PHNOM PENH: (Bernama) Experts at an international conference on Wednesday (July 8) urged governments to empower more women scientists to play a greater role in tackling challenges such as global warming and food security amid climate change.
Participants at the Second Asean-India Women Scientists Conclave also called on governments to adopt gender-balanced programmes that encourage more women to participate in science, technology and innovation (STI).
Cambodian Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry’s (MISTI) Permanent Secretary of State Dr Nhim Khemara said women's participation is essential in addressing socio-economic issues.
"We need to address challenges related to climate change and food security, while also promoting environmental sustainability and digital transformation.
"Nations cannot overcome these challenges by leaving behind women’s talent. We must empower women and support their advancement in science, technology and innovation,” Khemara said in his opening remarks.
Scientists from Asean and India are attending the three-day conclave themed "Building Inclusive Science, Technology and Innovation Communities” that is being held in Phnom Penh.
India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) Secretary Prof Umesh Waghmare said that the future of science and innovation must be inclusive.
"Women scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs are making extraordinary contributions across every field of science and technology.
"Yet, they continue to encounter challenges that require greater institutional support, stronger professional networks and more opportunities for collaboration,” he said in a video message.
Echoing the call for greater inclusion, Dr Diana L. Ignacio, Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs, Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines, said gender equality is vital to drive Asean forward.
"We need to scale up the women’s regional gender framework so we can reach out to more women in the STI community. Otherwise, 50 per cent of the women will not be included,” she said at a panel discussion.
The conclave is organised by Cambodia’s MISTI and the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat and India’s DST, and supported by the Asean-India Science and Technology Development Fund. - Bernama
