New National Chapter of OWSD established in Botswana

Chair: Pholo Motlalepula, Botswana Department of Agricultural Research

Vice Chair: Pulane Koosaletse-Mswela, University of Botswana

Secretary: Dikabo Mogopodi, University of Botswana

Treasurer: Kebaneilwe Lebani, Botswana International University of Science and Technology

Vice Secretary: Bontle Mbeha, Botswana Institute for Clinical Laboratory Professionals

Vice Treasurer: Janes Mokgadi, Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation

External liaison: Boammaaururi Malemenyane: Statistics Botswana

Additional Executive Committee members:

Lemme P. Kebaabetswe, Botswana International University of Science and Technology

Rebaone Bay Lechuti-Tlhalerwa, Debswana Corporate Centre

Renameditswe Mapitse, University of Botswana

Catherine Kegakilwe Koofhethile, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health

Edith Mabona, National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory 

 

"STEM fields form a critical component of Botswana’s economic development journey, because the future of development is based on technology. In that respect, there is need to foster a shift in the culture of science, as diversity and inclusion become more important than ever in the search for ground-breaking research and innovation," said National Chapter Chair Pholo Motlalepula. "The scientific environment must strive to encourage and empower women to take a leading role in science to drive innovation. Although women’s lives are significantly affected by the repercussions of uncontrolled development, social, structural and economic barriers limit their capacity to tackle these great challenges. The Botswana National Chapter of OWSD will strive to be one of the nation’s leading organizations in support of girls and women in science and technology professions." 

 

Among the activities planned by the Executive Committee are advocating for equity and equality in STEM teaching, research and decision-making processes in Botswana, providing evidence-based science advice to policy-makers and other stakeholders to address national issues, organizing national conferences, workshops, trainings and seminars on subjects including proposal writing and science communication, and disseminating information about fellowships, awards, training and employment opportunities to women scientists in Botswana.

 

At the time of establishment, OWSD had 35 members in Botswana. Women scientists and engineers in Botswana who are not already members of OWSD can become members here. Members who are interested in joining the National Chapter are invited to contact Boammaaruri Malemenyane at bmalemenyane [at] gmail.com.