Vienna, 9. Nov. — On Monday, November 6th, the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology (BMK) hosted a momentous event to celebrate the establishment of the 17th Women in Aerospace Europe Chapter in Austria, for which ESPI was a supporter. The evening aimed to ignite fresh discussions in the gender equality debate within the space sector and empower the women who are part of this thrilling industry.
Henriette Spyra, Director General for Innovation and Technology at the Ministry, set the tone for the evening, emphasizing its dedication to every woman present, providing a platform for visibility and connection. Chapter Lead Judith Delany and Co-Lead Marianne Röchling stressed the need to break gender barriers in leadership roles within the space sector.
Keynote Speaker Sandra Häuplik-Meusburger, academic Director of the course Space at the Science Academy in Lower Austria and the EMBA in Space Architecture at the TU Wien, underscored the importance of including women at all levels in the space sector, stating, “It’s simply not possible to meet women’s needs in the space sector if women don’t have a place at the table.” Her address resonated with the audience, emphasizing the crucial role women play in shaping the future of space exploration and technology.
The event, which was expertly moderated by ESPI Research Fellow and Lead on Regulatory Affairs Sara Dalledonne, also celebrated the new Women in Aerospace Europe Inspiration Video, a Co-Production of Perihelion and The Impressive Company, who were also sponsors of the evening. The video, directed by Juliane Neuhuber, showcased a multitude of women in the Austrian Aerospace sector and will prominently feature on the upcoming new WIA-E Website. It serves as an inspirational testament to support women in the space sector, highlighting their diverse contributions and encouraging future generations to pursue careers in aerospace.
The evening concluded with inspiring remarks by Haifa Almofareh, the Communication Lead of the Austrian Chapter of WIA-E. An informal networking event followed, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and foster new collaborations.
The Launch Event for the Austrian Chapter of Women in Aerospace Europe was a resounding success, setting the stage for a new era of inclusivity, empowerment, and gender equality in the Austrian aerospace field. The event was an inspiring and significant milestone in the ongoing mission to provide women in the space sector with the visibility, opportunities, and connections they deserve.
For more information about Women in Aerospace Europe and the Austrian Chapter, please visit https://www.wia-europe.org
Find a selection of photos from the event below:
