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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Women Take Key Positions at Commonwealth Science Council

19 February 1996

The Commonwealth Science Council (CSC) has announced the names of its new Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson: Esther Mede, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs of Malawi, has been named as Chairperson and Kim Carpinter, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology of New Zealand, as Deputy Chairperson. This is the first time the two most senior positions in the 20-year-old CSC have been filled by women.

Mrs Mede holds a BSc in biology and chemistry, and Masters degrees in science education and public administration. She has ten years' experience in management within Malawi's Ministry of Research and Environmental Affairs, and five years' experience in the co-ordination of gender issues in development activities.

Ms Carpinter holds a BA in history and political science, and an MA in international politics from Victoria University of Wellington. As a member of the management group of the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology, she has an overview of New Zealand research, science and technology policy issues, and serves as a representative of New Zealand on various international bodies.

The chair of the CSC rotates every two or three years. It is held by the country that is to host the next meeting of the Council, which decided last June that its 1997 meeting would take place in Malawi. Accordingly, Mrs Mede took over the chair in December 1995 when she was appointed by the Government of Malawi as the CSC's member for that country. Ms Carpinter took on the newly created role of Deputy Chairperson in January 1996.

Judy Johnson, Deputy Secretary of the CSC, commented: "We are delighted to have women in these key roles. It is our aim to promote women in science and technology and encourage education in science and technology for women and girls. I am very pleased that governments have recognised the importance of leading by example, by nominating women to these positions."

The CSC was established in 1975 to promote the use of science and technology for development. On 22-23 April, the Executive Committee of the Council will meet in London to discuss the Council's work programme for the next four years, giving special attention to gender issues and information exchange.

 

96/7 19 February 1996

 

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