“I wasn’t allowed to go out at night after school or work. My parents were always worried about my safety. I’d go straight home while my friends were out having fun. OK maybe there were a few exceptions. But only when I asked for a special permission in advance. However, I don’t blame my parents. This is usually the case back home in Bangladesh. The culture is so conservative. As a girl or as a lady, decision-making power is very low. Fortunately, things are changing. More women are getting bold and taking charge of their lives. More of us are joining the workforce. I was actually working for a bank for three years before coming to Japan. And we’re also excelling at it. It’s a revolution. Workplaces are becoming more gender-balanced. That’s why once I’m done with MBA in Japan, I’m going to help fellow women in finance. I understand their plight. Coming from the country I belong to, it’s not easy. I’ve had to deal with a lot of struggles in life myself. It’s very difficult for women to just strike it on their own and be independent. Most of us don’t have the knowledge, the proper tools, the financial literacy, and education. Thankfully, I’m able to study in Japan and not get so stressed out about safety. I feel like I’ve become a responsible adult, finally.”