FIG Task Force on Under-Represented Groups in Surveying

Task Force on Under-represented Groups in Surveying 1999-2002

The major question may be: Why do we need a task force called Under-represented Groups in Surveying? There are two reasons for minorities in a professional field. On one hand it is possible that the surveying profession is not interesting for certain groups of the society; on the other, it is possible that certain groups do not have the same opportunities to choose a particular profession. The result of both is that talents of a large pool of individuals are not used. The differences in the surveying profession have direct consequences to the individual members of FIG.

 

The terms of reference of the working group are as follows:

  • Survey the role of minorities in the world of surveying and the benefit of diversity.
  • Analyse the present status of under-represented groups and be aware of good practices concerning the support of under-represented groups in FIG member associations, in professions and at universities.
  • Enhance fair competition for minority groups.

 

 

Publications

This publication in pdf-format

 

Preface

The International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) has been worried how to get women, students, young surveyors and other under-represented groups better integrated in the work of the Federation. This includes from FIG point of view participation to events, commission work and other activities. However, the integration is even more important for the surveying profession and the representatives of these groups themselves. Without young professionals and by keeping the profession attractive there will be no future for any profession. This applies also for surveying.

Together with cultural and language issues the problem how to get under-represented groups better involved in the FIG activities has been on the main focus of the Federation for the last ten years.

In 1996 FIG established a Task Force on Under-represented Groups in Surveying to discuss these issues and to create FIG policy on this topic. The Task force has been active during the past ten years first as a task force and for the last four years as a joint Commission working group. The group is publishing a quarterly newsletter addressing many important topics, describing good practices and introducing profiles of surveyors that have been pioneers in our profession. In addition the group has made proposals how to assist young people to attend our conferences and further by organising sessions and special meetings for women and young surveyors at the events and by this bringing new platforms for communication within the Federation.

For the whole time the Task force and working group has been chaired by Ms. Gabriele Dasse from Germany, who has been very devoted to these topics and promoting the role of under-represented groups in surveying.

This report is prepared by the working group and some additional experts and it includes recommendations and findings of the Task force and working group for the policy of FIG in enhancing the representation of under-represented groups in FIG. The FIG Council has decided to bring this report to the General Assembly for endorsement an FIG policy document.

I want to express my special thanks to Ms. Gabriele Dasse, Chair of the Working Group, along with following experts: Clarissa Augustinus, Clara H. Greed, Boo Lilje, Tommy Österberg, Dory Reeves, Siraj Sait, Jennifer Whittal and Wendy J. Woodbury Straight for their contributions to this report.

Univ. Prof. Dr. Ing. Holger Magel
FIG President

Articles

Sessions Organised by Under-represented Groups at the XXII FIG Congress in Washington, DC, April 2002:

Newsletters

Contacts

Gabriele Dasse, Chair FIG Task force on Under-represented Groups in Surveying

Dasse Kleinfeld 22a D-21149
Hamburg
GERMANY
Tel.: + 49 170 96 20 453
Email: g.dasse@gmx.de