Script for Salutation Video for IMD Conference on Weather and Women

Dear colleagues, 

It is a great honour to address you on this momentous occasion as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) celebrates its 150th anniversary and hosts this important conference on "Weather and Women."

For 150 years, IMD has been a global leader in tropical meteorology, weather forecasting, and early warning systems, saving lives and building resilience across communities. Your unwavering commitment has not only advanced science but also enhanced the safety and well-being of millions.

This conference is particularly significant because it highlights the essential contributions of women scientists in weather and climate sciences.

One of the early pioneering female meteorologists was in fact Indian!  

Anna Mani, who was born in 1918, worked her way up to becoming Deputy Director-General of IMD and excelling in a very male-dominated profession.  

Thanks to her leadership, India was in the forefront of using meteorological data, especially of solar radiation and wind, for studies of alternative energy.  

Anna Mani was also active in various WMO technical commissions. Clad in her sari, she cut a distinctive figure among all the men in suits! Women have been instrumental in driving innovation, improving service delivery, and ensuring inclusive climate solutions. Yet, as we celebrate their achievements, we must also address the barriers that still exist for many women in science and decision-making.

For instance, WMO research shows how deeply gender influences weather, water and climate vulnerability. During the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, more women than men lost their lives, partly because many women lacked swimming skills and access to early warnings. Similarly, during Cyclone Gorky in Bangladesh, female casualties outnumbered male casualties by 14 to 1 due to insufficient information and resources. These examples underscore why gender-responsive approaches to weather and climate services are crucial.

IMD continues to empower women scientists who are instrumental in delivering effective early warnings, such as during the recent extreme monsoon rains and flooding in New Delhi, where their forecasts were vital to mitigating impacts.

At the World Meteorological Organization, we are dedicated to advancing gender equality in all of our activities. Our updated Gender Action Plan focuses on initiatives such as supporting NMHSs enhance their staff's capacity in addressing unconscious bias, fostering inclusive leadership, integrating gender mainstreaming, and delivering gender-responsive services. Our initiatives, like the Early Warning for All support people centered service delivery, aim to ensure that weather and climate services are accessible to all, regardless of gender.

Women are not only disproportionately affected by weather and climate impacts—they are also key agents of change. Women farmers in Senegal, for example, require specialized seasonal forecasts to adapt to rainfall deficits, as they often plant crops later than their male counterparts. Providing such targeted information can be life-changing.

Together, we must empower women in HydroMet service delivery by addressing barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring gender-responsive solutions in every aspect of climate science. By doing so, we strengthen our global resilience to the challenges ahead.

As the first woman to lead the World Meteorological Organization, I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where women scientists thrive. This is not only a professional mission—it is a personal responsibility.

Congratulations once again to IMD on 150 years of remarkable service, and thank you for spotlighting the invaluable contributions of women to weather and climate sciences. I am honoured to join you in celebrating this legacy and advancing our shared vision for a sustainable and inclusive future.

I thank you.