Advancing a More Inclusive Future

As WiN-IAEA continues to champion gender equality, professional development, and talent retention across the Agency, the Nurturing and Empowering Support Throughout Pregnancy and Parenthood (NEST-P2P) project builds on this commitment by focusing on one of life’s most significant milestones: the journey to and through parenthood. Inspired by previous WiN-IAEA initiatives that have strengthened leadership, resilience, networking, and career development, NEST-P2P aims to support the evolving needs of the IAEA workforce and contribute to a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Supporting Staff at Every Stage of Parenthood

Achieving gender parity at the IAEA is an important milestone, and sustaining this progress means ensuring that employees feel supported throughout every stage of their professional and personal lives. Pregnancy, surrogacy, adoption, parental leave, childcare responsibilities, and return-to-work transitions are significant life experiences that can shape both wellbeing and career development. NEST-P2P seeks to foster an environment where staff feel informed, supported, and empowered to pursue both their professional ambitions and family aspirations with confidence.

Driving Meaningful Change Through Collaboration

Through engagement with WiN-IAEA members and IAEA stakeholders, NEST-P2P will explore opportunities to strengthen support for parents and parents-to-be across the Agency. By gathering staff perspectives, sharing experiences, reviewing existing resources, and fostering dialogue, the project will create opportunities for connection, knowledge-sharing, peer support, and community-building, while promoting practical actions that contribute to a positive parenthood experience.

Areas of Focus

The project will focus on four interconnected areas:

  • Flexible Work and Leave Support – promoting awareness and accessibility of policies and resources that support staff during pregnancy, parental leave, and return-to-work transitions.
  • Childcare Access and Family Resources – helping parents identify childcare solutions and navigate available support mechanisms.
  • Workplace Culture and Inclusion – fostering a culture where parenthood is recognized as a valuable part of a diverse and thriving workforce.
  • Career Re-Entry and Professional Growth – encouraging mentorship, networking, leadership development, and upskilling opportunities that support continued career progression.

Creating Lasting Impact

By creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and community-building, NEST-P2P aims to strengthen employee wellbeing, support talent retention, and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient workplace. Through practical support actions, stakeholder engagement, and peer connections, the project reflects WiN-IAEA’s ongoing commitment to helping employees succeed at every stage of life and career.

Meet the Project Team

NEST-P2P is driven by a passionate team of WiN-IAEA volunteers who are dedicating their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to fostering connections, sharing experiences, and advancing initiatives that support parents and parents-to-be across the Agency.

  • Maria Papadopoulou – Project Lead
  • Ivana Andrejic-Dukic – Communications Lead
  • Malika Taalbi – Team member
  • Jessica Lynn Rahim – Team member
  • Raja Al-Ameri – Team member