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Virtual Event - Liftoff: Space Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality

Background

The priority theme of sixty-seventh session of the 67th Commission on the Status of Women is “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”.

As part of the 67th session of the Commission on the Status Women (CSW67) and to celebrate International Women's Day, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs will organize a CSW67 side event to discuss with space experts how space technology and innovation can empower women and how to make the space sector more inclusive. Panelists will share personal insights on challenges and successes with the aim to inspire and support women and girls, and women’s organizations, in their space journey.

Format

The session will be structured as a moderated panel discussion with 4-5 speakers. The discussion will be centered around the following questions:

  • Why does space matter? How does it advance SDGs?
  • How is space technology and innovation empowering women and girls? What more can be done to realize this potential?
  • What are the most successful policy measures and good practices in the space arena to attract and retain women and girls, achieve gender parity including in decision-making, and fully leverage women and girls’ potential?
  • Could you share a personal insight on a challenge or success during your career?
  • What would be your advice to a girl/woman in the space sector?

Speakers

Video messages from:

  • Niklas Hedman, Acting Director, UNOOSA
  • Lisa Campbell, President, Canadian Space Agency

Panellists:

  • Sandra Cauffman, Astrophysics Division Deputy Director, NASA
  • Basuti Bolo, Endowed Chair Education Technologies, Africa University
  • Jennifer Breslin, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Futuristas
  • Hyun-Ok Kim, Senior Researcher/Dr.-Ing., Korea Aerospace Research Institute
  • Artemis Westenberg, CEO, Explore Mars & President of the Netherlands Association for Women’s Rights 

Target audience

Representatives of governmental entities, academia, private sector, civil society, and international organizations.

Did you miss the event?

Click here to see the recording.