Across the Networking Breakfast and side events in which we either participated or organised, several key messages emerged:
⚡ Nuclear needs women — at every level and across every role. The sector needs to draw on the full breadth of available talent, skills and perspectives to meet the growing demand for a strong nuclear workforce.
⚡ Technology alone is not enough. Investment in nuclear technology must go hand in hand with investment in the people who will develop, regulate and deploy it. Building an inclusive, diverse and highly competent workforce is essential to harnessing the full potential of nuclear science and technology.
⚡ Leadership matters. Women need opportunities not only to enter the nuclear sector, but also to develop and progress throughout their careers. As IAEA Deputy Director-General of Management Margaret Doane underlined in a subsequent interview: “It’s the small things you do as a leader in your organisation that can really make the difference.”
⚡Opportunities build confidence and transparency builds trust. Creating pathways for women to develop their skills, gain experience and take on greater responsibilities is essential to building the next generation of female leaders. To enable more women to reach senior positions, we need clear career pathways, equal opportunities and targeted initiatives that support progression.
These are big challenges, and we are not there yet. But conversations like this matter.
A huge thank you to all our fantastic speakers for sharing their experiences, bringing these issues to the forefront and supporting WiN IAEA in our efforts to advance a more inclusive nuclear sector. This is a collective effort, and we need everyone at the table.
Missed our Networking Breakfast or Side Event? Take a look at the wrap-up videos below to hear directly from our speakers and participants.
