STATEMENT BY DR JOHNNY THABO PITSWANE, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, BOARD OF GOVERNORS, 11 SEPTEMBER 2017, VIENNA

AGENDA ITEM 8(B): PERSONNEL MATTERS – WOMEN IN THE SECRETARIAT

Chairperson

South Africa takes note of the report which highlights efforts within the Secretariat to promote equity in the Agency, including the initiatives undertaken through the Vienna Chapter of the International Gender Champions and the Group of Friends for Women in Nuclear established in June 2017. South Africa is pleased to be a member of the Group of Friends, which is integrally linked to our broader national policy in promoting and advancing the central role of women in all institutions at local, regional and international levels. 

Chairperson

We are therefore heartened by the progress made in achieving a higher representation of women and in mainstreaming gender considerations in the Secretariat’s programmes and operations. We note that during the reporting period, the overall percentage of women regular staff in the Professional and higher categories has now reached 29.4%, constituting the highest level attained in this regard.

Chairperson

In disaggregating the percentages further, it is, however, important to note that while much has been achieved, so much more remains to be done. In this regard, women are still under-represented at the higher management level and within the core functions of the Agency. In addition, we regret that women from developing countries, particularly from Africa, continue to be under-represented within the organization. We therefore encourage the Director General to re-double his efforts to ensure a qualitative shift in this area.

I thank you

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