The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) successfully organized an international webinar entitled "Empowering Women in Metrology: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities" on 16 June 2026, bringing together leading experts and participants from SMIIC member states to discuss the vital role of women in advancing metrology and strengthening quality infrastructure.
The webinar was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. İhsan ÖVÜT, Secretary General of SMIIC, and moderated by Ms. Emel Gönç, Technical Assistant of the SMIIC Metrology Council and Coordinator of the SMIIC Training Center and SMIIC Academy.
The webinar included the following distinguished speakers:
- Prof. Hala Abdel MEGEED, Advisor at the Emirates Metrology Institute (EMI);
- H.E. Ms. Penny Moyahabo Manganyi, Head of Secretariat of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS);
- Dr. Gonca ALTIN, Senior Expert Researcher at the Bioanalysis Laboratory of the TÜBİTAK National Metrology Institute (UME), Türkiye; and
- Ms. Feruza Ibrakhimova, Chief Specialist at the Uzbek National Institute of Metrology (UzNIM).
Throughout the webinar, speakers highlighted the importance of leadership, capacity building, institutional support, and career development in empowering women in metrology. They also discussed initiatives to increase women's participation in technical and leadership roles while addressing challenges related to education and professional advancement.
Prof. Dr. Hala Abdel MEGEED presented on women's leadership in metrology, highlighting key leadership qualities, the role of institutions in supporting women, the importance of role models, and the challenges women face, while sharing insights from her own professional journey.
H.E. Ms. Penny Moyahabo Manganyi presented the current status of women in African metrology, highlighting regional capacity-building initiatives, challenges, and success stories.
Dr. Gonca ALTIN focused on global career pathways in metrology, leadership development, and practical opportunities available through research, metrology, and international cooperation.
The webinar concluded with a presentation by Ms. Feruza Ibrakhimova entitled "Women in Metrology: Shaping the Future," which introduced the infrastructure and recent developments at UzNIM, discussed global trends in women's participation in science, emphasized the importance of female leadership, shared her professional experiences and plans, and presented statistics demonstrating the growing contribution of women experts within UzNIM.
During the interactive discussion session, participants emphasized the value of the webinar as a platform for networking, exchanging experiences, motivating women professionals, and openly discussing the challenges they face in the field of metrology. They also expressed their appreciation for the initiative and encouraged SMIIC to organize additional webinars, workshops, and seminars dedicated to supporting women's professional development.
The webinar reaffirmed SMIIC's commitment to women's participation in quality infrastructure through dedicated Women's Empowerment programmes. Participants agreed that empowering women in metrology is essential for fostering innovation, strengthening national and regional quality infrastructure, and contributing to sustainable economic and social development.
