Islamabad: A special session of the “International Conference on Opportunities for Women in Nuclear Science and Emerging Technologies” was convened in Islamabad, featuring participation from Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi. The event, organized by the Pakistan Association of Women in Nuclear (WIN-Pakistan), aims to bolster the involvement of women in nuclear science and related fields in Pakistan.
According to a statement by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two-day conference seeks to support women and enhance their roles within the nuclear sector. At the special session, the Director General of IAEA underscored the success of the agency’s WIN initiative, which has effectively doubled the employment share of women in the organization over the past five years. He commended Pakistan’s efforts to integrate women into nuclear and associated disciplines.
Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch highlighted the critical contributions of Pakistani women in various areas such as nuclear energy development, health, and medical physics. She advocated for empowering young women to pursue careers in nuclear science, expanding international collaborations, and enhancing mentorship and networking opportunities through WIN-Pakistan.
Attendees at the conference, held at the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), included professionals and policymakers who gathered to discuss the challenges and prospects for women in nuclear science and technology. President WIN-IAEA Jannette Donor shared her insights on promoting female participation in IAEA projects, while Dr. Shazia Fatima, President of WIN-Pakistan, outlined initiatives aimed at encouraging women to enter this pivotal field.
WIN-Pakistan is part of the global WIN network, focusing on promoting the professional development and visibility of women in nuclear-related sectors. Through advocacy, education, and networking, the organization seeks to foster an inclusive environment that supports the empowerment of women in Pakistan’s nuclear science and technology fields.