More than 70 women with a background in science have set sail for Antarctica, as part of an Australian-based initiative, Homeward Bound Program, looking at taking the largest ever all-female expedition to the frozen contient. Their aim – to study and investigate the effects of climate change along with starting a dialogue around under-representation of women in important scientific roles around the world.
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According to the group’s proposal last year, they planned to bring a thousand women together for this scientific opportunity, out of which, 76 were selected to go on this expedition that keeps them on sea for 20 days; leaving from South America. The team has funded their own travel and accommodation on the ship and will get to observe the effects of climate change on Antarctica first-hand.
This team of women scientists is not alone on the boat; experts will provide them with a series of lectures and workshops around Antarctic science, leadership skills and even networking.
BBC reports Dr. Jessica Melbourne-Thomas saying, “We're missing half the voice at the leadership table.”
Jessica and entrepreneur Fabian Dattner came up with the Homeward Bound initiative aimed at increasing representation of women in top science jobs. In that interview, Jessica adds, ”I’ve started thinking about Homeward Bound as one part of a wave of initiatives that together might mean we are able to move forward, rather than seeing this very slow rate of change.”
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The same initiative is carried forward for 2018 too and the applications for that open in January 2017. So if you’re a woman who knows her science, stay ready for the New Year!
Feature Image Courtesy: ABC News