Draft:Gender equality in outer space

Space exploration is a sector of human activity that developed in tandem with the foundation of gender equality, along with greater civil rights movements. 90% of future jobs, stated United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), will demand STEM-related skills, underscoring the necessity for women to obtain the training and credentials required to compete in the job market. The achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, according to the UN, depends on ensuring that women and girls have access to space and actively engage in space research, technology, innovation, and exploration.

Background

According to data published by the United Nations, the number of women employed in the international space industry accounts for only 20-22% of the workforce; roughly the same proportion as 30 years ago. Although considerable progress has been made over the past few decades, the target of gender equality by 2030 is still not met.

Across the world, women remain less likely than men to participate in the labor market. Women earn 23% less than men in the global labor market, and they spend approximately three times as much time doing unpaid domestic and care work as men. Moreover, there are still obstacles preventing women from engaging equally in space work, where they continue to make up a minority. Women are still underrepresented in STEM fields, including the exploration of space. Women make up less than 6% of the UK’s 16,000 pilots and less than 10% of engineers in the industry.

UNOOSA’s Space4Women program

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) launched the Space4Women program to support the participation and development of women in outer space. The program provides training, mentor support and resources to advance women in aerospace.

Vision

• Facilitate access to the benefits of space exploration, science and technology, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and STEM careers for women and girls around the world.

Background

• In order to advance gender equality and women's empowerment in space exploration and associated activities, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs developed the Space4Women project. In order to support the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 5, it is intended to guarantee that women and girls have equal opportunity in space research, technology, innovation, and exploration. The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs seeks to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goal 5 inclusively, with a focus on target 5b (enhancing the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology , to promote the empowerment of women.) to advance space technology and gender equality for all women and girls.

Space4Women Mentorship Program

• Establishes a network of women in STEM to serve as a resource for girls seeking mentorship and networking. STEM career aspiring mentees are guided by mentors in the space sector. Leaders and experts in the space sector from a range of disciplines and geographical areas are chosen as mentors. With the goal to foster an atmosphere where women and girls participate actively and equally in space science, technology, innovation, and exploration, these mentors collaborate to support women and girls worldwide.

Space4Women Network

• Available to everyone who agrees to comply with the participation requirements. To join the Space4Women Network, individuals of any gender who are passionate about space and want to help girls and women in space education and careers are encouraged to apply.

Space4Women Group

• The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and UN Women convened the first "Space for Women" meeting in October 2017 to strategize projects in New York. The Space4Women (S4W) group was founded as a result of contacts formed during the summit, and it collaborates with the UN to support women in space.

Other organizations promoting gender equality in outer space

Women in Aviation International (WAI)

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a non-profit organization started in 1990 and officially incorporated in 1994. With more than 17,000 members worldwide, it is committed to increasing the number of women involved in all areas of aerospace. The first International Women in Aviation Conference was held in 1990 in Prescott, Arizona.

Women in Aerospace (WIA)

An international organization founded in 1985 with more than 2,000 members and more than 80 corporate, non-profit and academic partners to promote women's participation and leadership in aerospace and serve as a communication platform for women in aerospace. They organize various events, including workshops, training courses and networking events, to promote gender equality.

AstraFemina

AstraFemina is a non-profit organization that encourages women to contribute in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and partners with other organizations to develop STEM outreach programs.

Girlstart

Founded in 1997, Girlstart is an American organization dedicated to empowering girls in STEM fields and inspiring girls to change our world. Girlstart provides year-round, intensive STEM education programs for K-12 girls.

Other campaigns promoting gender equality in outer space

World Space Week 2021: Women in Space

In 1999, a resolution was approved by the UN General Assembly designating October 4–10 as "World Space Week" in honour of the advancements in space science and technology that have enhanced the standard of living for people worldwide.

"Women in Space" is the topic of World Space Week 2021, which aims to promote gender equality.

100 Most Influential Women in the Aviation and Aerospace Industry

To commemorate the centenary of flight on December 17, 2003, Women in Aviation International (WAI) has named the 100 Most Influential Women in Aerospace, honoring 100 women who have contributed to aviation's first 100 years.

Contributing women in aviation

Many female professionals, including scientists and astronauts, have made significant contributions to the aviation industry and other related fields.

See also:

• Women in aviation
• Women in space
• List of women astronauts
• Chinese women in space
• Mercury 13