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Hope Probe: UAE's Mars mission proves how women shine bright in space sector

Dubai - Women comprise 34 per cent of the mission and 80% of its science team.

The UAE marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Thursday at a perfect time — just days after its Hope Probe reached Mars, a historical achievement made possible by a woman-led team.

UAE celebrates Hope Probe success with cheers, applause

“The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) set an unprecedented standard for the inclusion of women, which challenged global conventions on women’s participation in the space sector: Women comprise 34 per cent of the mission and 80% of its science team,” said Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency and Science Lead of the EMM.

“Today, on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I stand with the UAE in its continued commitment to the inclusion and participation of women in all areas of society. From our homes, to our communities and workplaces, women’s daily extraordinary contributions are crucial and cannot be overlooked.”

To mark the occasion, Expo 2020 Dubai is teaming up with the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Unesco, and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs to promote gender equality in science.

Expo 2020 Dubai will bring the world together to highlight the importance of women and girls in science, celebrating leading women in the field, forging new partnerships, and boosting opportunities for women’s participation via a rich and diverse programme.

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “To address the complex challenges of today, the world needs science, and science needs women and girls. By teaming up with these distinguished organisations, International Day of Women and Girls in Science will see Expo activate its programming to foster a deeper understanding of how women and girls can further be at the forefront of scientific and economic development.”

When the Expo hosts Space Week from October 17 to 23, it will gather several female voices to look at the role of women in the sustainable exploration and commercialisation of space, and how space reflects the ambition of the UAE as a nation.

Running from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, Expo will spotlight women who have smashed gender stereotypes, looking at their work and the impact it has had on their communities, our region and the world. It will welcome scores of highly skilled women from across the planet, whose innovations and commitment to science and technology are not only solving some our greatest challenges, but also breaking down barriers and inspiring entry into these fields.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com