Gender equality in space diplomacy

Space negotiation should become more gender-inclusive. This article calls for Australia to have the leading role in space diplomacy and gender in the wider context of UN women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda with the following specific proposals:
– for gender-neutral language such as ‘piloted’ or ‘automated’ rather than ‘manned’ or ‘unmanned’ to be used when referring to spacecraft;
– to ensure greater participation of women diplomats and decision-makers in space security negotiations; and
– to consider the disproportionate impact on girls and women when space-based technologies are interrupted, interfered with, or attacked in grey zone and conflict situations.