we keep doing that with new batch of entrepreneurs and helping them in their business launch, funding, leal service and all.

The "Digital Verification Workshop" caters to journalists, equipping them with essential digital skills, fostering awareness in fact-checking, and enhancing digital verification techniques. In an era dominated by digital information, this initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of news.

Lastly, the collaborative effort with the U.S. State Department, "CoCreate 2071," is a testament to Preneur Lab's commitment to advancing entrepreneurial mindsets and democratic values among young university students. This partnership emphasizes the importance of fostering a generation that not only embraces entrepreneurship but also values democratic principles. Thousands of youths from 10 universities participated in this series.

Through these diverse projects, Preneur Lab continues to make a lasting impact on the youth, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. The focus on encouraging women's participation underscores our dedication to creating an inclusive and empowering environment for all.

Muktadir Mubassir: Acknowledging the inherent challenges faced by social impact businesses, Preneur Lab demonstrates a unique resilience to societal betterment. Could you shed some light on the fundamental principles that guide the organisation through these obstacles?

Rakhshanda Rukham: Engaging in a social impact business brings a profound sense of peace and happiness derived from the knowledge that your efforts contribute to helping and empowering others. It's not always an easy path; challenges are inherent in any endeavor, and a social impact business is no exception. However, it's the combination of determination and strong core values that serves as a compass, guiding you through obstacles.

The challenges faced are not deterrents but rather opportunities for growth and learning. Every organisation encounters hurdles, and acknowledging them is part of the journey. What sets social impact businesses apart is the unwavering commitment to the greater good. In the face of challenges, the focus remains on the betterment of society, the empowerment of youth, and the advancement of women.

Muktadir Mubassir: Preneur Lab’s active role in driving social change through the hosting of social events and community engagements is quite noteworthy. Would you kindly share with us if there is any plan for organizing workshops, events, or boot camps in the near future?

Rakhshanda Rukham: Absolutely, Preneur Lab is committed to its proactive role in driving social change through various initiatives, including hosting social events and community engagements. As we are consistently dedicated to creating opportunities for growth and empowerment, the organisation recognizes the significance of workshops, events, and boot camps in achieving these objectives.

Looking ahead, Preneur Lab is actively planning a series of dynamic and impactful activities in the near future. These may include workshops aimed at honing specific skills, events fostering community collaboration and engagement, as well as boot camps designed to provide intensive and immersive learning experiences.

Muktadir Mubassir: The "Workathon for Women," an innovative approach for women introduced a few years ago by Preneur Lab, has proven transformative for women starting their professional careers. Could you please share your thoughts on the impact and significance of this innovative initiative, as well as its role in improving participants' job prospects and career readiness?

Rakhshanda Rukham: The Workathon initiative introduced by Preneur Lab has proven to be a remarkable and transformative experience for women embarking on their professional journeys. Tailored especially for individuals at the onset of their careers, the program has provided students with invaluable practical experience within an office setting. Participants engage in a spectrum of real-world tasks, including client meetings, brainstorming sessions, peer reviews, MVP development, and group presentations, offering a comprehensive understanding of professional responsibilities.

The benefits of the Workathon idea extend beyond the immediate tasks, resulting in increased productivity, the development of leadership skills, and the establishment of participants as desirable job prospects. By fostering a hands-on approach to learning, the initiative significantly contributes to the growth and preparedness of individuals entering the workforce.

The core notion of a "Workathon" focuses on enhancing collaborative abilities, recognizing the importance of teamwork in a professional setting. This unique approach allows individuals to gain practical work experience before officially starting their careers, offering them a competitive edge in the job market.

Commencing in 2017, the Workathon initiative was conducted in partnership with Facebook Developer Circle, adding a collaborative and industry-relevant dimension to the program. The initiative, with its immersive real-world projects and client interactions, has proven instrumental in helping participants secure jobs, re-enter the job market after breaks, and empower women to initiate or resume their careers.

Muktadir Mubassir: Your extensive journey, from representing Bangladesh at Google to participating in international fellowships, reflects a deep commitment to community empowerment. How do these global experiences shape your ongoing commitment to making a positive difference in society, and what collaborative efforts do you foresee in creating meaningful change in the future, both personally and within the initiatives of Preneur Lab?

Rakhshanda Rukham: I strongly believe in the importance of spreading knowledge within one's community, and one of the most rewarding experiences has been contributing to the success of my community. Recently, I was honored to receive an invitation to attend the International Academy for Leadership Fellowship in Germany. As a dedicated gender advocate, I seized the opportunity to secure a scholarship for the Swedish Institute's SI Leader Lab Program, a program specifically focused on advancing gender equality.

My journey has also included being an alumnus of the U.S. State Department, an achievement that I hold with great pride. Additionally, I had the privilege of being part of Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus's fellowship, an experience that has significantly enriched my perspective and commitment to social impact.

In 2016, Google extended an invitation for me to represent Bangladesh and share insights into my work empowering the community. This opportunity not only showcased the impact of our initiatives but also provided a platform to amplify the importance of community empowerment on a global stage.

These achievements underscore my ongoing commitment to making a positive difference in society and highlight the significance of collaborative efforts in creating meaningful change. I look forward to continuing this journey of impact and learning, contributing to the betterment of communities and the advancement of gender equality.

Muktadir Mubassir: There has been a notable surge in female entrepreneurs in the recent years. How does Preneur Lab plan to build on these successes, foster an environment conducive to women's entrepreneurship, and advocate for policies addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the entrepreneurial ecosystem?

Rakhshanda Rukham: Creating more women entrepreneurs involves addressing various aspects of the entrepreneurial ecosystem to ensure that women have equal opportunities, resources, and support. The remarkable surge in female entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 period is a testament to the resilience and capabilities of women in the business world. Many women faced the challenges head-on, bravely tackling adversity and emerging as successful entrepreneurs. This period witnessed a significant increase in the number of women running small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including a notable rise in female tech founders. Given this positive trend, it is crucial to build on these successes and continue fostering an environment conducive to women's entrepreneurship. To further support and encourage women entrepreneurs:

1. Showcase success stories to inspire other women and highlight the diverse contributions of women in entrepreneurship.
2. Encourage the formation of peer support groups where women can share experiences, insights, and resources.
3. Advocate for funding opportunities specifically earmarked for women entrepreneurs, both from public and private sources.
4. Advocate for policies that specifically address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.