Kenya recently hosted the 5th edition of the Space4Women Expert Meeting, marking the first time the event was held on the African continent.
The meeting aimed to inspire and empower women and girls to take an active role in the growing space economy.
The three-day forum, organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and co-hosted by the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), took place at the United Nations Office in Nairobi.
The event focused on promoting gender inclusivity in space exploration and encouraging women and girls to engage in space science, technology, innovation, and exploration.
Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Soipan Tuya, officially opened the meeting, expressing gratitude to UNOOSA for selecting Kenya as the host.
Defence CS Soipan Tuya speaking during the meeting.
She highlighted the importance of the event in inspiring women, particularly those from the Global South, to pursue careers in the space sector.
CS Tuya emphasized Kenya’s commitment to gender equality, as outlined in the country’s Constitution, and its efforts to promote STEM education for women and girls to prepare them for opportunities in the space economy.
Tuya also praised the Kenya Space Agency for its contributions to the country’s space agenda, noting the successful launch of two satellites and the agency’s efforts to integrate space technology across various sectors.
Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey, Director General of KSA, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to gender inclusivity, pointing out that women make up 45% of its board of directors.
Aarti Holla-Maini, Director at UNOOSA, encouraged women to share their stories to inspire others and stressed the importance of collaboration between women and men in advancing science and technology.
She also called for greater emphasis on STEM education in schools, highlighting its role in empowering women and boosting the socio-economic development of nations.
The meeting brought together over 80 experts in the space sector, discussing not only gender inclusion but also the vital roles women can play in addressing global challenges such as agriculture, food security, and the integration of space technologies to tackle pressing issues worldwide.
