About the training
Our SERVIR-HKH Initiative is organizing an advanced training for the alumni from our “empowering women in geospatial information technology” trainings. In 2021, we scaled out the training to five Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan.
The advanced training will cover a wide range of topics on Earth observation (EO) and geospatial information technology (GIT) solutions for emerging environmental problems, and will take a deep dive into SERVIR-HKH’s services on monitoring agriculture, air quality, extreme weather, floods, land cover, and ecosystems. The training will be delivered using a blended learning approach – presentations and guided practical exercises, followed by group project assignments.
Objectives
We aim to train young women from the HKH region on the use of EO data and GIT linked to our SERVIR-HKH services to enable them to use EO data for different applications. This will support our efforts in bridging the gender gap in the GIT field and help build the foundation for women’s leadership in the EO/GIT sector in HKH countries.
Expected outcomes
Upon completion of the training, the participants will have a better understanding of the concepts and applications of EO and GIT linked to SERVIR-HKH services, which will enable them to use the knowledge gained professionally.
Expected participants
A total of 50 young women participants (10 from each country) are expected to participate in this training.
Background
Revolutionary advancements in the fields of EO and GIT have created more opportunities in the fields of spatial sciences, natural resource management, landscape mapping, strategic planning, and decision-making. Though women play a vital role in environmental management and decision-making, they are underrepresented in the EO/GIT sector. This gender disparity is prevalent in the EO/GIT sector in Asia, and more so in the HKH region.
To address this evident gender gap, we have been organizing training programmes in ‘Empowering women in geospatial information technology’ for young and early career women under our SERVIR Hindu Kush Himalaya (SERVIR-HKH) Initiative for the past four years (2018–2021). In 2021, we scaled out this concept to five HKH countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan. Through this initiative, we hope to provide meaningful growth opportunities for women professionals and encourage them to pursue EO/GIT careers.
