The Master in Development Studies (MDS) Program, Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), American International University-Bangladesh, successfully organized an academic webinar titled “The Motherhood Penalty: Understanding the Problem, Rethinking the Solutions” on 3 September 2026. The webinar brought together MDS students, faculty members from various departments, creating an engaging platform for academic discussion and knowledge exchange.

Dr. Ana Marija Sikirić Simčić, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka, Croatia, served as the distinguished resource person. She delivered an insightful presentation on the “motherhood penalty,” focusing on the economic and professional disadvantages women may experience after becoming mothers. She discussed its implications for women’s employment, earnings, career progression, and labor market participation, while highlighting the importance of supportive policies, workplace practices, and equitable care arrangements.

Dr. Faria Sultana, Associate Dean, FASS, and Head, Department of Economics, moderated the webinar and shared her perspectives on the broader economic and social dimensions of the issue. She emphasized the importance of understanding gender inequalities through the lenses of labor markets, institutions, family responsibilities, and public policy, and encouraged students to critically engage with contemporary development and economic issues.

The webinar concluded with an interactive open-floor question-and-answer session, where MDS students and faculty members from different departments actively engaged with Dr. Sikirić Simčić. Participants raised thoughtful questions and shared perspectives on motherhood, employment, unpaid care work, gender equality, and possible policy solutions. The engaging exchange enriched the discussion and provided participants with a deeper understanding of the challenges surrounding the motherhood penalty and the need for more inclusive and equitable approaches.