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

1415 Members

7 PhD Fellows

60 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

Abimbola Deola Olanipekun

Chemical Sciences

Patience Robert

Computing and Information Technology

Ogechukwu Ezeofor

Chemical Sciences

Vera Onana

Biological Systems and Organisms

Aderonke Oluwarotimi

Computing and Information Technology

Folake Akinbohun

Computing and Information Technology

Yewande Faith Falajiki

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Abosede Oyeyemi Fawole

Biological Systems and Organisms

South Africa

383 Members

15 PhD Fellows

53 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

295 Members

19 PhD Fellows

19 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

250 Members

11 PhD Fellows

19 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

Ghana

240 Members

6 PhD Fellows

14 PhD Graduates

5 Early Career Fellows

2 Awardees

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

Martha Wunnam Alhassan

Agricultural Sciences

Nancy Botchway

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Anita Appiah

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Angela Atuumchana Kudewura

Mathematical sciences

Eunice Konadu Boachie

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Patience Nyarkoa Ansong

Biological Systems and Organisms

Lady Asantewah Boamah Adomako

Biological Systems and Organisms

Maame Esi Hammond

Engineering sciences

Cameroon

173 Members

17 PhD Fellows

30 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

Mary Ewokolo Molua Mbua Etutu

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

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

Tanzania

142 Members

5 PhD Fellows

8 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

80 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/OwsdRwandaNC https://twitter.com/OwsdRwanda?s=08

Contact person:

Mukanyiligira Didacienne
owsdncrwanda@gmail.com

Uwase Aline

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Chantal Nyirakanani

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Jeanne Paula Ihirwe

Social and Economic Sciences

Esperance Munganyinka

Agricultural Sciences

Mpenda Matabishi

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Delphine Mukamurara

Engineering sciences

Agnes Mbonyiryivuze

Valentine Nyirahafashimana

Uganda

72 Members

6 PhD Fellows

15 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.

Catherine Namayega

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Hildah Amutuhaire

Agricultural Sciences

Mary Grace Katusiime

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Jennifer Nambooze

Chemical Sciences

Dianah Rose Abeho

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Ruth Nahurira

Agricultural Sciences

Natasha Turyasingura

Biological Systems and Organisms

Miriam Nakanwagi

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Zambia

60 Members

2 PhD Fellows

5 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

55 Members

9 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.

Bibie Said

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

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

Botswana

53 Members

1 PhD Fellow

3 PhD Graduates

Contact person:

Boammaaruri Malemenyane
bmalemenyane@gmail.com

Atlasaone Kokwe

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Gosaitse Tubatsi

Biological Systems and Organisms

Chawangwa Damba

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

Benin

45 Members

8 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

Senegal

45 Members

4 PhD Fellows

3 PhD Graduates

1 Early Career Fellow

Contact person:

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

Malawi

43 Members

3 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

Jessie Khungwa

Chemical Sciences

Rhosheen Mthawanji

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Chikondi Isabel Joana Chapuma

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Grace Alexander Waya

Elizabeth Chatuwa

Computing and Information Technology

Everess Chilewe

Engineering sciences

Chikondi Shaba

Chemical Sciences

Esther Mabedi

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Mauritius

36 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

3 PhD Fellows

3 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

26 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

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

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

1 PhD Graduate

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

103 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.

Windkouni Antonia Bere

Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology

Beatrice Edwina Koroma

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Zainab Mohamud

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Success stories

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

Muna Mohamed Elhag

Agricultural Sciences

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

Huda Basaleem

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

More

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

Dalia Saad

Chemical 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.

Marycelin Baba

Biological Systems and Organisms

More

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.

Nashwa Eassa

Physics

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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.

Salina Parvin Banu

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."

Linda Dyorisse Nyamen Mbong

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.

Christelle Noelle Dzesse Tekouo

Chemical Sciences

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

Simone Badal

Chemical Sciences

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The long-awaited dream

W. Bernice Armelle Bancole

Agricultural 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 Begum Mahfuza

Agricultural Sciences

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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.

Tabassum Mumtaz

Biological Systems and Organisms

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In today’s scientific environment, in which most PhD scientists concentrate on a single specific discipline, I might shift toward a more systemic view to approach the challenge in infectious diseases.

Dora Murielle Rajonhson

Biological Systems and Organisms

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