Women in IASP launch
2016-09-27
Women in IASP holds its first meeting in Moscow to share knowledge and success
As the only global association for science parks and areas of innovation, IASP acts as the reference point for our members and other organisations when it comes to new trends and needs in our industry and in society. To increase the visibility of women in our network, and help our members unlock the value of gender diversity to their organisations, we are pleased to announce the launch of Women in IASP as a subnetwork of IASP.
Women in IASP was launched at IASP 2016 in Moscow at an informal reception where attendees got to know each other and started to shape the activities they want to see in their new subnetwork, and to share the top 3 challenges they face. The reception was attended by over 40 women from 24 different countries who agreed that the most important overarching aims of the subnetwork would be to inspire each other and the girls who are our future leaders.
It is founded and coordinated by IASP Board member Catherine Johns (NETPark, UK). She commented: “I’m delighted that IASP has endorsed this idea so enthusiastically – it came to mind when I was having a conversation at the IASP World Conference in Beijing with another science park director, a lady from Iran and I started to think about how we could build on links made at the conferences and events in a sustained way and how the women in the IASP network and the science park industry could help each other. I’m pleased to be launching this subnetwork of IASP at the World Conference in Moscow.”
Why Women in IASP?
The value of gender diversity to organisations is becoming apparent, with our strategic partners, such as the EU, the UN and ASEAN, implementing programmes to encourage the visibility & representation of women.
Women in IASP will help women to be more visible and active in our network. An association such as ours is made stronger and more valuable through the participation of individuals who share their experiences and unique perspectives to the benefit of all. This subnetwork will help us to hear the voices of the women in IASP, and support them to achieve their professional goals, to the benefit of the science parks and areas of innovation where they work. We know that many of our members already informally mentor each other: Women in IASP will bring together that knowledge base and share success stories for the benefit of all our members.
How will it work?
Members of the subnetwork will determine its activities, which will include a regular blog, individual mentoring, social media presence to share success, a dedicated forum on the IASP website, debates and networking, and themed Google+ hangouts.
IASP subnetworks
IASP subnetworks are made up of members to discuss matters relating to a particular topic or sector. They appoint a coordinator as an administrator and point of contact, are supported by the IASP Headquarters, and have a dedicated forum on the IASP website.