Girls Shaping the Digital Future: Momo’s Journey in Claiming Her Seat at the Global Table

The transition from a quiet observer to a global academic is rarely a straight line- it is built through courage, persistence, and the willingness to step forward when opportunities appear uncertain.  As part of a dedicated mission by the Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN) to spotlight the "Girls Shaping the Digital Future," on the occasion of International Girls in ICT Day 2026, Salman Jahan Momo’s story serves as a blueprint for those young girls across Bangladesh who hesitate, hold back, still learning to find their voice. 

For many young girls in Bangladesh, the hardest barrier to break isn’t a lack of talent—it is the crushing weight of their own inertia. In a world that often demands loud confidence, the "shy girl" is frequently overlooked. Salman Jahan Momo was once that girl standing on the sidelines. 

Then BdOSN provided her a platform to serve as a rapporteur and Master of Ceremonies (MC) in one of its Summit. The microphone in her hand was more than an assignment- it was the spark that ignited her transformation into a confident leader.

Today, Momo is a dedicated academic and researcher, currently serving as a full-time Lecturer at an English Medium School while also juggling a full-time Lecturer role at an English-medium school with part-time research at a leading university in Thailand. Her passion for academia earned her the Best Teacher Award 2025, a nod to her knack for igniting curiosity in students. 

"Winning that award felt surreal, but it's BdOSN that handed me the tools—the confidence to teach not just lessons, but courage."

Her BdOSN journey kicked off serendipitously at a summit where BdOSN was the implementation organization. What seemed like a casual entry point soon grew into deeper involvement. She became part of workshops, training programmes, and national-level events such as Digital Device Innovation Expo, Tarunner Joy-Utsob, and programming contests for physically challenged students.

What began as a small role as a rapporteur evolved into a whirlwind of professional growth, eventually leading her to serve BdOSN as an Assistant Program Officer under a project of increasing girls participation in ICT sector.

"I used to think that if I worked hard in silence, the world would eventually notice. But I was wrong. BdOSN taught me that visibility is a responsibility. Stepping up to volunteer wasn't just about helping others, it was about giving myself permission to be heard. My journey isn't just about personal accolades or scholarships, it’s about showing the girl who is currently sitting in the back of the room, too afraid to raise her hand, that she belongs at the front of the stage."

Through active engagement in programming contests, ICT workshops, and expos, Momo dismantled her self-doubt. The public speaking skills she excelled at within the network became her greatest asset when she secured a prestigious, fully funded Japanese government scholarship. 

“Speaking in front of people used to feel overwhelming. But the more I tried, the more I understood that it’s okay not to be perfect. What matters is to keep going.”

By integrating her background in Computer Science with a passion for social impact, she now bridges the gap between technology and education, embodying the spirit of using digital tools for development. Reflecting on the courage it takes to move forward, Momo shares- 

"Confidence isn’t a prerequisite for starting, it’s the reward for showing up. Don’t wait until you feel 'ready' to apply for any kind of opportunity you have- action is the only cure for fear. And opportunities are not passive things that fall into your lap, they are hunted. I didn’t think I would stay this long. But every experience made me realize I could do a little more than I thought. Every ICT workshop I organized and every student I taught was a brick in the wall of the person I was becoming."

With a background in Computer Science, Momo contributes to the global academic landscape, she continues to explore how her knowledge can contribute to social good. But beyond her own growth, her focus remains on creating pathways for others—particularly young women who are still finding their path. 

Her story remains a cornerstone of the BdOSN impact making series. At one point in her journey with the Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN), Momo stepped into a role of coordinating the International Girls in ICT Day Celebration initiative of BdOSN. What once felt like a platform she was discovering had now become a space she was helping to shape for others. From organizing activities to guiding young participants, her journey now serves as a quiet source of motivation for countless girls who are beginning to step into the digital world