Aarti Holla-Maini
Director,
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

Closing the gender gap in education, including in STEM and space fields, is necessary to uplift women and girls across the globe. We must rise to the challenge of breaking gender stereotypes and barriers, especially if we are to break the cycle of poverty in developing countries.
I support the IGC Panel Parity Pledge.
I support the IGC gender-based violence pledge.
Personal Commitments
Communicate the importance of gender equality in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and space in statements, multilateral fora, events, and all forms of media in a consistent and targeted manner.
Take action for the education of women in underrepresented fields such as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and space through capacity-building opportunities for women and men. Encourage women and girls to pursue careers in these areas through mentoring opportunities, especially in developing countries. Collaborate with member states, space agencies, and other stakeholders to promote initiatives that identify and address barriers to women and girls' education and growth in the space sector, ultimately ensuring a more balanced and diverse workforce.