Suraiya Aktar Bably

Why did you choose DHD at UIC?
I choose the DHD in UIC because UIC is the pioneer to open the Ph.D. program and they have many experiences in this field. And secondly, it has big alumni worldwide to get a bigger network. And finally, they not only provide academic knowledge but also technological innovation.

What do you want to do with a DHD degree?
In 2012, I joined the board of the Women with Disabilities Development Foundation-WDDF. I understand by working here that simple charity for the disabled does not prevent discrimination as much as economic empowerment does. Through WDDF, I am working to ensure the rights of women with disabilities and supporting them to become financially independent through livelihood programs. Working with the Foundation has improved my confidence immensely; my team dreams big! I know this is perhaps a small success, but it is also a small beginning. From my literature review, I found, around 5.38% of the total population of Bangladesh is women with physical disabilities. Unfortunately, the socio-economic scenario of Bangladesh is vastly marked by lots of social stigmas which have never helped this huge population to be independent, both socially and financially. Understandably, it was never been possible for this unfortunate bunch to develop the twenty-first-century skillsets especially, ‘Technology Literacy’ in themselves to keep pace with the ever challenging job market.  In my PhD research, I will take a holistic approach to find out the existing demand supply gap in terms of ‘Computer and technology literacy’ among the female university students (with disabilities) of Bangladesh.

Research Interests
Empower the women with disabilities through computer literacy and technology; Challenges and opportunities

Education
MA in Philosophy, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh, 2015