About OWSD
About OWSD
OWSD provides research training and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers.
What is OWSD

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OWSD has a programme or activity at each stage of your career.
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News and Events, Publications, Opportunities and Organizations of Interest: find all this and more in our Resources section.
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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 40 Countries

News & Events

See all the News & Events

Countries

Nigeria

1354 Members

10 PhD Fellows

56 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

South Africa

358 Members

21 PhD Fellows

43 PhD Graduates

1 Early Career Fellow

1 Awardee

Contact person:

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

Odeshnee Naicker

Agricultural Sciences

Marie Smith

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Janet Carboo

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Deepak Balaji Thimiri Govindaraj

Biological Systems and Organisms

Nwabisa Takata

Chemical Sciences

Mulalo Muluvhahothe

Biological Systems and Organisms

Bianca Leigh Davids

Chemical Sciences

Thulile Nhlapo

Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology

Kenya

278 Members

13 PhD Fellows

18 PhD Graduates

1 Early Career Fellow

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

229 Members

13 PhD Fellows

13 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

Estele Mwanza

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Chiedza Isabel Mbiriri

Biological Systems and Organisms

Debra Gwazai

Computing and Information Technology

Anesuishe Tabeth Matete

Computing and Information Technology

Vanessa Panashe Chimedza

Engineering sciences

Vimbainashe Nhira

Computing and Information Technology

Shielah Mavengere

Engineering sciences

Helen Pfukwa

Chemical Sciences

Ghana

217 Members

10 PhD Fellows

9 PhD Graduates

4 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

Aba Akebi Atta-Eyison

Chemical Sciences

Amma Aboagyewa Larbi

Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology

Margaret Fafa Awushie Dzakpasu

Biological Systems and Organisms

Ama Konadu Agyemang

Chemical Sciences

Akua Karikari

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Gloria Kattah

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Jennifer Afua Afrifa Yamoah

Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology

Evelyn Asante-Kwatia

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Cameroon

164 Members

17 PhD Fellows

24 PhD Graduates

2 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

Tanzania

136 Members

6 PhD Fellows

9 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

Uganda

69 Members

3 PhD Fellows

14 PhD Graduates

2 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

Rwanda

71 Members

8 PhD Fellows

2 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

Zambia

56 Members

3 PhD Fellows

4 PhD Graduates

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
zows@gmail.com

Ethiopia

53 Members

8 PhD Fellows

11 PhD Graduates

3 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.

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

Lemlem Tajebe Lejissa

Agricultural Sciences

Benin

41 Members

3 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.

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

Ossénatou Mamadou

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Senegal

39 Members

3 PhD Fellows

2 PhD Graduates

1 Early Career Fellow

Contact person:

Rufina Dabo Sarr
owsdsenegal@gmail.com

Malawi

34 Members

1 PhD Fellow

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.

Congo, Dem. Rep

31 Members

6 PhD Fellows

1 PhD Graduate

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.

Botswana

32 Members

1 PhD Fellow

3 PhD Graduates

Contact person:

Boammaaruri Malemenyane
bmalemenyane@gmail.com

Linda Mpofu (Dobo)

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Catherine Kegakilwe Koofhethile

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Basadi Masitha

Biological Systems and Organisms

Kgabisang Gaboutloeloe

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Janes Mokgadi

Chemical Sciences

Bellah Oreeditse Pule

Chemical Sciences

Rebaone Bay Lechuti-Tlhalerwa

Engineering sciences

Maduo Mosothwane

Engineering sciences

Mozambique

28 Members

4 PhD Fellows

1 PhD Graduate

Contact person:

Valeria Dias
valeracea@gmail.com

Mauritius

27 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 National Chapter works to enable its members to access research training, career development and networking opportunities that OWSD offers to women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages of their career.

Contact person:

Devika Saddul
womeninsciencemauritius@gmail.com

Sandrine Labonté

Agricultural Sciences

Hanusha Bhakhoa

Chemical Sciences

Mahejabeen Mohaboob

Computing and Information Technology

Nowsheen Goonoo

Chemical Sciences

Maleika Heenaye- Mamode Khan

Computing and Information Technology

Nawaal Benazir Bint RAMAN IBRAHIM

Agricultural Sciences

Devina Lobine

Interdisciplinary

Brinda Oogarah-Pratap

Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Madagascar

24 Members

3 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.

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

Rabetokotany Rarivoson Nantenaina Volamahefa

Engineering sciences

Volatsara Baholy Rahetlah

Agricultural Sciences

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

OTHER COUNTRIES

109 Members

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.

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.

Nambua Nteka

Engineering sciences

Mpemb-Li-Muvungu Rodeline Jachrre

Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

Congo, Republic

Soro-Yao Amenan

Agricultural Sciences

Success stories

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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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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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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The long-awaited dream

Bancole W. Bernice Armelle

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 Mahfuza Begum

Agricultural 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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"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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“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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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 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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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 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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