The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) jointly organized and hosted a United Nations / Canada Space for Women Expert Meeting themed "Building capacity to promote and advance gender equality in the space sector" from 30 October to 2 November 2023, in Montreal, Canada.
The meeting was part of the "Space4Women" Project, which promotes women’s empowerment and raises awareness about career opportunities and the importance of gender equality and empowerment in the space sector. The meeting sought to foster the equal and active role of women and girls in space science, technology, innovation and exploration, and ensure the benefits of space reach women and girls.
The Expert Meeting was officially opened by the President of Canada Space Agency, Ms Lisa Campbell, and graced by astronaut Jenni Gibson, Chairperson of UAE Space Agency Minister Sarah Amorim, and Office of Outer Space Affairs Director Aarti Holla. The globally renown women leaders in space inspired the participants to strengthen their efforts on promoting gender diversity, equality and inclusion of women and girls in STEM. The meeting was attended by space experts drawn from different countries across the world. The participants developed a gender mainstreaming tool kit to be presented during the next Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Affairs meeting to be held in May 2024. The Kenya Space Agency was represented by Ag. Director Corporate Services, Ms Mercy Kamau.
