ARC-15 of IAEG – Women in Engineering Geology WEG – Session Proposal
Session Theme:
The Role of Women in the Development of Engineering Geology
Session Convener:
Dr. Ann Williams (IAEG-WEG Chair)
Session Coordinators:
Ms. Anjila Malla (NSEG-WEG Chair, IAEG-WEGC member)
Dr. Mahmuda Khatun (IBNG-WEG Chair)
Overall Objectives:
- Foster regional & international collaboration among women in engineering geology.
- Provide career development opportunities and visibility.
- Create a supportive platform for sharing experiences and research.
- Strengthen the Women in Engineering Geology Committee’s visibility within IAEG’s larger mission.
Session Structure and Detailed Suggestions
1. Pre-Conference Networking: Online Meet and Greet
- Description: Host a virtual informal meet-up 2 weeks before ARC-15 to introduce participants, especially young professionals and students, to each other.
- Aim: Ice-breaking, early connections, allowing participants to feel comfortable before the event.
- Tool: Zoom discussions.
2. Day 1: Outdoor “Walk and Talk” / Trekking Session (Half Day)
Option:
- Visit a field area led by a student/member to highlight regional geology, geomorphology, or field techniques, nearby Kathmandu valley (Chandragiri Hill, using cable car).
- Fun group activity: e.g., short hike, geo-quiz, or rock sample scavenger hunt in Chandragiri area, rocks from rare Tethys Sediment in Lesser Himalayan region.
- Discussion on site for local cultural/geological significance sites (e.g., women’s role in local communities related to geological hazards or resource management) by observing Kathmandu valley from top of Chandragiri Hill.
Additional Suggestions:
- Arrange for group reflection circle at the end where everyone shares one thing they learned or enjoyed.
- Distribute small tokens (e.g., WEG badges or Nepali souvenirs) to foster a sense of belonging.
Objective: Build informal connections and camaraderie, fostering an inclusive environment early in the conference.
3. Day 2: Conference Session (Half Day) – November 27 after Lunch.
A. Panel Discussion (60 minutes)
Structure:
- Four diverse panelists (different career stages, sectors – academia, industry, government, one panelist should be Dr. Ranjan Kumar Dahal).
- Moderator-led Q&A combining pre-prepared questions (solicited during registration) and live questions.
Panel Topics:
- Overcoming career barriers.
- Work-life balance in geoscience related job.
- Mentorship experiences.
- Regional challenges and opportunities for women in engineering geology.
- Women who are not working in engineering geology due to family reason.
B. Presentation (30-40 minutes)
Suggested Title: “Navigating Gender Stereotypes in Engineering Geology: Strategies for Success”
Speaker: Women from academia or industry, preferably working in engineering geology, geology, civil engineering and disaster risk management.
Content Suggestions:
- Examples of gender bias or stereotypes.
- Tools to develop resilience and leadership.
- Women in risk communication and effectiveness.
- Strategies for self-advocacy, negotiation, and mentoring.
C. Quick-fire Research Update (75 minutes)
Format:
- 7 x 7-minute short presentations from young women engineering geologists and engineers.
- Include researchers at different stages: undergraduate, postgraduate, early-career.
- 15-20 minutes collective Q&A to encourage interaction.
Suggestions:
- Encourage interdisciplinary topics (e.g., engineering practices, climate change resilience, hazard mitigation, new field techniques).
- Award Best Quick-fire Presentation (small prize or certificate with IAEG certificate).
4. Additional Programs:
4.1 Mentorship Circles – Workshop on 29th November noon.
Title: “Essential Skills for Career Advancement: Communication, Leadership & Negotiation“
- Discuss career advice, research challenges, or skills development.
- Short, interactive workshop focusing on soft skills important for professional growth, specifically tailored for women in STEM.
4.2 Poster/Photo Exhibition: “Women in Fieldwork” on 29th November noon
- Invite submissions of photos/stories from women engineering geologists in the field.
- Display during ARC-15 to visually highlight contributions and experiences.
4.3 Publication Opportunity
- Collect key insights, panel discussions, and research summaries to publish a special WEG feature article in the IAEG Newsletter or Bulletin post-ARC-15.
4.4 Outreach and Visibility
Actively promote the session through:
- IAEG social media.
- WEG social media.
- Regional networks (NSEG, JSEG, IBNG, etc.).
- Targeted emails encouraging participation from underrepresented countries.
To Participate in this session, fill up the form below:
