Women In Science Drive Sustainable Development

Are women in science important as agents of change for a more sustainable future? What are the challenges of being a woman in STEM?

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety and Ajman University’s Women Empowerment Council celebrated the UN's International Day of Women and Girls in Science with a webinar entitled “Women in Science Drive Sustainable Development”. The session featuring guest speaker Dr. Diana Francis, an internationally renowned Atmospheric Scientist and Head of the Environmental and Geophysical Sciences lab at Khalifa University, celebrated and showcased her distinctive contributions to the environment and that of six other leading women in STEM at Ajman University.

An all-women initiative, this inspiring session is conceptualized and organized by Ms. Maya Haddad with the support of Dr. Nahla Al Qassimi, moderated by three AU students alongside seven successful women in STEM as panelists. The panelists Dr. Diana Francis, Dr. Fetta Djessas, Dr. Anastasiya Spaska, Mrs. Ala’a Al Amiry, Dr. Nisha Kumari, Dr. Maria Opulencia and Dr. Heba Aboukhousa, each with their distinctive achievements in the field of STEM, were a major source of inspiration to the audience. These accomplished women shared their success stories and answered questions on studies, career, life, obstacles faced and contributions to sustainable development.

Student moderators (Karen Saad, Essra Elameen and Nadieh Raed) led the round table discussion by asking the panelists questions on important topics such as climate change, health, women empowerment, gender equality, diversity, inclusion and green economy. This served as an inspiration to the current and future generations of women in science to be part of the drive to sustainability.

The panelists shared their words of wisdom with the audience and the webinar concluded with a Q&A session. Finally, attendees expressed their gratitude for AU’s efforts in contributing to climate action, quality education and gender equality.