This upcoming winter, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is launching “Women on Ice,” an innovative initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of female researchers focusing on the cryosphere. This program is designed to bolster the skills, confidence, and professional networks of young women in this critical scientific field.
ICIMOD underscores that this initiative marks a significant stride in addressing the enduring gender disparity within scientific research, where women currently constitute only one-third of researchers. “Women on Ice” will afford ten aspiring female glaciologists, aged 21 to 28, hailing from the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, a unique opportunity to participate in ICIMOD’s inaugural all-women expedition to Ponkar Glacier in Manang, Nepal, scheduled for December 2024.
This fully funded expedition promises intensive training sessions aimed at equipping participants with essential survival skills in challenging environments, proficiency in identifying glacial features, a deeper comprehension of climate change’s impact on critical ecosystems, and proficiency in gathering invaluable scientific data. The program warmly welcomes applications from women residing in Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, regardless of their prior experience in the realms of science or glaciology.
Izabella Koziell, Deputy Director General of ICIMOD, expressed, “To effectuate the scale of change our world currently requires, we must harness the full breadth of humanity’s talents, skills, and knowledge. Cryosphere science, notably, continues to lag behind other fields in terms of gender equality. ‘Women on Ice’ represents a pivotal initial step towards redressing this persistent imbalance.”
Miriam Jackson, Cryosphere Lead at ICIMOD and a contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change highlighted, “Changes within the cryosphere across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region hold immense implications for communities inhabiting one of the most densely populated areas on Earth – impacts that will disproportionately affect women. Promoting gender parity in the study of snow, ice, and permafrost is indispensable for fostering inclusive decision-making concerning climate change and water resource management.”
Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, expressed enthusiastic anticipation for the initiative, asserting, “Women on Ice will not only cultivate a network of emerging female scientists but will also serve as a beacon inspiring more young girls to pursue scientific careers by showcasing the myriad opportunities within these fields. A more gender-inclusive scientific community will undoubtedly foster a more sustainable and equitable future.”
Scheduled to take place from December 2-13, the expedition will feature two seasoned mountaineering guides, a medical professional, and four ICIMOD experts. All participants will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure their fitness for the rigorous demands of the expedition, which will include arduous hikes and challenging environmental conditions.
The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region spans 3,500 kilometers across Asia, encompassing eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. This region plays a pivotal role in ensuring the food, water, and energy security of nearly two billion people and is home to countless irreplaceable species. However, it remains highly vulnerable to the escalating challenges posed by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Established in Kathmandu, Nepal in 1983, ICIMOD is an esteemed international organization dedicated to enhancing the ecological resilience and inclusivity of the HKH region. For further insights, refer to our Strategy 2030 and explore our comprehensive website for additional information on our ongoing initiatives.
