Displacement, Gender, and Science Research Projects
Opportunities for Consultants
Millions are compelled to leave their homes annually due to factors like armed conflicts, leading to disruptions in the education and careers of scientists, doctors, engineers, and students. Despite the increase in displaced individuals and calls for more humanitarian aid in the past few years, effective programs and opportunities for displaced scientists, especially women, are lacking. This deficiency worsens existing gender disparities in science, perpetuating women's marginalization and impeding their potential contributions to scientific progress.
Recognizing the widespread impact of gender disparities and forced displacement on science is crucial, and documenting the consequences can inform advocacy efforts. A comprehensive examination of the experiences of displaced women scientists can lead to policy recommendations and support mechanisms aimed at addressing these urgent issues.
For this reason, OWSD requires technical and advisory services on this topic, to build knowledge and data for evidence-based programming, to enhance OWSD strategy, and to increase global understanding of these challenges via targeted advocacy and support programmes.
OWSD is looking to contract experts with in depth understanding and ideally lived experience of displacement, science, gender, and education. Consultancies are envisaged for around 6 months, and can be home-based. The final output of the consultancy will be a full report inclusive of policy recommendations for OWSD to take forward.
Consultants selected for this assignment will research persistent challenges arising from gender inequality and the under-representation of women in the scientific fields in their countries, but focus their work on the impact of displacement and migration on the latter. We know that migration worsens several pre-existing gendered challenges. We know that political instability and forced displacement create even greater hurdles for women scientists who wish to hold on to, or return to, their scientific pursuits in countries where they have sought refuge or upon return home when things get better. OWSD wants to better understand and address the challenges displaced women encounter.
Phase 1: Inception - Literature review on gender, science, displacement, and context of country.
Phase 2: Research - Data collection plan including research methodology
Phase 3: Research & Writing - Conducting research and the initial draft report on key findings from quantitative and qualitative analysis
Phase 4: Delivery - Final report inclusive of policy recommendations
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CONTACT
OWSD Secretariat
wisdom@owsd.net
Phone: +39 040 2240460
