Unleashing the power of women in space & tech: Building strong networks for success

Author: Dhwani Rupali Vani, 30 for 2030 Network Member

Dhwani Rupali Vani, 30 for 2030 Network Member. Illustration: UN Women/Hala Makhlouf

As a 17-year-old space scientist and researcher with a passion for archeoastronomy and astrochemistry, I know first-hand the challenges women face in the field of space and technology.p That's why I fully support the importance of providing equal opportunities for women to thrive and succeed in these industries.

It's not always easy to launch a career in space-related sciences, as I discovered when I first started out while still in high school. But with determination and a supportive network, I was able to pursue my interests and make meaningful contributions to the field.

That's why I believe building strong connections among women in space and tech is crucial to achieving our shared goal of creating a more inclusive industry. As the field continues to grow and evolve, we need to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas.

Despite the fact that women have made significant strides in the space and technology sectors in recent years, there is still a significant gender gap. Women remain underrepresented in these fields, and this has led to a lack of mentorship and networking opportunities. This is particularly true for women of colour, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities, who often face even greater challenges.

Despite these challenges, there are signs that the situation is changing. More and more organizations are recognizing the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and are taking steps to create opportunities for women to connect, collaborate, and support each other. By providing mentorship and networking opportunities, many organizations are helping to build a stronger, more diverse workforce that is better equipped to tackle the challenges of the future. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women have equal access to these opportunities and that they are able to succeed in these fields.

Benefits of Networking for Women in Space and Tech

Building networks can create a multitude of opportunities for women in the space and tech industries. Through mentorship, networking, and advocacy initiatives, women can connect, collaborate, and support each other. By offering a social media platform and professional networking site, women can connect with each other, while also having access to resources and mentorship programs such as one-on-one mentoring and global mentorship networks.

As someone who has personally leveraged the power of networking, I can attest to the benefits it can bring. At the age of 15, I used professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with individuals working in the space and research sector. Through these strategic connections, I secured an internship with the Society for Space Education, Research, and Development. This opportunity allowed me to hone my skills and receive recognition for my work.

Active participation in industry conferences and networking events also helped me gain valuable feedback on my work and exposure to new opportunities, such as NASA's Sagan Program. At the age of 14, I participated in the program, presenting my first-ever research paper on the Hunting of Habitable Zone and its importance. Through dedication and hard work, I positioned myself as an accomplished professional in STEM and was interviewed to speak about my experiences in the space field.

These experiences have taught me the immense value of networking and the importance of forging strong professional connections for personal and professional growth. By connecting women leaders, knowledge and insight can be gained from each other, and a broad range of networking opportunities can help women advance in their careers. This is especially beneficial for female professionals who may not have access to the same resources as their male counterparts.

The goal of these initiatives is to promote gender equity and accelerate women's participation within companies and organizations. Creating an environment that encourages networking and collective action, allows for more opportunities for women to contribute their expertise and deep connections to other partners. It also provides a platform for the promotion of gender parity throughout international gender networks, as well as providing support for victims of gender-based violence. By connecting with many centers around the world, partners can raise awareness about women's economic empowerment.

Building networks for women in space and tech can create opportunities for connection, collaboration, and support. Personal experiences, such as mine, have shown the immense value of networking and how it can lead to personal and professional growth. Through these initiatives, we can promote gender equity and accelerate women's participation in these industries, ultimately leading to a more diverse and inclusive space and tech community.

Networking initiatives

Some notable mentorship programmes for women in space and tech include Women in Aerospace, the National Society of Black Engineers mentorship programme, and the TechWomen programme. These programs provide mentorship opportunities, as well as resources and support for career development.

Professional networking events for women in space and tech include conferences such as the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, Women in Space Conference, and Women in Technology Summit. These events provide opportunities for women to connect with others in their field, share ideas, and gain new perspectives.

Advocacy organizations for women in space and tech include Women Who Code, Girls Who Code, and the Society of Women Engineers. These organizations provide resources and support for women in these fields, including networking opportunities, career development resources, and advocacy initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion.

Gender diversity and equity are critical for the growth and success of the space and tech industries. As we move towards a future where technology plays an increasingly important role, it is vital to ensure that women are not left behind. To make progress towards gender equity in these industries, it is essential that we support and amplify the voices of women in space and tech. One way to do this is by getting involved in networking and mentorship initiatives for women in these fields. Additionally, we can support organizations that are working towards promoting gender equity in space and tech industries. Finally, we can take action in our own workplaces to promote diversity and inclusion, such as by advocating for inclusive hiring practices and creating an environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that women are empowered to make valuable contributions to the space and tech industries and that these industries are able to reach their full potential.