International Conference Showcases Women’s Contributions in Nuclear Science
On February 12, a dedicated segment of the “International Conference on Opportunities for Women in Nuclear Science and Emerging Technologies” was conducted in Islamabad. This event united prominent global and national figures to underscore and enhance the involvement of women in the nuclear sector.
Among the distinguished attendees were Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Spanning over two days, the conference, organized by the Pakistan Association of Women in Nuclear (WIN-Pakistan), is committed to advancing gender inclusion and creating expanded opportunities for females in nuclear science and its associated fields.
IAEA’s Commitment to Women in Nuclear
During the special session, the IAEA Director General emphasized the organization’s initiative to support women’s integration in nuclear fields, which has successfully doubled the agency’s female workforce in just five years. He commended Pakistan’s efforts in mainstreaming women’s participation in nuclear and related sectors.
Empowering the Next Generation
In her address, the Foreign Secretary acknowledged the critical contributions of Pakistani women in the advancements of nuclear energy, health, medical physics, and radiopharmaceutical production within the nation’s leading institutions. She advocated for empowering young women to pursue careers in nuclear science and emerging technologies.
Furthermore, she suggested recognizing and promoting women’s roles in policy-making, fostering international collaborations, strengthening ties between academia, industry, and government, as well as enhancing mentorship, networking, and capacity-building initiatives through WIN-Pakistan.
Sharing Success Stories
Jannette Donor, President of WIN-IAEA, shared her insights on enhancing the involvement of women in various IAEA projects and initiatives. Dr. Shazia Fatima, President of WIN-Pakistan, elaborated on the programs her organization has developed to inspire and support women in entering this vital field.
Fostering Discussion on Women’s Roles
Hosted at the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), the conference gathered experts and policymakers to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities that women face in nuclear science and technology.
As a part of the global WIN network, WIN-Pakistan is dedicated to enhancing the professional growth and visibility of women in nuclear-related disciplines. Through advocacy, educational initiatives, and networking opportunities, WIN-Pakistan endeavors to cultivate an inclusive environment that fosters the empowerment and advancement of women in the realm of nuclear science and technology.
