Please find the online session link herehttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/81884169762?pwd=M2xhdW1vMjNSZ0JuclhKMlZHVDRqZz09This presentation will provide a successful example of a multi-stakeholder partnership initiative launched by civil society with the aim to increase the skills and leadership of postdoctoral African women scientists.
The program is called Science by Women and is being promoted since 2014 by Women for Africa Foundation, a Madrid-based private foundation whose mission is to contribute to the development of Africa through the drive of its women in several fields, and, among them, in STI and research.
In recent years, many countries have approved national policies aimed at reaching gender equality by increasing women’s participation in STEM careers.
Also, on a global and international level, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development launched a Technology Facilitation Mechanism (TFM) with the aim to support the Sustainable Development Goals. Member States agreed that it would be based on a multi-stakeholder collaboration between Member States, civil society, the private sector, the scientific community, United Nations entities and other stakeholders.
Nevertheless, in spite of policy recommendations and international consensus, specific support and funding to civil society organisations committed with and advocating for the advancement of STIs and the participation of female scientists specially from least developed countries, have been scarce.
The programme Science by Women has been born by a civil society organisation and has managed to enhance international scientific cooperation between Africa and Spain and to promote African women’s leadership in scientific research and technology transfer. So far more than 100 female postdoctoral female scientists have been selected to carry out their projects in the best research centres in Spain. Science by Women is a successful example of how policies including a major commitment with and a strengthened partnership with CSOs can be effective in enhancing science and innovation cooperation between Africa and Europe.
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