The
5th Space for Women Expert Meeting has officially commenced at the United
Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), Kenya. The event, organized collaboratively
by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Kenya
Space Agency (KSA) is held on the theme "Integrating Women in Space
Activities and Solutions,"
For
the first time, Africa is hosting this significant gathering, marking a
milestone in the global effort to promote gender inclusivity in the space
sector. The ongoing event builds on the successes of previous meetings held in
the United States, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Korea, and Canada, with a
strong focus on fostering opportunities for women and girls in the space
industry.
The
Expert Meeting was officially inaugurated by Hon. Soipan Tuya, Cabinet
Secretary of Kenya's Ministry of Defence. The opening ceremony also featured
remarks from Dr. Korir Singoei, Principal Secretary for the State Department
for Foreign Affairs, Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of UNOOSA, and Brig. Hillary
Kipkosgey, Acting Director General of the Kenya Space Agency. Joining virtually
was Stéphanie Durand, Vice-President of Policy, Communications, and Strategic
Planning at the Canadian Space Agency.
One
of the key objectives of this year’s meeting is the initiation of a toolkit
designed to unlock STEM education for women and girls, particularly those in
marginalized communities. This toolkit aims to address systemic barriers and
provide practical solutions for increasing access to education and career
pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By
empowering women and girls in underserved regions, the initiative seeks to
create a more equitable space industry and contribute to sustainable global
development.
The
three-day event includes expert panel discussions, workshops, and collaborative
sessions, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, educators, and
advocates from across the globe. Topics such as inclusive policy frameworks,
STEM education outreach, and gender equity in space exploration are central to
the agenda.
Speaking
at the opening, Aarti Holla-Maini emphasized the importance of inclusive
participation in space activities: "Space holds infinite opportunities
for innovation and problem-solving. To fully realize its potential, we must
ensure that women, particularly those from marginalized communities, are given
equal opportunities to contribute and benefit from these advancements."
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
