Change STEM education to benefit women: NASA official

Changing the way science and mathematics are taught could help increase the number of women employed in the aerospace industry, according to a senior adviser with the United States space agency, NASA. NASA Deputy Chief Scientist Gale Allen said studies show that traditional methods of teaching the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) do not take into consideration how women learn. Ms Allen participated in a networking breakfast for women in the space industry worldwide that took place in Dubai on Monday. It was held in connection with this week's High Level Forum on the link between space and sustainable development organized by the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the United Arab Emirates. Dianne Penn asked Ms Allen for a snapshot of women’s involvement in the US aerospace industry.

“Change at all levels” needed to advance gender equality in workplace

Change is needed “at all levels” of society to advance gender equality in the workplace according to a senior United Nations official. Experts from around the world are gathering in Panama on Monday at the UN-backed Third Business Forum on Gender Equality and will focus on how the private sector can advance parity and build inclusive work environments. Randi Davis, is the director of the gender team at the UN Development Programme (UNDP). Daniel Dickinson asked her what the key issues were facing women across the world in the workplace.

Encourage girls in maths and science to change “macho” tech culture

Exposing young girls to science and maths might help end the “macho” culture in the tech industry, according to a senior executive with one of the world’s biggest computer companies. Astrid Tuminez is a Regional Director for Microsoft in South-East Asia. She believes it would be a shame if one half of humanity were excluded from a sector that overflows with opportunities and careers. Ms Tuminez was in Bangkok for an annual gathering organized by the International Telecommunication Union, the UN agency that deals with issues related to information and communications technologies (ICT). Maximillian Jacobson-Gonzalez began by asking Ms Tuminez about her participation in a panel on how ITCs can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Presenter: Jocelyne Sambira

Production Assistant: Sandra Guy

Duration: 10’00″