Bendam will play a pivotal role in advancing the empowerment of women in CBRN security, particularly in the areas of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear safety, as WiN-Morocco emphasized in a press release, highlighting her commitment to promoting gender inclusion and enhancing women’s contributions to this critical field.

During the meeting, Bendam delivered a presentation on regional initiatives aimed at empowering women in the nuclear sector, where she emphasized the strategic importance of increasing women’s participation in CBRN security to address global challenges effectively.

The opening session featured key contributions from Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), along with representatives from the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS).

Representatives from 11 Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, and Algeria, participated in the inaugural meeting.

According to the press release, the event marked a significant milestone in strengthening the role of women in CBRN security while contributing to regional capacity-building to meet future challenges.

The Arab Women Network in CBRN Security is an initiative designed to promote gender equality and empower women in fields related to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear security, bringing together experts, decision-makers, and thought leaders to share knowledge, enhance skills, and foster collaboration in this critical area integral to international security.