UNIDIR - For the benefit of all humankind: why space security needs gender perspectives

Outer space should be a peaceful domain, and activities conducted therein must be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries, irrespective of their degree of economic or scientific development. This obligation, enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty, cannot be fulfilled without diverse representation and the promotion of women’s equal and meaningful participation, leadership and decision-making in the development and enactment of space regulations. 

Gender equality is necessary to achieve and sustain peace, but space security discussions have traditionally lacked attention to gender in both representation and substance. As the open-ended working group convened pursuant to UNGA resolution 76/231 works to identify threats to space systems and make recommendations on possible norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviour relating to the use of space systems, it is essential that gender equality be valued as an enabling factor for the success of this work. 

To shed light on this issue, this side event organised by Australia and UNIDIR brings together a group of experts to discuss the importance of gender equality in the context of space security. Potential topics for discussion include: women’s participation and leadership in the space industry and diplomacy; mainstreaming gender approaches to space law, norms and standards; and harnessing space technology for sustainable development and gender equality.

Agenda