By Nephthali Messanh Ledy, Special Envoy to Nairobi
It was at the Radisson Blu in Nairobi that the 14 winners of the L’Oréal-Unesco For Women In Science program in sub-Saharan Africa started this Tuesday in Kenya, the various activities included in the program of this 9th edition.
Coming from five countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Mauritius, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa), these fellows benefit from a training program designed to complement their scientific background. They will also have a research grant ranging from 5,000 euros to 10,000 euros at a ceremony on Thursday 6th December.
Organized by the L’Oréal Foundation, the event aims to “signify its particular commitment to African women scientists and its ambition to contribute to the development of scientific excellence for women in Africa”.
“Africa is a continent of incredible richness, creativity and diversity. By 2050, this region of the world will be home to an additional 1.3 billion people, accounting for more than half of the overall population growth. Yet people in 54 countries face significant challenges, including climate change, poverty, lack of access to electricity and drinking water, and scarcity of resources, “says Alexandra Palt , the Vice-President of the Foundation.
“Science and technology are key to meeting these challenges. It is essential that women and men are able to contribute fully and equitably to the development of science-based solutions by fostering innovation and enriching research at the local level, “she adds. deficit of “women scientists in Africa to lead the appropriate and necessary change”.
For example, in Kenya, “out of a population of 48 million people, 300 people get a PhD every year, and only 75 of them are women, or 26 percent,” she says.
