New OWSD National Chapter established in Nicaragua
May 04, 2022
Nicaragua became the 48th country to establish a National Chapter of OWSD, in May 2022. The Nicaragua National Chapter is the 12th in the Latin America and Caribbean region (all established since 2019), and the 4th in Central America. It is hosted by Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua (UNAN- Managua).
The first Executive Committee of the National Chapter is formed by:
"Nicaragua is a scientifically lagging country in need of building further research capacities," said the Executive Committee. "Our society faces numerous challenges that demand the use of knowledge to be solved. In this context, acknowledging the specific role of women is necessary. In Nicaragua there are some institutions that promote the training of women scientists in various areas of knowledge, such as universities and research institutes. There is also the National Council of Science and Technology, CONICYT, which annually promotes spaces to recognize women and awards them with prizes and distinctions at various levels. However, more work needs to be done in order to reduce and eliminate the gender gaps in science in our country. It is important to promote awareness about the challenges women scientists face in advancing their careers."
Among the Nicaragua National Chapter's planned activities are raising visibility of work done by Nicaraguan women scientists through seminars, conferences and academic activities, promotion of collaboration between women scientists and technologists in the country, and helping young women scientists to access new opportunities for high-level academic training in the country or abroad.
At the time of establishment, OWSD had 28 members in the Nicaragua National Chapter. Women scientists from or living in Nicaragua who are not already members of OWSD can become members here. Members who are interested in joining the National Chapter are invited to contact owsdnicaragua [at] gmail.com.
