On the occasion of World Oceans Day 2023, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the Office of the High Representative of the United Nations for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and partners of the Women in Deep-Sea Research project join hands to launch the S.H.E. (“See Her Exceed”) Mentoring Programme in deep-sea research.
Applications are now open for all interested women scientists from developing States, particularly those from least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States, specializing in deep-sea research in three areas: marine geosciences, marine deep-sea biology and ecology, and biological oceanography.
The S.H.E. Mentoring Programme has been designed to address the underrepresentation of women in marine science while promoting and advancing the leadership of women scientists from developing States in deep-sea research.
It builds on the first-ever gender mapping launched in June 2022, which identified lack of career guidance as an impediment to professional development. It will contribute to breaking down barriers, especially for women scientists from least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States, by creating the enabling conditions for a unique mentoring experience between world-renown scientists who will share their expertise, knowledge and guidance with selected mentees over a 12-month period. The mentors, comprising both men and women, are senior professionals from academia and industry who engage voluntarily and commit to progressing the three development goals put forward by the mentees.
Launching the S.H.E. Mentoring Programme, the Secretary-General of ISA, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, said: “I am particularly excited to see this new mentoring programme for women scientists from developing States becoming a reality. I am convinced that it can help us break down the barriers that hinder the progress of countless women on their journey towards fulfilling successful careers. I wish to thank the mentors who have voluntarily joined us in this new initiative, and I look forward to seeing what I know will bring transformative results towards our common objectives”.
The S.H.E. Mentoring Programme will allow the mentees to accelerate personal and professional development, nurture their career progression and build professional skills and networks.
The S.H.E. mentoring programme reflects the ongoing efforts of ISA and its partners towards transformative solutions for advancing women’s empowerment and leadership in deep-sea research through a unique contribution to the ISA Action Plan for marine scientific research in support of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Applications are open until 31 August 2023. For more information about the S.H.E. Mentoring Programme and to apply, please visit the webpage: https://www.isa.org.jm/widsr-mentoring-programme.
For enquiries, please contact widsr@isa.org.jm.