Background
Frequent transformative developments in the fields of Earth observation (EO) and geospatial information technology (GIT) build more possibilities in the fields of spatial sciences, natural resource management, landscape mapping, and strategic planning and decision making. Although women play a vital role in environmental management and decision making, their engagement and participation in the EO/GIT workforce is very low in Asia, especially in the countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.
In this context, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has been organizing the “Empowering women in geospatial information technology” training under its SERVIR Hindu Kush Himalaya (SERVIR-HKH) Initiative for the past three years and has trained 175 women. The training course, extended exclusively to young women from Nepal and Pakistan, provides them with theoretical as well as practical knowledge in the use of EO data and GIT using real-world examples from the HKH region. In its fifth iteration and in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this intensive four-day course is being offered online to eligible women in Nepal.
The training will cover a wide range of topics, including principles of geographic information system (GIS), basic concepts of remote sensing (RS), image calculation and spectral indices, and mapping using open-source tools to solve emerging environmental problems.
This training aims to train young women from Nepal on the use of EO data and GIT, empowering and encouraging them to consider careers in GIT and its applications. This will support ICIMOD’s efforts to bridge the gender gap in the GIT field.
Upon completion of the training, the participants will have a better understanding of the concepts and applications of GIS and RS, which will enable them to use the knowledge gained professionally.
A total of 20 young women participants with an academic background in the fields of geography, science, engineering, survey, environmental science, and/or information technology are expected to participate in this training.
The deadline for the submission of applications is 25 April 2021. Selected candidates will be informed via email by 7 May 2021
- This training is only meant for women from Nepal
- Applicants should have completed a bachelor’s degree or be enrolled in a university-level curriculum at the time of application
- Attendance in the training is free
- The training will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams; no travel and accommodation support will be extended
- Selected candidates must ensure the following:
- Access to a computer with the Windows operating system installed
- Ability to install and run open-source GIS software
- Access to good internet connection to support audio/video lectures
- Be available to attend the online sessions from 09:00–17:00 (NPT)
- Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon satisfactory completion of the training
- Questions regarding selection and/or participation will not be entertained
- Resource persons/facilitators
Agenda
- Pre-training preparation – Monday, 17 May 2021
Time Topic 13:00–15:00 Registration Familiarization with Microsoft Teams Installation and exploration of QGIS - Day 1 – Tuesday, 18 May 2021
- Day 2 – Wednesday, 19 May 2021
- Day 3 – Thursday, 20 May 2021
- Day 4 – Friday, 21 May 2021
