The International Nuclear Security Network (INSEN) is a partnership through which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), educational and research institutions, as well as other stakeholders, cooperate to strengthen global security by developing, sharing, and promoting excellent education in nuclear security. The 8-12 July 2019 annual meeting of the INSEN in Vienna featured a panel on “Women in Nuclear Security.” Elena Sokova, VCDNP Executive Director, along with Mary Alice Hayward (IAEA), Oum Keltoum Hakam (University of Ibn Tofail, Morocco), Maria Sultan (South Asian Strategic Stability University, Pakistan), Russel Hirst (University of Tennessee, USA) and Rhonda Evans (World Institute of Nuclear Security, Austria) addressed the importance of education and training opportunities for women.
Elena Sokova particularly highlighted the VCDNP and the CNS programme aimed at education and professional development of women, including the Intensive Course on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Security for Women in STEM and Young Women in Nonproliferation Initiative. In addition to providing educational and training opportunities for women and young girls, she emphasized the need for scholarships and sponsorship for conference participation and other professional activities, as well as the importance of mentorship.
Read IAEA news information about the Women in Nuclear Security panel here.