About the training
Our SERVIR-HKH Initiative is organising a virtual training for young women from ICIMOD’s Regional Member Countries on empowering women in geospatial information technology (WoGIT).
The training will be delivered using a blended learning approach – presentations and guided practical exercises, followed by group project assignments. This training will cover a wide range of topics including principles of geographic information systems (GIS), basic concepts of remote sensing (RS), GIS data use and visualisation, geoprocessing and analytical query, RS image interpretation and mapping, spectral indices, and map production using open-source tools to solve emerging environmental problems. The training will also cover basic concepts of SERVIR-HKH’s services and applications.
Objectives
We aim to train young women from the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region on the use of Earth observation (EO) data and geospatial information technology (GIT) to empower and enable them to use EO data for different applications. This will support our efforts in bridging the gender gap in the EO/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 250 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.
Interested candidates may apply for the participation using the application form available at this link: https://servir.icimod.org/wogit-application-form/
The deadline for the submission of applications is 25 July 2022. Selected candidates will be informed via email by 1 August 2022.
- This training is only meant for women from the RMCs: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
- 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 on Zoom; 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.
Background
Revolutionary advancements in the fields of EO and GIT have created more opportunities in 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 organising training programmes on WoGIT for young and early career women under our 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. In March 2022, we organised an advanced training for our 2021 alumni.
Through the WoGIT initiative, we hope to provide meaningful growth opportunities for women professionals and encourage them to pursue EO/GIT careers.
Speakers/facilitators
ICIMOD
- Birendra Bajracharya, Chief of Party – SERVIR-HKH
- Kiran Shakya, Geospatial Application Development Specialist
- Pema Gyamtsho, Director General
- Poonam Tripathi, Training Analyst
- Rajesh Bahadur Thapa, Senior Remote Sensing and Geoinformation Specialist
- Sajana Maharjan, Remote Sensing and Geoinformation Analyst
- Sunil Thapa, Remote Sensing and Geoinformation Analyst
- Sudip Pradhan, Programme Coordinator – Regional Database System Initiative
