14. The role of women in development of engineering geology

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:
Ann Williams (IAEG-WEG Chair)

Session Coordinators:
Anjila Malla (NSEG-WEG Chair, IAEG-WEGC member)
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 29^th 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 29^th 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.

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