Scientists, policy makers and counterparts from Latin America and the Caribbean joined IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi for the inauguration ceremony of the IAEA-supported regional chapter of Women in Nuclear (WiN) in Latin America and the Caribbean on Friday. WiN is an international non-profit organization with over 35 000 members, dedicated to highlighting and expanding the role of women in the nuclear sector. The new Latin American and Caribbean chapter, called WiN ARCAL, seeks to reduce the gender gap in science through knowledge-sharing, public awareness raising and training.
“I am aware that the work of Women in Nuclear, both at the regional and global levels, is challenging, and that’s the reason why we’re here,” said Mr Grossi. “We are not here to complain about the realities facing women, nor to comment on them, but to change those realities. This is the spirit of Women in Nuclear.”
Globally, women comprise less than a quarter of professionals working in the nuclear sector, and in Latin America and the Caribbean, their representation is often even lower, particularly in senior roles. By limiting the diversity of perspectives and stifling innovation, this persisting gender gap harms the sector, said Dominique Mouillot, President of the Global Chapter of Women in Nuclear.
“Over the past years, we have been making strong efforts to support the creation of regional chapters, as crucial pillars to expand our network and legitimacy,” she said. “We are delighted to learn that WiN ARCAL is already implementing concrete actions to work on gender equality and is responding to real, local needs in the region.”
