According to the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), women account for only 20% – 22% of the space sector workers and 28.8% of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) researchers globally. Women's empowerment is fundamental to achieving Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The lack of female representation in STEM hinders progress towards achievement of SDGs 4 -Quality Education, targets 4.5 (eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education); SDG 5 - Gender Equality, target 5.5 (Ensuring women's full participation and leadership opportunities); SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth, target 8.5 (Achieving equal work for equal pay) and SDG 10 -Reduced Inequality. Women in Space and STEM sector encounter obstacles such as lack of mentorship and support network as well as limited knowledge of the existing career opportunities. Addressing gender inequality in STEM and particularly the space sector is vital for fostering inclusion, equity and tapping into the diverse human potential for the development and application of space science and technologies for socio-economic benefit. The Kenya Space Agency has a duty to promote access to Space and Earth based research facilities, infrastructure and information to assist in bridging the equality divide and connecting marginalized groups (including women) to services, education and work opportunities provided by space technologies. As envisaged in the KSA Strategic Plan 2023-2027, Kenya has a unique opportunity to promote and advance gender equality and women empowerment in the space sector as it works towards establishing a viable indigenous industry by 2030.
Aim
The Aim of the KSEC Space4Women Pre-Event is to raise awareness and encourage participation of women and girls in the advancement, utilization and development of space science, technologies and applications in Kenya.
Objectives
The objectives of the pre-event are to:
Raise awareness about the role of women in advancement of space
science, technology and applications.
1.) Identify challenges, opportunities and effective interventions to promote
and inspire women and girls in the space sector and STEM related fields.
2.) Discuss the need for women to actively participate and contribute to
various aspects of space related activities such as research, innovation,
policymaking, and leadership roles.
3.) Support the development of skills to integrate gender mainstreaming
into national space strategies and policies.
4.) Create awareness on the upcoming UNOOSA Space4Women Expert
Meeting to be hosted in Kenya in November 2024.
