SERVIR HKH training advances women's skills in Earth observation & geospatial information technology
While significant progress has been made in Earth observation (EO) and geospatial information technology (GIT), opening doors for novel ideas in the spatial sciences, decision-making, and natural resource management, women remain underrepresented in these fields despite their crucial role in countering the impacts of climate change. This gender disparity is particularly stark in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. To address this challenge, SERVIR HKH launched the “Women in GIT” (WoGIT) initiative to provide significant growth opportunities for women professionals to advance their careers and take on leadership roles in EO and GIT.
Empowering women in geospatial information technology
Since 2018, SERVIR HKH has conducted 12 training programs for young and early-career women in geospatial information technology (GIT), reaching 1,490 women across the region. The training focuses on using technologies to collect, store, analyze, and visualize spatial or geographic data about observing the Earth’s surface and human activity. Participants learn about key concepts and how to use applications that depend on EO data and GIT.
The 2023 iteration of the training targeted 200 women with a bachelor's degree or enrolled in higher education with an academic background in geography, science, engineering, surveying, environmental science, and/or information technology. The interest exceeded expectations and more than 640 women completed the online training from across the HKH region including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma/Myanmar, Nepal, India, and Pakistan.
2023 training yields measurable results
The pre- and post- training surveys on the participants’ scientific knowledge on EO and GIT and their applications reveals a transformative shift in their understanding of the subject matter. Before the training, more than half of the participants (55%) expressed no knowledge of EO and GIT and various applications, and 30% had only basic knowledge of the subject. Only 15% claimed intermediate or advanced knowledge. By strengthening the participants’ EO and GIT know-how, these trainings bridge the gender digital divide, and these knowledge gains will be applied to their existing skill sets.
The most notable transformation is the significant shift of 51% of participants from no knowledge of EO and GIT to intermediate and advanced levels after the training. This remarkable change not only underlines the effectiveness of the training in enhancing participants’ scientific knowledge but also implies a profound impact on their confidence and competence in the subject. Moreover, the training has played a pivotal role in equipping participants with a solid foundation, fostering a positive trajectory toward advanced understanding, and contributing to the overall advancement of scientific knowledge within the cohort.
| “Before this training, I lacked knowledge about GIS. The knowledge gained through this training will help me, a young climate activist, combat climate change and empower women from the rural areas of Pakistan.” Atia Hossain, Student and climate activist, Pakistan |
A comprehensive assessment of their technical skills before the training showed that most participants lacked confidence in exploring EO and GIS data, and using platforms such as QGIS to process and analyze vector and raster data. The post-training evaluations revealed a substantial increase in participants expressing high and moderate confidence levels.
“This training helped my research work on the effects of climate change in my country. While doing research, there was a pressing need for GIS information. This training enhanced my understanding of GIS and will significantly improve my research capabilities.” – Forouhar H., Civil Engineer, Afghanistan
This positive change indicates the training program’s effectiveness and signifies a tangible contribution to building a foundation for women in the EO/GIT sector in the HKH countries. The impact is not only measured in skill enhancement but also in fostering newfound confidence and competence among these young women, paving the way for their active participation and leadership in the rapidly evolving field of EO and GIT.
Robust capacity strengthening is integral to facilitating knowledge transfer and fostering transformative changes within the community. The incorporation of virtual training has been particularly fruitful, as it has effectively engaged a large number of early-career women, professionals, and participants from remote areas of the HKH region. The training program has also contributed to strengthening institutional capacity and established a broader network for knowledge exchange.
"As we strive for greater inclusivity, this program in SERVIR-HKH serves as a pathway towards realizing our vision. We are dedicated to exploring further paths that foster inclusivity and create meaningful impacts within our communities.” - Dr. Poonam Tripathi, Geospatial training analyst at ICIMOD
