Khadija Bendam Elected President of the International Nuclear Societies Council: A Global Pioneer in Nuclear Leadership

By Karima Rhanem, Senior Managing Editor

Khadija Bendam, an accomplished Moroccan nuclear expert and global advocate for women in science, has been elected President of the International Nuclear Societies Council (INSC) during its General Assembly on the sidelines of the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna. With this appointment, Bendam makes history as the first woman in the world to hold this prestigious position, a groundbreaking milestone in the advancement of women’s leadership in nuclear governance.
Her election is more than a personal triumph: it is a symbol of Morocco’s rising influence on the international stage and a testament to Africa’s growing voice in shaping the future of science, technology, and strategic cooperation.

A Voice for Women and Africa in Nuclear Science
Bendam is no stranger to trailblazing. She currently serves as President of Women in Nuclear (WiN) Morocco, an Executive Board Member of WiN Global, and founder of WINEPRI (Women in Nuclear in Emergency Preparedness and Response Initiative), a pioneering platform launched in 2022 with the IAEA to strengthen women’s participation in nuclear emergency management worldwide.

Her leadership combines technical expertise with international diplomacy, and her vision is clear:
“Visibility matters: when young people see women leading safely in nuclear fields, it shifts narratives and builds trust. Africa needs strong advocates for peaceful nuclear applications in energy, health, agriculture, and water management.”

Strengthening Global Cooperation: Highlights from 2025
The year 2025 has been a defining one for Bendam, marked by a series of impactful missions across three continents:
Vienna, Austria (September 2025): At the IAEA General Conference, Bendam engaged in high-level networking with global leaders, including the EU Delegation and TerraPower, reinforcing WiN Global’s momentum for gender equality and collaboration.
Washington, D.C. (August 2025): She played a key role at the INMM 66th Annual Meeting (24–28 August), contributing to workshops on nuclear security strategies and cybersecurity. Days earlier, she represented Morocco at a technical mission (20–23 August) organized by the U.S. DOE/NNSA and the Office of Radiological Security with the Arab Women’s Network in CBRN. Her keynote speech, “Powering Africa’s Future”, highlighted Africa’s nuclear potential and the importance of South-South cooperation.
Tunisia (August 2025): Bendam joined the MENA Regional Nuclear Security Support Centres (NSSC) Workshop (11–14 August), co-organized by the U.S. DOE/NNSA, INS, and the Arab Atomic Energy Agency. As a panelist, she mentored young scientists, shared Morocco’s WiN achievements, and built regional frameworks for nuclear security. She also deepened bilateral ties during exchanges between WiN Tunisia and WiN Morocco.
Abuja, Nigeria (June–July 2025): Earlier in the summer, Bendam served as IAEA Lead Expert at the Regional School of Radiation Emergency Management, hosted by the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA). Organized by the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre, the two-week program gathered professionals from over 30 African countries.
Bendam worked closely with experts from Ghana and Nigeria to strengthen nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness across the continent. Training sessions addressed safety of radioactive sources, nuclear security event management, lessons from past emergencies, and implementation of emergency preparedness and response (EPR) exercises.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Bendam emphasized:
“International cooperation is key to building safer and more resilient systems across Africa.”
The program’s opening was presided over by Dr. Yau Idris, Director General of the NNRA, underlining its national and regional significance.

A Symbol of Morocco’s Leadership
Through these missions, Bendam has positioned Morocco as a regional hub for nuclear safety, governance, and gender inclusion. Her presidency of the INSC consolidates this leadership and opens new avenues for African contributions to global nuclear governance.
As the first woman at the helm of the INSC, she views her election with humility and responsibility:
“This is not just a personal achievement—it is an opportunity to serve, to support the growth of women in nuclear, and to contribute to a safe, secure, and sustainable future.”

Looking Ahead
Khadija Bendam’s journey reflects a broader transformation in nuclear science: from exclusivity to inclusivity, from stereotypes to leadership, from representation to active decision-making.
Her election is a milestone not only for Morocco but for all women and developing nations striving to shape the future of nuclear energy, safety, and technology. As she takes on this historic role, she carries with her the hopes of Africa and the global scientific community for a more secure, collaborative, and sustainable future.