Empowering Women in Nuclear: Networking and Skill Development

The recent women in nuclear initiatives focused on creating supportive professional networks to enhance career growth, spur innovation, and promote sustainable practices in nuclear applications. Participants engaged in various workshops aimed at honing essential skills, such as assertive communication, to help them navigate workplace challenges.

Personal Journeys in Nuclear Medicine and Chemistry

Claudia Herrera, a nuclear medicine technician from Chile, shared her experiences with the obstacles she encountered early in her career. “Sometimes, you have to raise your voice and show that you are a professional who can perform just as well,” Herrera stated, reflecting on how speaking up enabled her to become a more integral part of meetings and decision-making processes.

Similarly, Zeida Arelie Leon, an environmental laboratory analyst from Belize, recounted her path to becoming a chemist. “The journey to become a chemist in Belize has not been easy, since there was no undergraduate chemistry program available until 2019,” Leon noted. As she nears the completion of her degree, she emphasizes the importance of making pure sciences accessible and enjoyable for future students.

Contributions to Community and Patient Care

Leon works at the University of Belize, where she contributes valuable data aimed at addressing environmental issues affecting biodiversity and local communities. “I am able to contribute to my country and the region,” she remarked, highlighting her commitment to environmental sustainability.

In her role as a nuclear medicine technician, Herrera expresses her passion for improving patient care. “I love what I do. I love that I can help people,” she emphasized, noting her commitment to implementing changes that enhance treatment management.

Advice for Future Generations

Both Herrera and Leon advocate for perseverance and boldness in pursuing careers in their respective fields. “The nuclear field is beautiful, and the benefits it can provide are immense,” Herrera commented, adding that women are increasingly embraced in scientific and technical professions.

Leon also believes in the advantages that women bring to STEM fields, asserting, “Our work ethic, attention to detail and humanitarian nature to make the world a better place makes us perfect for such careers.”

Future Initiatives and Support Structures

Encouraged by the success of initial training sessions, the school of leadership for young women in nuclear is set to be organized regularly in the region. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a pivotal role in supporting women’s professional development in nuclear fields through various programs.

• The IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) offers scholarships for Master’s programmes in nuclear-related studies at accredited institutions.
• The IAEA Lise Meitner Programme (LMP) provides opportunities for early- and midcareer women professionals to participate in a multiweek visiting professional program, enhancing both technical and soft skills.