International Forum on

WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYIn Muslim CountriesKuala Lumpur, Malaysia

20-22 September 2011

Recommendations

5 categories of Recommendations

A: Database and Publication

B: Research

D: Collaboration and Networking

C: Education, Training and Development

E: Policy Considerations and Implications

A: Data base and Publication

Translate into English the existing compilation of publications on Muslim women leaders in ST&I available in other languages

Create peer recognition award of successful women in ST&I and showcase them through “Hall of Fame” within each Muslim country

Compile and use texts from Quran, Sunnah and Hadith which are supportive of Musllim women in their multiple roles as wife, mother, care giver and career woman without compromising their religious obligations.To counter religious based oppression and subjugation we need to use religious Quranic texts to support our stand in the preservation of life, reason, progeny, wealth, status and rights

Identify prominent role models of women in ST&I for the young women at school, graduate and post graduate levels. Compile their profiles and increase their visibility appeal online and in hardcopy.

Produce an annotated bibliography on Women in Science & Technology and Innovation and make it accessible online and hardcopy

Identify and collate appropriate Quranic verses to enhance reference materials on Science for schools and tertiary education

B: Research

Identify common character traits of successful Muslim women leaders in ST & I through qualitative research across cultures in order to develop a leadership competency model of Muslim women that is not Western based

Identify the causes of leaking pipeline among women in ST&I in public and private sectors and develop action plans to address the problems.Note: Women experience significant challenges at different phases in their lives and career which tend to be nonsequential (in lieu of pregnancy, maternity etc)

Develop a Gender Sensitivity Index using appropriate and contextually relevant indicators to assess any policy and practice at workplace

C: Training, Education and Development

Design and introduce career development courses at tertiary level and workplace specifically to prepare them to enter and excel in a competitive, patriarchical and gender neutral workplace

Promote gender literacy programme to correct gender biases, prejudices and stereotypes and implement them to young adults male or female at secondary and tertiary levels

Introduce and promote the use of appropriate terminologies that are respectful of gender differences and rights in daily interaction, work conduct and conversation at workplace and public sphere

Become aware of the cultural conditioning of women regarding the concept of self (related versus separated) and empowerment. Muslim women in general are more related than separated --- they tend to think of others around them (the need to consult family) when offered new opportunities.

D: Collaboration and NetworkingPromote international and institutional collaboration through exchanges, visits, research and training among women scholars and scientists in Muslim countries to share common issues, challenges and local indigenous solutions.

Share best practices on gender mainstreaming programs by focusing on existing friendly work environment for women to succeed : mentor and mentee programs, networking opportunities, coaching, flexible working arrangements (work from home, part-time, career breaks), life long learning opportunities and post graduate studies, and gender responsive budget in daily operations and administration

Engage young women in science by providing support structures at work and home, mentoring programmes, gender-sensitive counselling, career guidance, and job placement services to encourage women to advance into decision making positions

Involve secondary school curriculum development officers in both Islamic and Science subjects to develop integrated materials

Partner with media agencies, Science centres and museums to promote the right images of successful women scientists

E: Policy Considerations and Implications

Establish a monitoring mechanism through the gender focal point to track and measure the progress of 30 % leadership in respective of public and private agencies

Develop and implement sex disaggregated data as part of gender mainstreaming in both public and private sector organizations to (i)assess training and development needs of women in ST& I (ii)identify demographic profile of women and their fields of expertise, (iii)list number of patents produced by women(iv)Indicate funds allocated for women scientists for capacity building

Establish dedicated incubators to nurture young women with ST&I talent prior to placement in job markets or involvement in entrepreneurship.

Include women representatives from Science, Technology and Innovation in bodies formulating policies to ensure gender sensitive consideration and bodies