Role of women in scientific research field highlighted
FURTHER building on digital transformation and activating policies that support a work-family life balance were among recommendations presented by experts following a top forum held in Bahrain.
Regional countries were also urged to review and develop policies regulating research centres and think-tanks regarding equal opportunities in employment and executive positions aimed at achieving gender balance.
SCW assistant secretary general Shaikha Dina bint Rashid Al Khalifa revealed the recommendations following the conclusion of a forum organised by the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) to highlight ‘The Role of Women in Policy-Making, Think Tanks and Research’.
Among recommendations was analysing the role of women in the scientific research field to identify the best practices, in addition to allocating scholarships in specific fields of study.
“It is important to build on the lessons learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic, which include continuing digital transformation and qualifying the labour force to participate effectively in this rapidly expanding economy by developing and activating work policies that support work-family balance,” said Shaikha Dina.
“Special programmes for women’s studies and gender balance within think-tanks should be introduced to address challenges from a perspective that sustains women’s progress on the basis of justice in providing opportunities and advancing them in public life.
“It is important to diversifying funding sources while activating the role of the private sector to deliver the outputs of research centres and implement their plans to ensure the integration of women’s needs and guaranteeing equal opportunities.”
Recommendations also include building the capabilities of research cadres through the adoption of policies that adhere to the standards of equal opportunities when mentoring, hiring, promoting, and providing specialised training opportunities for research developments.
The continued development of educational methods and work policies to be more flexible and adaptive during crisis while also taking into account the general health – physical and mental – of individuals.
“It is important to invest in national experiences in the field of policy-making, think-tank management, research and knowledge exchange including the activation of the ‘Global Network of Women in Think Tanks’,” added Shaikha Dina.
“Among the recommendations is encouraging youth from both genders to participate in policy development, think-tanks and research, while also supporting scientific research for graduation projects.
“The SCW, Derasat and their partners in academic and research circles in the GCC countries will explore opportunities to conduct research in which common stakeholders participate in topics related to empowering and following up on the progress of women in the GCC.”
Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1254573/Role-of-women-in-scientific-research-field-highlighted
