CTBTO Mentoring Programme: Supporting women in STEM for global impact

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) has successfully concluded the third cycle of its Mentoring Programme, marking another milestone in its mission to advance diversity, gender equality, and inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

This initiative not only empowers the next generation of women to increase their representation in these fields but also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which aims to “empower all women and girls”. By equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to CTBTO’s efforts to ban nuclear testing, it fosters a more inclusive approach to global security.

Running from 10 May to 22 August 2024, this year's programme was conducted entirely online, enabling participation from early-career women across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and the Far East. 

Featuring 26 mentor-mentee pairs, the initiative connected participants with mentors from CTBTO’s technical Divisions – the International Monitoring System (IMS), the International Data Centre (IDC), and On-Site Inspection (OSI).

For the first time, the programme also introduced mentors from National Data Centres (NDCs) and laboratories of States Signatories. These experts brought specialised knowledge and technical expertise, enriching the mentoring experience, and enhancing collaboration between CTBTO staff and affiliated entities.

Paola Garcia, a senior member of the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission and focal point for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), remarked: “Having worked for 10 years on CTBT-related matters, I am very pleased to contribute to an initiative that focuses on empowering women. This type of mentorship builds confidence, expands professional networks, and provides insights into career development that are not always available through formal education.”

The CTBTO Mentoring Programme featured a two-day recruitment bootcamp, a cornerstone of the experience that provided mentees with essential tools for career advancement. 

Participants gained valuable insights into each stage of the job application process, including drafting effective applications, practicing asynchronous video interviews, completing written tests, and participating in Competency-Based Interviews (CBIs). 

Meva Zafimanjato, a young professional in nuclear security from Madagascar, emphasised the impact of the bootcamp, stating, “For me, this was the most crucial experience in supporting my future career.”

In addition to the bootcamp, the programme offered a series of interactive webinars, virtual workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and role-play simulations. These sessions covered topics such as leadership development, confidence building, overcoming barriers in STEM, and communication skills.

Khishigdelger Ulziisaikhan, a seismic analyst from Mongolia, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “Coming from a country where there is a shortage of experts in these fields, I have always sought professional guidance to advance my career. I was thrilled to learn about the CTBTO Mentoring Programme because it provided an opportunity to connect with leading experts eager to share their knowledge.”

This cycle introduced innovative elements to enrich the learning experience, including Emotional Intelligence (EQ) workshops, virtual reality simulations, and collaborative online projects. 

Additionally, participants engaged in thematic deep dives into IMS facilities, IDC data and products, and OSI techniques - all integral technical components of CTBTO’s verification regime - as well as a workshop on public speaking and social media led by Public Information staff. 

At the closing ceremony, Deepti Choubey, Director of Knowledge Management and Human Resources Services, reflected on the programme’s achievements, stating: “This Mentoring Programme demonstrates the impact collective action from experts within the CTBTO and from our Member States can have in concretely supporting talented women in STEM from around the world. This kind of joint effort is essential for cultivating the talent we need to support the CTBTO’s verification regime today and into the future.”

Building on the success of this initiative, former mentees have participated in notable events such as the the 2023 Science and Technology Conference, and the 2022 Science Diplomacy Symposium. Additionally, eight mentees from the first cohort were nominated by their governments and participated in the OSI Regional Introductory Course for surrogate inspectors held in Slovakia in 2023.

Click here to read about the pilot Mentoring Programme launched in 2022 and its second cycle in 2023 in our web stories.