About OWSD
About OWSD
OWSD provides research training and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers.
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OWSD has been working hard in Africa since 1997 to improve the number and quality of women scientists. Our first President, Lydia Makubu was from Swaziland. Our fellowships programme has provided full PhD scholarships to over 270 women from sub-Saharan Africa. We have 53 host institutes in 16 African countries..

Africa

Coordinator: Olubukola Babalola

There is so much scientific knowledge and talent to be harnessed in Africa.

In 41 Countries

News & Events

See all the News & Events

Countries

Nigeria

1391 Members

8 PhD Fellows

59 PhD Graduates

8 Awardees

The OWSD Nigeria National Chapter was founded in 2010 and is based at the Department of Physics, University of Uyo. There are sub-chapters based at: the University of Lagos; Obafemi Awolowo University; Ekiti State University; the University of Benin (Nigeria); Federal University of Technology Akure; Federal University of Technology Owerri; Michael Opara University of Agriculture, Umudike; University of Uyo; Afe Babalola University; Lagos State University; South East Zone; Osun State University; and University of Port Harcourt.

Contact person:

DR. (MRS.) ENO E. ITUEN
enoeituen@uniuyo.edu.ng

Fatima Bashir

Biological Systems and Organisms

Oluwayemisi Foluke Jonathan Awofadeju

Agricultural Sciences

Karimat Aliyu

Biological Systems and Organisms

Victoria Ogor

Biological Systems and Organisms

Comfort Durosinmi

Agricultural Sciences

Comfort Monago-Ighorodje

Chemical Sciences

Ogheneochuko Mary Oghenechovwen

Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology

Yetunde Oguns

Computing and Information Technology

South Africa

372 Members

17 PhD Fellows

49 PhD Graduates

1 Early Career Fellow

1 Awardee

The Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) South Africa National Chapter is hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). It was inaugurated in 2009 and is made up of a group of OWSD International members in South Africa who aim to increase and promote female participation in Science and Technology (S&T) professions, in scientific leadership, and in decision-making processes at the national level.

Contact person:

Ms Elzarie Swanepoel, Liaison Officer for Gender - Science, Technology and Innovation, ASSAf
elzarie@assaf.org.za

Kenya

283 Members

14 PhD Fellows

20 PhD Graduates

6 Early Career Fellows

1 Awardee

The OWSD Kenya National Chapter was established in August 2014. Its primary focus is on mentorship and encouragement of girls and women in Science and Technology. It is also involved in partnerships with the private sector, networking and capacity-building of members through regular meetings and activities, including the organization of OWSD regional conferences.

Contact person:

Zipporah Wanjiku
owsdke@gmail.com

Zimbabwe

238 Members

12 PhD Fellows

17 PhD Graduates

The OWSD Zimbabwe National Chapter, hosted at the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences, was launched in November 2018. Among its objectives are: to facilitate research collaborations nationally and internationally; to initiate research projects relevant to national development; to familiarize members with patent procedures and other aspects of entrepreneurship; and to generate scholarship funding for girls to study science.

Contact person:

Fortunate Farirai
owsdzimbabwe@gmail.com

Fionah Mukondwa

Engineering sciences

Rufaro Brenda Kawondera

Chemical Sciences

Felistus Mawisire

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Nomagugu Ndlovu

Agricultural Sciences

Lungelo Ncube

Computing and Information Technology

Blender Muzvondiwa

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Estele Mwanza

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Chiedza Isabel Mbiriri

Biological Systems and Organisms

Ghana

232 Members

8 PhD Fellows

12 PhD Graduates

5 Early Career Fellows

1 Awardee

Originally established in 1988, the Ghana National Chapter was re-launched in November 2018. It organizes workshops and other activities to develop the careers of female scientists. It also promotes the visibility of OWSD programmes and activities in local high schools to encourage young women to take up studies in the sciences. It is based at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Contact person:

Vivian Etsiapa Boamah
etsiapa@yahoo.com

Maame Esi Hammond

Engineering sciences

Danielle Ladzekpo

Biological Systems and Organisms

Chantal Ama Agbemabiese

Biological Systems and Organisms

Ruhiya Abubakar

Engineering sciences

Nicole Sharon Affrifah

Agricultural Sciences

Esther Eshun Oppong

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Selina Kunadu-Yiadom

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Vivian Akoto-Adjepong

Computing and Information Technology

Cameroon

170 Members

15 PhD Fellows

29 PhD Graduates

3 Early Career Fellows

1 Awardee

The OWSD Cameroon National Chapter was established in March 2019, hosted at the University of Yaounde I. Among its activities are: setting up STEM clubs in secondary schools; collecting data on gender statistics and participation of women in STEM research; teaching and governance; advocating for policies for gender mainstreaming in science and women's equal access to educational training and resources; and providing training and resources for women scientists, for career development and work-life balance.

Contact person:

Nangah Che Randy
owsdcam@gmail.com

Mantho Tidjio Idene-Flore

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Na-ah Raissa Fon

Agricultural Sciences

Bapfubusa Niyibizi Ingrid Aline

Biological Systems and Organisms

Pamela Nangmo

Chemical Sciences

Rhoda Nsen Bughe

Biological Systems and Organisms

Kenmogne Vanelle Larissa

Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology

Djimeli Namekong Merline

Biological Systems and Organisms

Elodie Ekoka

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Tanzania

139 Members

5 PhD Fellows

10 PhD Graduates

4 Early Career Fellows

The OWSD Tanzania National Chapter was established in February 2019. It is hosted at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) in Dar es Salaam. Among the National Chapter's activities are outreach to young women in secondary schools and universities to encourage their participation in STEM, organizing training and workshops on career advancement for early career women scientists, fostering peer mentorship programmes for women scientists and engineers, and conducting research on STEM-related projects.

Contact person:

Zainab Katima
zaykatima@hotmail.com

Rwanda

77 Members

7 PhD Fellows

4 PhD Graduates

The OWSD Rwanda National Chapter is hosted by the Rwandan Association of Woman in Science and Engineering. It promotes women’s participation in STEM professions, scientific leadership, and decision making processes, by providing local training and seminars, conducting school outreach, organizing events for members to share their research, and other activities. https://www.facebook.com/STEMWomenRwanda/

Contact person:

Mukanyiligira Didacienne
rwandanwomenscience@gmail.com

Uganda

69 Members

5 PhD Fellows

14 PhD Graduates

3 Early Career Fellows

1 Awardee

There is no OWSD national chapter in this country at present. To find out more about setting up a national chapter please read the National Chapter Guidelines.

Jennifer Nambooze

Chemical Sciences

Dianah Rose Abeho

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Ruth Nahurira

Agricultural Sciences

Natasha Turyasingura

Biological Systems and Organisms

Jonathan Butemba

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Miriam Nakanwagi

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Elizabeth Naluminsa

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Blessing Musiimenta

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Zambia

57 Members

3 PhD Fellows

4 PhD Graduates

1 Early Career Fellow

The Zambia National Chapter of OWSD was established in July 2019, and is hosted at the School of Engineering at Copperbelt University in Kitwe. Among its activities are supporting professional development and providing career guidance to female students, promoting multidisciplinary research collaborations between women scientists and engineers, disseminating information on fellowships, training and other opportunities for women scientists and engineers, and conducting outreach activities to girls at primary and secondary school levels.

Contact person:

Gerry Siampondo
zowscience@gmail.com

Ethiopia

54 Members

10 PhD Fellows

11 PhD Graduates

4 Early Career Fellows

There is no OWSD national chapter in this country at present. To find out more about setting up a national chapter please read the National Chapter Guidelines.

Tifsehit Solomon Tesfaye

Agricultural Sciences

Haregewoin Woldekidan

Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology

Desta Gebeyehu

Agricultural Sciences

Tigist Tadesse Shonte

Agricultural Sciences

Dr. Kiros Abebe Embaye

Agricultural Sciences

Birkinesh Lagebo

Computing and Information Technology

Fetenech Meskele

Computing and Information Technology

Mhret Berhe Gebremariam

Engineering sciences

Botswana

48 Members

1 PhD Fellow

3 PhD Graduates

Contact person:

Boammaaruri Malemenyane
bmalemenyane@gmail.com

Lucy Mupfumi

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Tlhalefo Ndichi

Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology

Omphile Patricia Puku

Agricultural Sciences

Chidoh Kootlole

Biological Systems and Organisms

Patricia Setsile Rantshabeng

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Rosemary Kelebemang

Chemical Sciences

Tshegofatso Chilume

Biological Systems and Organisms

Annastacia Gomotsang Kedikanetswe

Agricultural Sciences

Benin

42 Members

6 PhD Fellows

8 PhD Graduates

2 Early Career Fellows

There is no OWSD national chapter in this country at present. To find out more about setting up a national chapter please read the National Chapter Guidelines.

Ingrid Sonya Mawussi Adjovi

Social and Economic Sciences

Emilienne Houévo DAÏ

Agricultural Sciences

Sèna Donalde Dolorès Marguerite Deguenon

Agricultural Sciences

Laura Loko

Biological Systems and Organisms

Pélagie Yete Kpodo

Chemical Sciences

Gnido Amandine Assogba Épouse Deleke

Agricultural Sciences

Sherifath Mama Chabi

Agricultural Sciences

Martine Zandjanakou-Tachin

Agricultural Sciences

Malawi

41 Members

1 PhD Fellow

2 PhD Graduates

2 Early Career Fellows

The OWSD Malawi National Chapter was established in November 2020 and is based at the National Commission of Science and Technology (NCST), Lilongwe. Among its planned activities are establishing a mentoring programme for women and girls in STEM, organizing science fairs to showcase scientific and technological advances in science, organizing conferences, training, seminars and workshops for women in science, and providing education to girls and young women on issues to do with nutrition, communicable and non-communicable diseases that affect women, as well as on gender-based violence.

Contact person:

Edith Milanzi
milanziedith@gmail.com

Rhosheen Mthawanji

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Chikondi Isabel Joana Chapuma

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Grace Alexander Waya

Interdisciplinary

Elizabeth Chatuwa

Computing and Information Technology

Everess Chilewe

Engineering sciences

Chikondi Shaba

Chemical Sciences

Esther Mabedi

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Sophie Sinyeka

Mathematical sciences

Senegal

42 Members

4 PhD Fellows

2 PhD Graduates

1 Early Career Fellow

Contact person:

Rufina Dabo Sarr
owsdsenegal@gmail.com
T.+221 77 564 08 74

Mauritius

34 Members

1 PhD Graduate

The OWSD Mauritius National Chapter was launched in February 2018 and is hosted by the Food and Agricultural Research Extension Institute (FAREI). The role of the National Chapter is to consolidate the network of women engaged in science in Mauritius, to create networking opportunities through events to showcase their contribution to the different sectors of the economy and to outreach the youth and the community for creating interest and awareness in science. The National Chapter also facilitates access to career and training opportunities for career development.

Contact person:

Dr Devika Saddul
womeninsciencemauritius@gmail.com
T.+23059112983

Congo, Dem. Rep

30 Members

4 PhD Fellows

2 PhD Graduates

There is no OWSD national chapter in this country at present. To find out more about setting up a national chapter please read the National Chapter Guidelines.

Mozambique

31 Members

5 PhD Fellows

1 PhD Graduate

1 Early Career Fellow

Contact person:

Valeria Dias
valeracea@gmail.com

Patricia Ramgi

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Victoria Cumbane

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Raquel Matavele Chissumba

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Julieta Augusto Nhampossa

Engineering sciences

Maida Khan

Engineering sciences

Cândida Sete

Clousa Francisco Sarmento Maueua

Rita Macane de Araújo Mabunda

Agricultural Sciences

Madagascar

25 Members

4 PhD Fellows

2 PhD Graduates

1 Early Career Fellow

There is no OWSD national chapter in this country at present. To find out more about setting up a national chapter please read the National Chapter Guidelines.

Sitraka Andrianony

Interdisciplinary

Valisoa Razanajatovo Misanantenaina

Mathematical sciences

Miary Raselimanana

Biological Systems and Organisms

Andrianasolo Domohina Noromalala

Biological Systems and Organisms

Lady Mireille Razafindranaivo

Hasina Marie Irèna RAKOTONIRIANA

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Vololonirina Rasoamalala

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Santatra Ravelomanantsoa Santatra

Biological Systems and Organisms

Namibia

23 Members

2 PhD Graduates

The Namibia National Chapter of OWSD was established in June 2019 at the University of Namibia in Windhoek. Among its objectives are promoting girls' participation in STEM, organizing workshops and an annual conference for women in STEM in the country, establishing a mentorship programme to link women scientists both locally and internationally, creating a database of women in STEM fields in the country, and disemminating information about opportunities for girls and women in STEM.

Contact person:

Theopholine Amushendje
tamushendje@unam.na

Burundi

19 Members

There is no OWSD national chapter in this country at present. To find out more about setting up a national chapter please read the National Chapter Guidelines.

OTHER COUNTRIES

97 Members

Here are all the countries in this region that currently have less than 20 members. To find out more about setting up a national chapter please read the National Chapter Guidelines.

Naila Nakidi

Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology

Aminatou Kone

Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology

Thabile Ndlovu

Chemical Sciences

Eswatini (Kingdom of)

Success stories

OWSD has provided tremendous support in shaping my career as a researcher, science ambassador, role model for women scientists and a "think high" human being.

Mumtaz Tabassum

Biological Systems and Organisms

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I really want to do something for my country. Being part of the Sudan national chapter has given me that chance.

Saad Dalia

Chemical Sciences

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All this has broadened my knowledge for this domain of science, gave me an open mind and also allowed me to learn many things.

Dzesse Tekouo Christelle Noelle

Chemical Sciences

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Winning this award opened many doors for me. It has led to success in acquiring local funding.

Badal Simone

Chemical Sciences

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The OWSD award helped me not only to become the researcher I am today, but also to become a leader in research.

Banu Salina Parvin

Agricultural Sciences

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“Am very proud to say that I am encouraging other Cameroonian female scientists to apply for the OWSD fellowship programme and some of them have obtained the grant."

Nyamen Mbong Linda Dyorisse

Chemical Sciences

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" I can boldly declare that OWSD rewarded my brilliance thus giving me recognition and confidence in my professional arena and placed me in national and international scientific communities.”

Mahfuza Mahfuza Begum

Agricultural Sciences

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OWSD's guidance and support allowed me to uncover hidden courage and realize aspects of myself that I never thought I possessed.

Mohamed Elhag Muna

Agricultural Sciences

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"I owe ‘what’, ‘who’ and ‘where’ I am in my career and professional practice today to OWSD because without the PHD Fellowship, all my achievements today would have been nothing but bleak"

Baba Marycelin

Biological Systems and Organisms

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OWSD fellowship represents a real empowering difference in my life and career

Basaleem Huda

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

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The long-awaited dream

Bancole W. Bernice Armelle

Agricultural Sciences

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When I got my OWSD fellowship, it was an amazing feeling. Before getting the letter, my academic career was a dream, the letter made it possible.

Eassa Nashwa

Physics

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