Special Session Promotes Women’s Role in Nuclear Science
ISLAMABAD – A dedicated session of the “International Conference on Opportunities for Women in Nuclear Science and Emerging Technologies” took place yesterday, uniting international and national leaders to emphasize and empower the presence of women in the nuclear sector. The session featured key figures such as Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Advancing Gender Inclusion in Nuclear Science
The two-day conference, hosted by the Pakistan Association of Women in Nuclear (WIN-Pakistan), is centered around the promotion of gender inclusion and the creation of enhanced opportunities for women in nuclear science and related fields. During the special session, the IAEA Director General lauded the agency’s WIN initiative, which has successfully increased the proportion of women in its workforce, effectively doubling their numbers within five years. He highlighted the progress being made in integrating women into nuclear and associated disciplines in Pakistan.
Contribution of Pakistani Women in Nuclear Development
During the event, the Foreign Secretary acknowledged the pivotal contributions of Pakistani women in various aspects of nuclear energy, including development, healthcare, medical physics, and the production of radiopharmaceuticals at the country’s leading institutions.
Empowering the Next Generation of Women
She advocated for initiatives to empower young women to explore careers in nuclear science and emerging technologies. Her suggestions included recognizing and amplifying the contributions of women in policy-making, fostering international collaborations, strengthening ties among academia, industry, and government, and enhancing mentorship and capacity-building efforts through WIN-Pakistan. Jannette Donor, President of WIN-IAEA, shared her experiences in promoting women’s participation across various IAEA projects and initiatives.
Inspiring Women to Join Nuclear Fields
Dr. Shazia Fatima, President of WIN-Pakistan, provided insights into her organization’s initiatives aimed at inspiring and supporting women to enter this crucial field. The conference, hosted at the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), gathered professionals and policymakers to address both the challenges and the opportunities that women face in nuclear science and technology. WIN-Pakistan is an integral part of the global WIN network, advocating for the professional development and visibility of women in nuclear-related sectors. Through focused advocacy, educational programs, and networking opportunities, WIN-Pakistan is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that champions the growth and empowerment of women in the fields of nuclear science and technology.
