Four National Chapters kick off the GenSIS journey
OWSD Secretariat
Four National Chapters - Cameroon, Egypt, Guatemala, and Sri Lanka - have officially launched their participation in the Gender-Inclusive Science Institutions and Systems (GenSIS) project, marking a key milestone in efforts to advance women’s leadership in science and higher education.
Selected as the first cohort of country-level initiatives, these chapters will work to strengthen gender-responsive policies, institutions, and practices within their national science systems, contributing to a more inclusive global research landscape.
A Shared Start: the Kick-off Meeting
The collaboration formally began during an online kick-off coordination meeting held on 15 June 2026, bringing together the selected chapters alongside UNESCO, the OWSD Secretariat and GenSIS technical advisors, UNESCO STIP Unit and pilot countries.
The meeting provided a first opportunity to connect, share expectations, and learn from the experiences of pilot countries (Bolivia, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe). Participants explored the project’s objectives, discussed upcoming steps (such as national data collection and the establishment of Gender in Science Committees) and reflected on priorities for implementation.
From Global Vision to Local Action
GenSIS is a global initiative designed to drive gender inclusion across science institutions and systems by combining evidence-building, policy reform, and leadership development.
Through the project, each country will:
- Establish a National Gender in Science Committee
- Conduct a comprehensive national data collection on gender gaps in STEM
- Identify and implement priority reforms
- Contribute to a global community of practice
By linking national action with international learning, GenSIS aims to move from commitments to tangible, lasting institutional change.
One Word, Many Perspectives
At the start of the meeting, participants were invited to share one word in their own language to describe what they bring to the projec, or how they feel about joining it. Although expressed in different languages and contexts, these words captured a collective readiness to collaborate, learn, and drive change.
Looking Ahead
The four chapters now move into the implementation phase, starting with the setup of national committees and the launch of evidence-gathering activities. As highlighted during the kick-off, the coming months will be critical to laying the foundations for effective reform.
The strong interest in the initiative also reflects its relevance and momentum: a total of 12 expressions of interest were received, many of them of very high quality. Building on this success, five additional National Chapters will be selected to join a second cohort, with a new call for applications to be launched in the fall.
Beyond technical steps, however, the spirit captured in those first words—emocionada, excited, motivated—may prove just as important. Together, they reflect the energy behind GenSIS: a growing, global effort to create science systems where women can fully participate, lead, and thrive.
