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The Network of African Academies (NASAC) was established on 13th December 2001 in Nairobi, and is currently the affiliate Network for InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) in Africa. NASAC is a consortium of merit-based science academies in Africa and aspires to make the “voice of science” heard by policy and decision makers within and outside the continent. NASAC is dedicated to enhancing the capacity of existing national science academies and champions in the cause for creation of new academies where none exist.

In 2009, NASAC constituted the Women for Science Working Group (WfS WG), a forum for women in Africa aiming to apply the -lens in science and the work of science academies. This was done mainly through sharing experiences and setting the gender-specific priorities for academies. Additionally, the Group also encouraged gender mainstreaming in science curricula in education so as to foster pursuit of scientific-careers by in schools. The members also agreed to serve as role models. The NASAC WfS WG has provided immense support to this publication on Inspiring Stories of women scientists in Africa. The publication was made possible through the financial support from IAP-Science aimed at inspiring girls and young women to consider scientific careers as a viable option.

The members of the NASAC Women for Science Working Group include: Prof. Rose Leke () — Chair Prof. Romeela Mohee (Mauritius) — Vice-Chair Dr. Pacificah Okemwa (Kenya) — Secretary Prof. Francisca Okeke (Nigeria, AAS) Dr. Aster Tsegaye () Prof. Isabella Quakyi () Prof. Waceke Wanjohi (Kenya) Prof. Josephine Ngaira (Kenya) Prof. Nadifi Sellama (Morocco) Prof. Amália Uamusse () Prof. Chinedum Babalola (Nigeria) Prof. Salimata Wade (Senegal) Prof. Jennifer Thomson () Ms Edith Shikumo (South Africa) Prof. Suad Sulaiman (Sudan) Prof. Costancia Peter Rugumamu (Tanzania) Prof. Christine Dranzoa () Dr. Dahlia Garwe () CONTENTS vii Foreword Letitia Eva Obeng 41 1 Introduction Ghana Adeyinka Falusi Falusi Maria Musoke 2 Nigeria 43 Uganda

Akissa Bahri Marian Asantewah Nkansah 4 Tunisia 46 Ghana

Alsácia Atanásio-Nhacumbe Mary Abukutsa-Onyango 8 Mozambique 48 Kenya

Amal Amin Ibrahim Shendi Nada Olanike Adeyemo 11 52 Egypt Nigeria

Aminata Sall Diallo Saada Naile Ahmed Elmahi 13 Senegal 54 Sudan

Asha Dookun-Saumtally Saâdia Nassik 16 Mauritius 57 Morocco

Callinice Capo-Chichi Sarifa Abdul Magide Fagilde 18 59 Mozambique

Eléonore Chikani Yayi Ladekan Sombo Makeche 20 Benin 62

Elizabeth Anne Bukusi Sylvie Hounzangbe Adote 22 Kenya 65 Benin

Fatma Hamad Tebello Nyokong 26 Tanzania 68 South Africa

Florence Mutonyi D’ujanga Uphie Chinje Melo 29 Uganda 70 Cameroon

Gladness George Mwanga Yaye Kene Gassama 31 Tanzania 73 Senegal

Hilda Nyambe-Silavwe Yeweyenhareg Feleke 33 Zambia 76 Ethiopia

Isabelle Adole Glitho Zoubida Charrouf 36 Togo 79 Morocco

Judith Sèdaminou Gbenoudon Acknowledgements 38 Benin 82 vi Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

Women in Science Inspiring Stories from Africa

© 2017 Network of African Science Academies (NASAC)

Design and layout Irene Ogendo

Printers Paperbrand Conqueror Enterprises Ltd.

Publishers Network of African Science Academies (NASAC)

Electronic copies of this book can be downloaded for free from: www.nasaconline.org vii

FOREWORD

Women are under-represented in their success in STEM careers, efforts Science, , Engineering and and sacrifices, they still encountered (STEM) fields globally, and overcame various challenges. but the situation is worse in Africa. In These scientists demonstrate that response to this, the Inter-Academy women can excel in STEM fields. They Partnership- (IAP-R) partnered are humble and in touch with reality; with NASAC to publish a book profiling particularly the challenges that women African women scientists. Women in and men face in their countries. Despite STEM fields face various challenges this, they have sought solutions and such as educational constraints, through science. cultural and gender prejudices as This publication contains stories well as stereotyping, which influences of thirty women from eighteen their opportunities and choices. The countries across Africa, who have result of which is a severe reduction excelled in various STEM careers on the number of women who enrol such as Agricultural engineering, to complete studies and are employed Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Analytical in STEM fields. Consequently, the and Nuclear , Engineering, Women for Science Working Group Mathematics, , Biotechnology, also identified profiling African women Information Science, Pharmacy, scientists as a priority area for NASAC and Veterinary Medicine among others. in 2011. The stories as told by the women This publication profiles women in scientists affirm the importance of STEM fields in Africa. The stories are science in solving human problems. written mainly to inspire girls and young They also underline the sacrifices one women to pursue careers in science. must make for one’s dreams to come The language used is simple and true. By reading these stories, you will the stories can be retold in ways that learn that women have the capacity to demystify STEM careers. The women excel in science and that from an early scientists featured in this publication age, curiosity and interest in science come from all walks of life; privileged has to be nurtured so as to blossom into and under-privileged, residing in either successful careers. This however, does rural or urban settings. Like others in not always happen as some of these their category, these women scientists careers are erroneously considered have combined several techniques and incompatible with womanhood. The roles to find fulfilment and contribute to scientists whose stories are narrated development. They are , wives, however show a commitment to the counsellors, teachers or care-givers mentorship of young women and men among other gender roles. In spite of in various STEM careers. viii Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

It is with much humility and joy that inspiration and determination are I present this book. It is my earnest pertinent to achieving your goals. hope that this book lights up your path I am honoured to write a foreword to excel in STEM careers and that you to this book, which celebrates the will grow in strength and wisdom to achievements of the intrepid women overcome any odds that life may throw who have paved the way for the next your way. The stories have beautiful generation of female engineers, pictures, which demonstrate that beauty biologists, , doctors, and science are compatible, science astronauts, , computer and womanhood is possible and above scientists and more. all, that a balance between information,

Prof. Mostapha Bousmina President, NASAC 1

introduction

“ Women, in time to come, will do much ”

The stories of the African women careers can make to girls’ and women’s scientists in this book breathe life into career paths. the statement, “Women in time to come will do much” – Mary Ward, 1585–1645. The stories in this book show that women Amidst a lot of resistance from the church scientists — old and young — are involved and society in her time, she founded in projects that are conceived and driven Loreto schools (mainly for girls) as she was by the struggles, day-to-day needs and the convinced that with a good education, concerns of people in their communities. women would positively impact their Indeed, through the projects they have families and communities. initiated, these women scientists are providing home-grown solutions to the The stories and achievements of women problems women, children, men and in the field of science allow the reader to indeed communities face. These include traverse the continent of Africa and the disease and malnutrition, poverty, diverse fields of science. Through these environmental degradation and food stories, one feels their remarkable energy security, to mention just a few. Whole and commendable efforts. Their struggles communities are reaping the benefits of to succeed amid social, economic and their work. cultural barriers to women’s up-take of science, work/life balance, perceptions This book, therefore, serves as a push and demonstrate that to all girls and young women to take up women can overcome and ultimately any science in this universe and make a excel in science through self-will and career out of it. It complements a previous determination. publication from the Inter-American Network of Academies of Science (IANAS) I walked with each of these women from titled Women Scientists in the Americas – their narrations about childhood curiosity Their inspiring stories and the lives and and what propelled them to science right careers of successful women scientists through to their adulthood and current in the Americas. It also assures those in engagements. It is evident from their doubt (often due to misinformation) that stories that an innocent early interest can science is wonderful, it is exciting; and the and should always translate into a science women who are in scientific careers are career that we as women scientists are beautiful, well-groomed, and above all, passionate about. The stories emphasise happy to be who they are. the central role played by parents, siblings, teachers and close relatives as enablers of girls’ success in science. Unfortunately for some, the same people stand in the way of women and girls’ flourishing careers in Dr. Pacificah F. Okemwa science. From these stories, we learn the Consultant Writer and Secretary important role that information on science NASAC Women for Science Working Group 2 Adeyinka Falusi

Young girls and women can be encouraged to excel “in the through a role model approach NIGERIA ”

Adeyinka Falusi is the President of the science which was nurtured by excellent Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF) tutoring at the premiere University of and a retired professor of haematology at Ibadan. the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She has With many years in her science career, published over eighty journal articles and Adeyinka has made remarkable over hundred invited-guest abstracts and strides in research. She recorded new conference proceedings. findings in different areas and types Growing up in Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State, of anaemia and sickle cell disease as Nigeria, Adeyinka was inspired to study genetic conditions as demonstrated in science by an older (Grace Oladunni her publications on the matter. Much Olaniyan, now Prof. Taylor) who lived of the research Adeyinka has done has in their neighbourhood. Adeyinka contributed greatly to the management marvelled at Miss Grace’s diligence of non-communicable diseases such and in true of a child, she was as sickle cell disease, breast cancer also curious about the huge science and . However, in her view, the textbooks that Miss Grace read. She most exciting project was on sickle cell dreamt of being admitted to Queen’s disease, between 1982 and 1987. Her School Ede, one of the best government findings led to the global rewriting of secondary schools in Nigeria at the time the existing scientific literature on the to get to study science like Miss Grace. prevalence of specific variants of sickle Luckily for her, in 1959 she was selected cell disease among Nigerians. As a result as the only successful candidate from of her excellent scientific findings over Efon Alaaye for enrolment to Queen’s the years, Adeyinka received the L’Oreal- School where she received a good UNESCO award for Women in Science foundation in science. Her fascination (Africa 2001) as shown in the photo and curiosity in science grew in leaps and below. This award is presented to one bounds and translated into the discovery outstanding per continent each of her research interest in experimental year. Other commendations Adeyinka has received include Fellow Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS, 2009), National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM, 2009) Award among others. It did not escape Adeyinka that the Nigerian population would require a platform to help create awareness about sickle cell disease and provide support and information to patients. This led her to begin a social intervention by establishing the Sickle Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 3

Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF) to apply for competitive grants that in 2012 and inaugurating it in 2014. helped her to carry out her work. Under her leadership, the not-for-profit With this in mind, Adeyinka has provided organisation has made great strides mentorship to a number of women including writing a parents’ handbook scientists like Professors Chinedum guide for sickle cell patients and which Babalola and Millicent Obajimi who are is distributed free. shining stars in the world of science. She As an African scientist, Adeyinka has also established various awards to also researched other diseases that encourage young female scientists in affect women, including breast cancer. her locality. These awards include the Subsequently, in collaboration with Adeyinka Falusi L’Oreal-UNESCO Laureate other scientists, a specialised laboratory Annual Award for Best Graduating Female in immunohistochemistry (IHC), which Science Student at the University of provides services in Nigeria precisely Ibadan, from 2009 to date, the Adeyinka on breast cancer, was established by Ologbenla-Falusi Female Empowerment her team. She developed the first ethics Programme (AOFFEP) for the Best Female review guidelines and ethics policy Science Student and two runners-up in document for the University of Ibadan Efon-Alaaye, Ekiti State, from 2010 to and also assisted in capacity building date and the Annual Award for the Best for ethics of research in other Nigerian Graduating Female Science Student at institutions and in Africa. her former secondary school Queen’s School, Ibadan Adeyinka’s life, as an (2010 to date). African woman scientist, has helped to disprove With a career spanning the notion that a career decades, Adeyinka has in science is incompatible grateful words for her with the burden of bringing mentors and role models. up children. With her One of them is Prof. Lucio husband, Prof. Abiodun Luzzatto, an academic and Falusi, they raised five children. On researcher, whom she describes as this however, she acknowledges an Italian with a Nigerian heart. Prof. that in Africa the load of child care is Luzzatto allowed Adeyinka to carry out heavily on the shoulders of women and her research in his various laboratories this discourages some women from and also helped her source grants. embarking on a career in science which Her other role model and childhood sometimes requires extensive hours of inspiration is Prof. Grace Olaniyan- work in laboratories. Taylor, of the Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Ibadan. She Despite the obvious challenge of also acknowledges her PhD supervisors long working hours, Adeyinka says who were instrumental in her science support from her family helped her career. to pursue her career. On other work- related challenges like interrupted Adeyinka is convinced that besides power supplies and lack of essential study, young girls and women can be equipment, she was able to collaborate encouraged to excel in the sciences internationally with other scientists through a role model approach.

NASAC Secretariat can be contacted for detailed information on Adeyinka’s research. 4 Akissa BAHRI

Young girls should be trained in science careers and“ be mentored to pursue leadership positions EGYPT ”

Akissa Bahri is a professor at the few students sent to to the National Agricultural Institute of Tunisia. preparatory classes at the Grandes Previously, she worked as Coordinator Écoles. She prepared for the entrance of the African Water Facility, Director exams into the Grandes Écoles of for Africa at the International Water Agronomy at the Lycée Hoche in Management Institute and Director Versailles (1971–1974). In 1974, after of Research at the National Research passing the competitive entrance Institute for Agricultural Engineering, examination, she was admitted to Water, and Forestry in Tunis, Tunisia. the École Nationale Supérieure d’Agronomie de Toulouse, France, She attended Lycée de Jeunes Filles where she obtained her degree as Armand Fallieres from 1959 to 1963 an agricultural engineer. She then for her primary school education and received a doctorate degree in Lycée Carnot from 1963 to 1971 in engineering science and technology Tunis, Tunisia for her secondary school. (plant production and product quality) She was then selected by the director in 1982 from the National Polytechnic of the School of Engineers of Tunis, Institute of Toulouse, France. In 1995, Mr. Mokhtar Latiri, to be among the she got her PhD in water resources engineering from the Department of Water Resources Engineering, Institute of Science and Technology, , Sweden. Akissa’s parents, Jalila Ben Othman and Mohammed El Hédi Bahri, have strong personalities who influenced her early educational aspirations. Her father had trained at the prestigious Azzaitouna University and obtained the highest diplomas. Her had great talents in different fields. In addition, her family comprised of scientists and from early in life, emphasis was put on scientific disciplines. Luckily, her parents gave her the same opportunities as her brothers. Coming from Tunisian upper- middle class families, her parents valued education and gave priority to the intellectual and personal fulfilment of all their four children. Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 5

When she began her work at her water from wells up to fifty metres deep. research institute, Akissa was one The solar energy was generated by of the only two women out of ten photovoltaic panels. The solar-powered researchers. The agriculture and water pump incurred less maintenance costs sectors were male dominated and her than the diesel pumps and had less primary challenge was proving that she negative environmental impact. could undertake field research work even in difficult conditions and make Akissa also trained in Gainesville, Florida, USA in alternative energy a difference. Akissa was interested in for three months. She then worked on understanding the farmers’ practices a renewable energy project managed and therefore started her research and implemented by the US National work by conducting investigations on Aeronautics and Space Administration the farmers’ production systems of the (NASA) and the Tunisian and Valley of Kairouan in central Tunisia. Gas Company that aimed at equipping This part of the country is affected by the village of Hammam Biadha with water scarcity and salinity problems. renewable energy. This research not The farmers had special cultivation only excited her but opened new doors practices where the irrigated part for frontier science. Unfortunately, due of the farm was mainly reserved for to the international decrease in the pepper. After transplanting the young price of fuel, the research programme pepper shoots, irrigation was halted was discontinued. The picture (bottom for a month to boost development right) shows one of the solar water and fruit production. She intended to pumps tested in Tunisia in the 1980s. study these practices in combination with studies related to water and Her most impactful project was research solute transfer. She conducted field on the agricultural use of reclaimed investigations and experiments to water and sewage sludge. These analyse the interactions between soil, practices, if not well managed, become water, plants and the farmers’ practices from geochemical and agronomical points of view. Her work allowed her to better understand the development of salinisation processes in the irrigated schemes of the Valley of Kairouan and farmers’ agro-ecological practices. Her work was awarded the Grand Prize of Scientific Merit for Development from Guinness Foundation, in 1984. A very attractive project, in her opinion, was her research into the use of renewable energy for pumping water and other purposes. She worked on the first solar pump that was installed in the experimental research station she managed in central Tunisia. It was aimed at reducing the country’s dependency on fossil fuels and finding alternative energy sources to the diesel or electric pumps that farmers were using to pump 6 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

a threat to public and environmental East and elsewhere in Africa. Thus, health. Through laboratory work and she has been involved in drafting the field tests, Akissa and her team of “Guidelines for municipal water reuse researchers identified best practices for in the Mediterranean countries” and using the reclaimed water and sludge. in contributing to the drafting of the The findings were communicated to the “Recycled Water Master Plan for the Tunisian government authorities with Abu Dhabi Emirate”. Furthermore, the aim of influencing policy directives Akissa has been involved in many other to guide farmers’ practical application. cutting-edge innovative projects on Consequently, she became a key policy promoting sustainable urban sanitation adviser and in 1996, she received service provision at different stages of the Kuwait Prize in the field of waste the sanitation value chain and through recycling from the Kuwait Foundation a mix of institutional models (business- for the Advancement of Sciences. led, NGO-led or municipality-led). These projects implement different In her position as Laboratory Chief approaches to improving the at the National Research Institute for sustainability of sanitation services Agricultural Engineering, Water and along the complete value chain, Forestry and Head of the National including developing the capacity of Commission for Agricultural Water service providers, facilitating access to Research Programming and Evaluation, finance, developing integrated business she was able to influence the research approaches, and strengthening directions and the results’ transfer with municipal institutions. Treated waste is a strong focus on efficient agricultural reused as fertiliser or provides biogas water use. She was also a member of the or electricity, leading to a significant team that contributed to the adoption reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. of regulations for water reuse and land She has also presented many keynote application of bio-solids in Tunisia addresses and scientific papers at issued in 1999 and 2007. The results conferences at national, regional and derived from her research work were global levels on various topics on her used to draft the Tunisian policy and area of interest. regulations on bio-solids management. Akissa wants change for Africa and her She has also developed extensive country and this keeps her motivated. practical experience in those fields in Nearly half the population of the Tunisia, other semi-arid areas of the developing world suffers from diseases Mediterranean region, the Middle associated with inadequate provision of clean water. This is predominant in sub-Saharan Africa where an estimated 1.2 billion cases of diarrhoea occur annually with deaths of about 770,000 children under the age of five years. The need to deal with these problems is what drives her work as a scientist. She would also like to contribute to the education of a new generation of urban water leaders and managers, who will promote reforms, as well as new technologies and business models to build the cities of the future. Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 7

As a young female scientist, Regarding her role models, some of the challenges Bahri indicated that on a she faced included lack personal level, her mother, of funding for research, grandmother and generally building up a research team the Tunisian women of with a strong team spirit, and yesterday and today are role handling managerial duties models because they are together with scientific work. an example of courageous A break came in 1980 when women who had to struggle, she became an International often against the current, to Foundation for Science succeed and did not give up (IFS) grantee. It improved in the face of adversity. her access to funding. From the onset of her career, Professionally, the late she was tasked with heavy Kenyan environmentalist, managerial responsibilities Prof. Wangari Maathai at the expense of her research work. She greatly inspired her. She was a had to learn management on the job renowned scientist, environmentalist as she did not train as a manager and and political activist who fought for had to develop her expertise through environmental protection, human “learning by doing”. The recognition rights, peace and democracy in her and appreciation of her work motivated vocation. She surmounted great her to do more. She has also received obstacles to achieve the results for support from well-known scientists which she is known today. Prof. Wangari from different parts of the world such Maathai who died in 2012, was awarded as Prof. Takashi Asano (UC Davis, the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition California, USA), Prof. Gunnar Lindh and of her contribution to sustainable Prof. Ronny Berndtsson (Dept. of Water development, democracy and peace. Resource Eng., Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Sweden), and Prof. Akissa expresses the need to educate Frank Rijsberman (Director-General and empower girls and young women of the Global Green Growth Institute, to emulate the best practices and role , Korea). models. Young girls should be trained in scientific careers and be mentored The main challenges she has faced to pursue leadership positions. She are related to the status of women strongly believes that career women in an Arab-Muslim culture and in the ought to support each other and the professional world which was male- young generations. Specifically, for the dominated, and to finding a right work- latter, role models ought to share their life balance. She explained that she was knowledge and experience, encourage unable to find a balance between her them and highlight their potential so demanding work and personal life — that they are more confident in their she chose her work. capabilities to push the frontiers. 8 Alsácia Atanásio-Nhacumbe

I would like to see an increase in the enrollment “of girls in Science and Engineering courses… MOZAMBIQUE ”

Alsácia Atanásio-Nhacumbe is the In addition, as the Executive Director director of the National Biotechnology of the National Research Fund, from and Biosciences Centre (CNBB), 2006 to 2013, she established and which is a public institution under the managed this institution. Through it, mandate of the Ministry of Science two hundred research, and and Technology, Higher Education technology-transfer projects were and Technical Vocational Training funded, which has strengthened the (MCTESTP) in Mozambique. In 2007, national research system. Furthermore, she was awarded a certificate of as Coordinator of the World Wide excellence by the country’s Minister Web Foundation’s Project “Women’s of Science and Technology for good Rights Online” in partnership with the performance when she established Science, Innovation, Information and the National Research Fund (FNI) as Communication Technology Research Executive Director. Institute, she contributed to a research and advocacy initiative on digital Throughout primary and secondary equality and women’s rights online school, she achieved excellent grades report card for Mozambique, with a five- in all subjects although her passion point action plan to narrow Gender- leaned more towards natural sciences. Based . She interacted well with her colleagues As an animal parasitologist, her and teachers. In standard eight, she projects have had great impact on was offered a government scholarship agriculture in the country. She has by the country’s founding President designed strategic measures for the Hon. Samora Machel as the best control of gastro-intestinal parasites student in her class. The scholarship in goats raised under the traditional covered her studies including university system in communal pastures used by education. She became the first woman smallholder farmers. These veterinarian in Mozambique measures reduce losses with a PhD in Veterinary in the production of small Science which she was ruminants, hence increasing awarded in the year 2000. income generation of She studied the prevalence rural livelihoods through of protozoa and the effects of animal production. In 2000, gastro-intestinal nematodes she reported, for the first in the production of goats time the occurrence of in Mozambique. This has anthelmintic resistance of contributed to measures for gastro-intestinal parasites strategic control of diseases to the benzimidazoles and in the country. imidatiazoles in goats. Also, Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 9 as Executive Secretary of the Technical the low salaries for researchers in Council for Agricultural Research Mozambique. But, equally important from 2003 to 2005, she led reforms for the next generation of scientists, is in the agricultural research system in an absence of women role models to Mozambique. This led to the creation encourage younger women and girls to of the current Agricultural Research undertake studies at tertiary education Institute of Mozambique in 2004. and post-graduate levels. To help overcome these challenges, Alsácia Alsácia is motivated by the contributions has often worked with national and she has made to the advancement of global partners to mobilise resources science in Africa. She was a member of for the National Research Fund (FNI) both the Global and sub-Saharan Africa of Mozambique. Much of the secured design teams of the “International resources were directed towards Assessment of Agricultural Science and purchase of scientific equipment and Technology for Development” where laboratory modernisation. To address she also represented Mozambique as the lack of role models, she undertook a bureau member from 2004 to 2007. post-doctoral studies at the age of She has also worked with the Forum fifty-three to update her knowledge for Agricultural Research in Africa in her research field, and to serve as and the Regional Universities Forum an example for younger researchers, for Capacity Building in Agriculture particularly women, that age should not (RUFORUM) as a panellist in different be considered a barrier to progress in events on the theme women in science scientific, or any other, career. and agriculture. Socially, she suffered lack of support As a scientist, she would like to see and understanding by her spouse which more attention paid to increasing sometimes holds her back. Additionally, the enrolment of girls in natural in 2014, she suffered gender-based sciences and engineering courses in violence (GBV) online via WhatsApp, Mozambique, and, indeed, the whole Facebook, E-mail, cell phone text and of Africa. However, Alsácia is aware voice messages by people who always that not much attention has been posed as her friends. This affected her paid to financing scientific research in self-esteem and confidence. Africa. In her view, therefore, African governments need to increase state To overcome the economic challenges, budgets for scientific research and she changed jobs temporarily, and, reduce dependence on donations and credits. She has faced great challenges, both as a researcher and as a manager of various research institutions. In addition, as a woman researcher, she sometimes felt that her efforts and contributions had not been rewarded or recognised sufficiently, which she found demotivating. Other challenges she faced are linked to lack of funding, which led to lack of equipment and infrastructure for her research. Of concern to her too are 10 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

between 2003 and 2015, she worked as a platform and movement for debates a manager within the research system in around the issue, particularly online Mozambique, but went back to serve in GBV. the research institution (CNBB) in 2016. Today, Alsácia considers Prof. Maria Regarding marital problems, there are Isabel Fazendeiro, from the Technical occasions when she has had to take University of Lisbon, Portugal, as her professional decisions unilaterally, role model. Prof Fazendeiro introduced without agreement or consent of her her to parasitology, and supervised her husband. This has helped her to keep first professional training at Santarém focused on her objectives and targets. Zoo-technical Station, Portugal, from About online GBV, she reported the September 1993 to March 1994. Prof. matter to the police. She then decided Maria Ângela Ornelas de Almeida, from to embrace the network on Women’s the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Rights Online in 2014 to fight for Brazil, is also her role model, whom she women’s rights using technology and worked with and encouraged her to the Internet. She also coordinates a undertake post-doctoral studies after research and advocacy initiative on some reluctance due to social issues Digital Gender Divide and Women’s and age. She, in turn, encourages Rights Online (WROs) in Mozambique, women and girls to pursue STEM implemented by the World Wide careers as many institutions and Web Foundation. She organised a funding organisations regionally and conference during which a Report internationally now guarantee gender Card on WROs was launched to create equality in access to research funding. 11 Amal Amin Ibrahim Shendi Nada

EGYPT “ Allow girls and women to embrace science ”

As a child, Amal Amin Ibrahim Shendi performance cement, biomaterials Nada had a chance to read a book for medical applications, converting about , the first woman agricultural wastes to biomedical scientist to win the Nobel Prize. The applications, as well as smart materials life of Marie Curie inspired Amal as it for electronics and solar cells. depicted the importance of science and how much sacrifice one has to make for In 2009, Amal was selected by the Inter- one’s dreams to come true. Her passion Academy Panel (IAP) and the Egyptian for science was also kindled by the senior academy as the first young environment in which she grew up as her female Egyptian scientist to travel to parents were well educated and owned the World Science Forum held in China numerous books on different subjects. the same year. From this forum, Amal In early life, she started reading a range became one of the co-founders of a of topics including , local and global movement of young scientists, global literature, as well as politics. the Global Young Academy (GYA), which was officially launched in 2010. In retrospect, Amal notes that she Amal describes her involvement in this owes her way of thinking, interests project as one of her glorious moments and work as a global citizen and which made her become more global scientist to her childhood years. She is in her thinking. It imbued her with more currently an associate professor at the determination to let science talk as Polymers and Pigments Department in a global language to address global the National Research Centre (NRC), concerns irrespective of political and the biggest research centre in Egypt religious considerations. Subsequently, and surrounding regions. In addition, Amal wrote a project proposal to the she has a great deal of experience Egyptian high level authorities to kick- holding various positions in the field start the Egyptian Young Academy of nanotechnology, materials science and organic Chemistry. She has a PhD in organic chemistry (polymer technology and catalysis) which she obtained from Cairo University, Egypt and Ulm University, through a Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) scholarship. She has published widely and is a reviewer for various journals in the field of organic chemistry. Some of her contributions to society through science include using nanotechnology in high 12 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

of Science (EYAS). The proposal was and researchers. To this end she submitted amidst political unrest in acknowledges the importance of her Egypt which delayed its approval, but nomination to the World Economic it finally took shape in 2014. She is a Forum in 2009 as a young woman member of the advisory board of EYAS. scientist, and her nomination in 2015 for the International Union of Pure and Her other remarkable achievements Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Chemistry include crafting two international prize for women scientists. Amal says that scientific agreements between the she has struggled to be a good mother NRC (Egypt) and both the Georgian while at the same time being a good Biotechnological Centre and the scientist and in some instances, she has Michigan Technical University in the had to make drastic choices to balance USA. Such actions have become these. For instance, she decided to take commonplace to Amal as she has always her daughter with her when pursuing transferred the knowledge she acquires her PhD in Germany, even though from other countries to her country. this was not an obligation. During her In addition, she founded and headed experiences in navigating family and the Egyptian Society of Advanced gender challenges, Amal has come to Materials and Nanotechnology and was realise the power of her social community coordinator for the Arab network of in supporting her as a woman scientist that organisation. Amal was chosen as against changing environments and The World Academy of Science (TWAS) hard working conditions. This includes young affiliate from 2010 to 2014 and having a supportive spouse like hers. she is a member of several prestigious national and international scientific In celebration of her decision to take organisations. She has visited, worked her daughter with her to Germany, at and had research collaborations with Amal describes one of the rewarding scientists in many countries including moments in her personal life when her France, Germany, USA and China. daughter later chose to study science and medicine. She notes that at that Amal speaks of gender and family moment she felt she had succeeded in related challenges that need to be becoming a role model herself. Her own overcome to allow girls and women first role model was Marie Curie and she to embrace science. Women scientists lives for mentoring and encouraging need opportunities and training equal young women in science. This led to those of men, and, in addition, her to organise the first international appreciation from society for the double conference for women in science and roles they play as family administrators international networking whose theme is bridging the gap in STEM in favour of sustainable development — Women in Science without Borders (WISWB). However, her dreams are bigger than the conference as she hopes to foster healthy collaborative relationships between women and men scientists around the globe. Amal believes so strongly in science that she is convinced that scientists are like prophets (messengers), and at a personal level, she believes that science is her means to serve her country, the world and all humanity. 13 Aminata Sall Diallo

“ Science must be used as a SENEGAL tool for decision-making ”

Aminata Sall Diallo is the advisor to the She was interested not in just treating minister of higher education in charge of the sick, but in researching and research and cooperation, coordinator discovering the hidden causes of of the national programme against ailments. She therefore enrolled and hepatitis, chief of the project “Reform completed several certificate courses and alignment of higher education on in bacteriology, virology, immunology, economic needs”, executive director microbial chemistry and biochemistry of the partnership for applied science, of natural substances, molecular engineering, and technology as well of the cell, and received as coordinator of the African centre of a doctorate degree in biological excellence of the World Bank in Dakar, Sciences. In 1992, she decided to Senegal. specialise in liver physiology and enrolled at the University of VII, Her earliest drive to take up a scientific where she graduated with a degree in career was her natural curiosity and cell biology and functional digestive fascination with the biology experiments process focusing on . in high school. The discovery of bacteria, viruses and parasites that “The most impactful project I worked were not visible to the naked eyes and on is the evaluation of mother-to- the use of a microscope made science child transmission of Hepatitis-B interesting for her. Thus, despite the virus”, Aminata said. Upon her return resistance of her father, curiosity urged to Senegal, she was appointed her to enter the world of science. Tired coordinator of the national hepatitis of discouraging her from pursuing control programme, whose main science, her father finally let her take up mission was to ensure that children medical studies. This rebellious spirit got immunised. It was important to was useful for her survival in medical determine the best age at which to school as the male teachers behaved as if science was rightly their domain and women were intruders. Aminata’s belief that ‘who wants can’ helped her overcome this male domination in medical school. She learned quickly that there was so much the human race did not know and which had to be explored. “The questions I asked myself and asked of my professors, some of which remained unanswered, showed me that there were many things to look for and discover”, said Aminata. 14 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

immunise for optimal results. In those enormous and she is proud of it. In her years, the World Health Organization own words “without Science, hepatitis (WHO) had recommended the B would never have been controlled in vaccination of infants at six weeks with Africa with such an effective schedule”. a combined vaccine. Their argument Therefore, Science must be used as was that vertical mother-to-child a tool for decision-making. This tool transmission in Africa was low. It was, should be in the hands of as many however, not clear how they had arrived women as possible as they need to at this and deep down Aminata felt the take their rightful place in the world. need to verify these data. She therefore Their experience, knowledge and started to evaluate mother-to-child insight will contribute to solving some transmission of the virus. of the problems, such as diseases, that people in Africa face. Her research into To her surprise, the results were very hepatitis B has encouraged Aminata different. In her research, mother to who underlines that the solutions to the child transmission was at a high 19.4% problems of Africa are in the hands of while the WHO had placed it at 0.5%! the Africans themselves. Therefore, as Thereafter, it was important to find out an African she wishes to contribute to what could explain this discrepancy and the development of the continent. she soon discovered that in Africa, there were many factors that had not been Aminata emphasises that science is not considered by the WHO that changed or the prerogative of men. Women have modified mother-to-child transmission. contributed greatly to the development Armed with these findings a modified of science and more would be schedule was introduced in Africa achieved if more women pursued whereby vaccination was embarked careers in science. Some can enter the upon at birth. Thereafter, with the help research community and ensure better of colleagues from the Mathematics governance as the leadership of women department, Aminata embarked on is recognised as different from their the accumulation of scientific evidence male counterparts. As scientists, women and modelling of mother-to-child face many challenges which are often transmission of hepatitis B estimated at exacerbated by the perception that 20%. After several years of accumulated women are less productive than men evidence that the vaccine schedule was in science-related work and careers. not appropriate, WHO asked countries The fact that there are few women to vaccinate at birth. The impact of this science teachers at university level research on the health of the people was makes the situation worse. This is one of the reasons why Aminata pursued all the diplomas necessary to embrace the career of teacher–researcher. In addition, the admiration she had for one of her teachers, Madame Toure Mame Fatou Dia, was a motivating factor as she says; “even if it was unconscious, I wanted to become like her”. Her teacher’s death further strengthened her desire to become a physiologist like her, which she considers the best tribute she could give her role model. Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 15

The main social challenge Aminata quipped; “I did not want to do less than came up against was getting married in them [her brothers] because I always her first year of college when medical had a spirit of competition”. Hence, she studies were very demanding in terms survived because of her perseverance of time and mind. This was due to and determination which helped her both the demands of marriage as an to overcome these challenges. She institution, and to the fact that she had also received a great deal of help children during her undergraduate from her husband who supported her studies. As she still yearned for further and provided her with excellent living education she had to struggle to fulfil the conditions. demands of college, her marriage and her children. In addition, she belonged Aminata encourages young women and to a family where education was highly girls to explore the world of science, valued. Her father and brothers were which she regards as a marvellous world all brilliant and had attained university that contains many secrets. In order education. She, therefore, had the to succeed, they should acquire the pressure to excel and uphold the basics of mathematics which is useful family name. Additionally, her own in problem solving and allows deeper spirit of competition could not allow understanding of the world which in her to underperform. On this Aminata itself, she says, is truly satisfying. 16 Asha Dookun-Saumtally

Girls and women should be encouraged to become“ more involved in science-related fields MAURITIUS ”

It may seem like an obvious career occupied since 2010. In addition, she choice for Asha Dookun-Saumtally, is the biology commissioner of the having grown up in Mauritius whose International Society of Sugarcane major crop is sugarcane. Her journey Technologists (ISSCT), the foremost to become a plant scientist focusing on society of the sugarcane industry sugarcane began at secondary school worldwide. At national level, she chairs where biology classes really fascinated the National Biosafety Committee, is her. At this level, she was exposed to a council member of the University of plant and animal cells with practical Mauritius (UoM) and a member of the lessons that required the students to Academic Council of the University of examine and dissect plants, insects and Technology Mauritius (UTM). animals. Her passion for science grew In 1986, having completed both her and she received immense support Bachelors and Master of Science from her parents who did not hesitate degrees, Asha joined MSIRI as a to pay for her university studies at technical officer, and the first woman the University of Newcastle, UK, for scientist, in the department of pathology. her first degree in biochemistry and During her PhD research, Asha used microbiology. her acquired knowledge to set up a Asha holds several positions with laboratory to produce monoclonal various responsibilities both globally antibodies that would help to detect and nationally. She is the principal specific strains of a major bacterium research manager at the Mauritius that affects sugarcane. This laboratory Sugarcane Industry Research was the first of its kind in Mauritius. Institute (MSIRI), a position she has Upon completion of her PhD in 1993, she became the first woman scientist with a PhD at MSIRI. Consequently, she was promoted to head the newly created biotechnology department and became the first woman to oversee a scientific department at the same research institute. It is abundantly clear that Asha has made an impressive impact on the sugarcane industry in Mauritius through her research work at MSIRI. She has positioned the institution’s research and development in sugarcane biotechnology on a par with Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 17 other institutions worldwide. Notably, responsibilities, Asha finds the work she put together procedures for both interesting and rewarding. carrying out diagnosis for sugarcane MSIRI has been more than a workplace and diseases. In addition, for Asha. Her mentors and role models her lab was the first in the country to are people she met and interacted with adopt new molecular technologies in the institute. One of them is Dr. Jean including PCR (polymerase chain Claude Autrey, who was the head of the reaction), real-time PCR, genetic Plant Pathology Laboratory when she mapping, deoxyribonucleic acid joined the institute and later became (DNA) fingerprinting, DNA bar-coding, the director. She describes him as a genetic transformation and next visionary who is dedicated to his work generation sequencing in the field and promotes excellence. Asha’s other of biotechnology. Asha notes that role model is her husband, Dr. Salem sugarcane breeding, among other Saumtally, who is now the director of projects funded by the European MSIRI. The couple met at work and Union, were some of the opportunities Salem, being a scientist, understood that gave her much satisfaction. the long hours that scientists needed to Without mincing words, Asha describes devote to their work and was supportive herself as first and foremost an African in helping Asha’s career bloom. scientist and secondly a woman Asha has nuggets of wisdom for women scientist. She also explains that women and girls in science. On working as a have an inquisitive mind and a strong team, she quotes the African proverb “If gut-feeling. The field of science has you want to go fast, go alone but if you taught her to be systematic, rigorous want to go far, go together”. This is her and disciplined, qualities she has used acknowledgment for the contributions to put together her team of dedicated all her colleagues have made towards and competent scientists in her various her milestones. She also adds that girls research projects. and women should be encouraged She describes science as a very to become more involved in science- noble profession for women and related fields, given the opportunity to acknowledges that during her earlier address societal challenges, and make career days, it was questioned whether the world a better place through the women could do certain tasks such as application of science. field work, be able to give instructions and maintain discipline. The questions were put to rest over time as she excelled in all those tasks. Admittedly, Asha quips that being a woman scientist is a challenge in itself, especially if one is working in a male-dominated environment. However, she explains that if one aims at quality and builds up confidence and competence, over time one feels very comfortable with less apprehension and is able to excel in this field no matter how complex it is. To this end, in spite of her numerous administrative and science-related 18 Callinice D. Capo-Chichi

Science is a passion and it offers solutions “to many of the problems our people face BENIN ”

Callinice Capo-Chichi was born in In high school, Callinice was fascinated Benin and her earliest role model by laboratory experiments especially was her mother, Dr. Sossouhounto A. during Biology lessons. The best were S. Denise, a leading anthropologist. those they did to highlight brain and While her father would have preferred nerve interactions. This influenced her to stop studying at Masters’ level her drive to explore the molecular and get married, it was her mother who mechanisms underlying body organ supported and encouraged Callinice, alterations. Her passion for science often telling her to pursue her education therefore came naturally as she made to the highest level possible. efforts to understand the function of cells in body organs and went on to acquire She is an associate professor of a PhD. She followed in the footsteps of biochemistry and molecular biology her mother, who was the first woman at the University of Abomey-Calavi with a PhD in anthropology in Benin. (UAC) in Cotonou, Benin. She is the coordinator of the first level of the Callinice’s most significant discovery masters’ programme in biochemistry, was when she sought to unveil the molecular biology and their molecular mechanisms leading to applications. She is also a research chromosomal instabilities prior to director of molecular biomarkers ovarian cancer initiation (from 2003 to in cancer and nutrition in UAC and 2007). Her findings are currently being voluntary faculty at the University of applied in hospitals in Benin. Between Miami. She teaches molecular biology 2011 and 2014 she researched the and cancer-cell biology in the faculties lack of nuclear envelope proteins as of science and technology, and of molecular tools for cervical cancer medicine and pharmacy at UAC. prevention and treatment before the appearance of clinical signs. This research has been instrumental in the management of cancers that affect women. Callinice loves being a scientist, because, as a woman, she has been able to focus on diseases affecting women, especially cancer. She is using science to find better ways of dealing with ovarian, cervical and breast cancers. She does this by investigating the molecular conditions in the organs that provide an environment conducive to the initiation of cancer Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 19 cells, and determines how these can insisted that she wanted be prevented and treated. to work at home in Benin to grow the capacities of In her observation, today’s graduate young scientists. Callinice students need to be challenged more, also has a very supportive mentored and supported to work hard husband who helped her to obtain data for publication. start a journal to publish Callinice believes there are many scientific reviews in health women scientists in Africa and in Benin Sciences and nutrition. who lack sufficient funding to perform Their works can be found innovative research. She notes that on www.researchgate.net most government funding is directed and www.pubmed.gov. towards projects led by male scientists. As a parting shot Callinice Doing innovative research is expensive, feels girls can do better but she has learned to work with old in science if they have equipment and to collaborate with the freedom to pursue scientists at international universities this field and supportive and laboratories as these are well supervisors. In her words, funded. “Science is a passion and it Her role models are her mentors in offers solutions to many of Miami, Prof. Xiang-Xi Xu, and in Benin the problems our people Prof. Ambaliou Sanni because they face. Be self-driven, wake up and do it. always supported any new projects Science is interesting and can generate she proposed. Although Prof. Xiang-Xi ideas that might lead to big discoveries”. Xu wanted her to remain in Miami, she 20 Eléonore Chikani Yayi Ladekan

Young career women should keep their ambition,“ persevere, be humble, confident BENIN ”

Eléonore Chikani Yayi Ladekan completion of her Master’s degree, she is a faculty member at Maitre de opted to continue with her studies rather Conférences and supervisor of the than become a secondary school teacher. organic section of the Department of This was despite discouragements and Chemistry in the University of Abomey warnings that women who hoped to have Calavi in Benin. children should not pursue chemistry due to exposure to dangerous chemicals. Just like her father, Eléonore has She chose to continue with her doctoral adored scientific subjects since her education as she was still young and years in primary school. Her hobbies enjoyed great moral support from her during the holidays revolved around parents. There were twenty women out of solving mathematics problems, three hundred students in her freshman reading literature on physical sciences year and by the end of the course only two and connecting electrical devices. In of them remained. Eléonore’s ambition secondary school, she was struck by was to prove that a woman could succeed the fact that there were very few girls in the field of chemistry. She highlights the in science class. She was curious about role of her teachers who encouraged her what caused such a situation. and enhanced her strong commitment to Upon joining university, the scarcity of succeed. women in the Faculty of Science was Her most famous project was the even more conspicuous. In spite of this, study of the influence of intra-specific she did not have a problem choosing to and environmental parameters on the major in science because the practical chemical composition of the essential work interested her. Ultimately, practical oils of Ocimum species growing in experiments such as acid-base and Benin. The project was funded by the oxido-reduction reactions influenced her International Foundation Science (IFS) to choose the path of chemistry. Upon which greatly helped in the acquisition of laboratory equipment and materials. The project enabled her to establish the chemical substances in medicinal and aromatic plants such as Ocimum. The experiments not only satisfied her curiosity but also brought her joy. Eléonore’s most impactful project was a thesis she presented for the International Prize for Cooperation and Development. The aim was to present the research and demonstrate its impact on development. Her work was selected Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 21 and for the first time, a woman’s doctorate Eléonore has many role models. They was supported and awarded with an include fiery woman scientist Mary international prize in Benin. Thereafter, Curie for her courage in fighting her team was invited to Tervuren, and overcoming the obstacles she Belgium to receive the award. Upon her encountered, Prof. Yvonne Bonzi return home, the dean of the faculty of Coulibaly who has supervised many science also celebrated this success. research projects and defended herself This was a moment of great pride and excellently during scientific symposia accomplishment for her, which gave and Prof. Adole Glitho who is the her more confidence and new impetus president of the Association of Women to strive towards other successes. This of Togo, was the first Dean of the Faculty also promoted her standing in her of Sciences of Lomé, an entomologist at village because she had demonstrated the University of Lomé, a member of the some properties of the medicinal plants Board of Directors of the International commonly used although people could Development Research Centre (IDRC) not yet explain their curative properties. of Canada among other positions. Eléonore’s motivation to work as a Prof. Glitho has greatly supported scientist is because of her African many women’s initiatives and created identity. She also wishes to contribute conditions for women to access higher to the valorisation of the knowledge education. Eléonore encourages of African women despite their many young career women and girls to keep occupations and show that women their ambition, persevere, be humble, can assert themselves in society. She confident and, above all, have faith in faced many challenges in her work as God and commitment to their goals. a scientist including the stereotypical beliefs that relegate women to the lowest ranks in higher education. One such belief is that ‘women who embrace scientific careers, which are mainly reserved for men, end up very badly in family matters’. She hopes to overcome these socio-cultural barriers and prove that women can succeed in this field too. Career related challenges that Eléonore faced include lack of external funding to finance research and thesis writing, as well as balancing her teaching, research and further training given her administrative duties. Socially, she had to overcome social and cultural barriers especially when raising women’s awareness of their abilities. Other challenges include problems in striking the elusive work- life balance and how to achieve family cohesion without external influences. A high sense of responsibility, organisation, a great determination to succeed and dealing openly with criticism are some of the strategies she employed to address the challenges. 22 Elizabeth Anne Bukusi

A Encourage young women and men interested in“ science to reach beyond the galaxy, literally… KENY ”

Elizabeth Anne Bukusi is Chief Research Nelion, and the first Kenyan who does Officer and Co-Director for Research not work with the Kenya Wildlife Service Care Training Programme (RCTP) at (KWS) rangers to have ever reached the Centre for MicroBiology Research, that peak. She took on the challenge as Kenya Medical Research Institute a fundraiser for her church. (KEMRI). She is also a Research Professor Elizabeth attributes her earliest drive to in the Departments of Global Health, pursue and excel in school to her father and, and at who was passionate about education. the University of Washington, Seattle, As the first born in a polygamous USA. She is also an Honorary Lecturer home, after educating his siblings, he in the Department of Obstetrics and made certain that Elizabeth and her Gynaecology at the Aga Khan University, sister, a real scholar and an inspiration, Nairobi and volunteer Professor in the were equally well educated. Despite a Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology passion for teaching, Elizabeth’s sister’s and Reproductive Sciences at the entry into medical school encouraged University of San Francisco, California, her to follow in her footsteps. At that USA. Additionally, she is a faculty time, students who did well were member at the Centre for Bioethics and discouraged from studying education. Culture, Sind Institute of Urology and Sciences were highly promoted, so Transplantation in Karachi, Pakistan. based on her performance in high In a personal achievement, Elizabeth is school, Elizabeth was advised to (in her view) probably the only Kenyan choose medicine or pharmacy for her and African female gynaecologist who undergraduate degree. has ever climbed the 17,000 feet Mt Her mother was a teacher and a Kenya to the second highest peak – champion for the education of women so she encouraged Elizabeth to further her education and excel. Her mother also limited her television watching and cultivated in her a reading culture and a love for books. The picture to the left shows Elizabeth early in her career with her grandmother and mother. As a young doctor, just from internship, Elizabeth went to work on the Kenya- Uganda border, an area prevalent of malaria and sexually transmitted diseases. She encountered different medical emergencies such as a ruptured Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 23 ectopic gestation and severe anaemia and healthier lives. Elizabeth is grateful in a child after malaria infection, both for the passionate and committed team of which required blood transfusions. of healthcare workers she has worked In the two years she worked there, she with; people who go beyond the call of became concerned by the high rate at duty to offer care. which blood units were discarded. Back Her research team was part of those then HIV test kits were not as prompt as who showed that pre-exposure they are today. Blood was first taken to prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV works. A pill be tested later and, if found positive, a day, to keep HIV away; the outcome discarded. of a landmark study that has helped This high rate of disposal of blood shape the HIV prevention field and has units made her interested in making demonstrated that young women in a difference to the then early HIV particular, now have a choice on how to epidemic and to reduce sexually protect themselves. transmitted infections (STIs). She noted Elizabeth wants to continue to work in that the ectopic pregnancies were Africa so that she can associate with caused mainly by previous STIs. Due to people who are as passionate as she these experiences, Elizabeth wanted to is and to give back to the continent. influence women’s health. She therefore Having benefitted from being trained chose to specialise in Obstetrics and and supported, she feels the need to Gynaecology. contribute to the building of strong Upon completion of her training and training and research institutions. She residency, she did a Masters’ in () on a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Forgarty training scholarship at the University of Washington. This enabled her to learn more about research. She then pursued and attained a PhD in epidemiology. Each step in her academic life opened doors to more opportunities in training and research. Elizabeth has worked with Dr. Craig Cohen in the provision of healthcare to HIV-positive individuals under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programme. Elizabeth and Craig began work in Nairobi, later moved to Kisumu and then expanded to neighbouring South Nyanza that had recorded the highest HIV prevalence in Kenya at the time. The infrastructure there was not well developed and the people needed critical care. The programme grew to become the second largest HIV care programme. Through this programme many people living with HIV have been able to live longer 24 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

also notes that it is difficult to generalise and end up homeless. Elizabeth was when managing HIV and AIDS. There uncertain of her responsibility in the is need to consider the many options situation. The woman was determined available for a specific group. As a to use condoms to protect her spouse gynaecologist, Elizabeth is categorical but she would not tell him and she did that the face of HIV remains a young not think her husband would agree to African woman from sub-Saharan be tested. Elizabeth was indeed faced Africa. In her opinion, elimination of with a dilemma and, what troubles her paediatric HIV remains a challenge to this day, is that this is still a recurring because as long as there are women of problem considering the social and reproductive age becoming infected, economic situations that many women Africa will continue to struggle for find themselves in. She believes that if an HIV-free society. She is, however, Africa is to be HIV free, the focus must troubled by the stigma towards be on young women and adolescent persons living with HIV/AIDS that still girls as well as the community that exists in Africa in general, and in Kenya makes them so vulnerable. in particular, which fuels new infections. Equally, Elizabeth has encountered In her career, she has experienced many challenges in her social life. She many challenging ethical problems but has had to cope with being separated what stands out for her is an incident in from her family, especially her children, her early research days. A woman who for nine months during her Masters’ had tested HIV-positive was unwilling studies in the US. The memory of her to disclose her status to her husband. four young sons huddled together There was not any preventive measure haunted her for long a time afterwards, in those days, microbicides were but, with the support of her family, she still a novelty and the early ones, like was able to get through this period of Nonoxylone 9, later found to be toxic, separation. One of her younger sisters were yet to be tested. The woman was went to live with her family to offer afraid of being branded promiscuous her sons support while their mother was away. In addition, her mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and older sister have always been her greatest supporters. Today, her children inspire her, saying that they need theirs to be an HIV-free generation. Another challenge she experienced was when she had to attend a sitting of the Kenyan Parliament to clear up a misunderstanding. In the end, it proved to be an invaluable experience as she got an opportunity to talk about the work they were doing and to advocate for increased research funding locally. What she also found encouraging was the support of the during those trying times. Over the years, Elizabeth has been mentored by many great people. She Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 25 particularly pays tribute to Prof. Allan value of mentoring, Elizabeth continues Ronald of the University of Manitoba, to work with young researchers from Canada, who encouraged her to get whom she learns a lot. She only nudges into research as it was the only way to them in the direction of their dreams, tell if she was any good at it. There also provides a platform for support and was King Holmes of the University of watches them soar. Washington who not only taught her about being a good researcher but also Elizabeth encourages young women how to always bring out what is best in and men interested in science to everyone. Craig Cohen and Elizabeth reach beyond the galaxy, literally and peer-mentored each other as they metaphorically. She has mentored many worked together. Theirs was a great upcoming professionals and has been partnership as they complemented privileged to see them achieve more each other: Craig, much like King, than she had at their age. Therefore, was the one with great ideas while she is convinced of a brighter future Elizabeth was earth-bound, practical for young researchers especially with and pragmatic. In appreciation of the increased local funding for research. 26 Fatma Hamad

Women scientists have a duty to encourage, mentor “and inspire more women and girls to study science TANZANIA ”

Fatma Hamad is a lecturer at Dar of her chemistry teachers called Madam es Salaam University’s College of Asha. Owing to her inspiring teaching Education and holds a PhD in Chemistry. and lifestyle as a woman, she became a role model to her. Fatma naturally loved science subjects in primary and secondary school, but Fatma’s early academic life was not had no idea about her future career. stable. Despite conflicting interests, Her interest was accentuated during after completion of her A-levels study, her advanced level secondary study. quite out of character, she succumbed She chose physics, chemistry and to peer influence by some of her friends mathematics combination mainly and decided to seek employment because she loved and enjoyed instead. She took up work with the studying these subjects. Inspired by an National Bank of Commerce, one of uncle who was a successful electrical the biggest banks at that time in her engineer, Fatma started considering country. In addition, she got married engineering as her future career while in and gave birth to three children in quick A-level study. Her uncle did a great job in succession. Interestingly, she was not supporting, encouraging and motivating happy, even though her life seemed rosy her to follow in his footsteps. However, and successful. One day, she suddenly deep inside, Fatma had a conflict. She decided to quit her job and go back to also desired to become a chemistry study. She has never looked back and teacher. This was mostly because she she is currently teaching chemistry, really enjoyed classes conducted by one the subject she was passionate about. Her passion for science sparked her desire to contribute, through her own research, to on-going efforts to solve the practical problems facing her country and Africa. Through her job, which entails teaching, researching and consulting, Fatma is convinced these problems can be solved through scientific procedures and principles. The most engaging project Fatma has worked on is the development of novel ruthenium indenylidene metathesis catalysis. This is because metathesis is among important reactions with a wide range of applications. For example, Shell Chemicals produces up to 1.2 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 27 million tons per year of linear higher supported by The Schlumberger olefins from ethylene through a process Foundation. in which cross-metathesis is a key step. A number of bioactive compounds are 3. Development of sustainable produced using metathesis reactions. bio-diesel from Ghanaian and For example, polymer based stuff is the Tanzanian seed crops. This project product of ring-opening methathesis is undertaken in collaboration polymerisation. Polymers have a wide with Aston University, UK and is range of applications that far exceed supported by the Leverhulm Royal those of any other class of material Society. available. These include, among others, The motive behind Fatma’s decision to the production of textile and electronic work in Africa is her desire to take part in devices, biomedical devices and optical solving problems facing the continent. devices. Thus the prepared catalysts In her view, there is no scientific can be used in local industries to solve justification of the persistence of any problems such as the production of problem. Africa still needs to apply clothes. This way, through applying modern technology and expertise to science, Fatma has managed to solve significantly overcome these problems. practical problems. The other reason is that she wants to The most impactful project is one that is be a role model for young African girls on-going. Fatma is working on turning by being a successful black female agricultural by-products into renewable scientist. She knows she can inspire fuel. She says, “This will have an impact girls and women to work as scientists. because these by-products are normally For a long time, the so-called hard released into the environment as waste. sciences have been a man’s field. In Thus, their successful conversion into Fatma’s case, for instance, she was one fuel provides an opportunity for the of only two girls in a class of more than development of an alternative energy twenty students during her advanced source while solving economic and level study. Therefore, she had to prove environmental problems.” Currently, that she was studying physics, chemistry Fatma’s team has three parallel projects and mathematics not by chance with this objective in mind: but because she was determined, 1. The investigation of the suitability deserving and capable. Some boys in of dyes extracted from different components of cashew trees, such as leaves, bark, nut shell liquid, etc., as sensitisers in solar cells. This project is undertaken in collaboration with iThemba Labs in South Africa and supported by TWAS (The World Academy of Science) and the Non- Aligned Movement Centre for Science and Technology, 2. Turning biomass into usable fuel by using catalysts that are absorbed to the water-oil interface. This project is undertaken in collaboration with Bangor University, UK and is 28 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

her class would often jokingly remind challenges from family responsibilities her that “becoming a female engineer and related stresses. In particular, this is only a pipe dream”. This taunting and hampers full participation in research hostility towards women and girls has, related activities while still managing for a long time, resulted in very few their time fairly. Fatma has managed to female science role models available overcome these challenges by being in African societies. Fatma, therefore, smart, focused and strategic in every encourages African girls and women step of her life. to pursue science careers as these are not meant for men and boys alone, as Fatma identified her chemistry teacher, everyone can be a scientist. Girls and Madam Asha, who was talented in women have a critical role to play in teaching, smart and hardworking transforming this narrative by being among her role models. The other successful scientists. is Prof. Mubofu who’s success in material science and mentorship skills Africa has limited resources and there have always inspired her. She notes are even fewer resources allocated that women scientists have a duty to to research. Consequently, turning encourage, mentor and inspire more research results into innovation is women and girls to study science. In difficult and this hinders capacity and Tanzania, this is being done through enthusiasm for women and men to the “Bridging Programme for Girls in stay in science. In addition, lack of Science” which was launched in June gender parity in accessing the limited 2013 with the aim of increasing the research resources that are available, number of girl students in science- benefiting from research results, as related subjects at secondary school well as the absence of gender sensitive level. The strategy used is a mentorship research policies has been challenging. network whereby girls’ clubs were However, it is precisely these challenges established in selected schools and that inspire Fatma to work harder and female students undertaking science more efficiently so as to compete for and education courses at University of the limited resources, while shifting the Dar es Salaam were trained as mentors. paradigm of inequality to enable her to The student-teachers attend a series of achieve more. capacity building seminars on how to Earlier in her life, Fatma was enhance the interest and performance discouraged from pursuing science of girls in science subjects and are asked because of the misconception within to mentor girl students at secondary society that it is only for boys and men. schools during their teaching practice. In addition, like in any other career, The network is currently expanding to female scientists have to overcome involve more schools and students. 29 Florence Mutonyi D’ujanga

Society needs to accept that women can UGAND “pursue careers in science-based fields ” A

Florence Mutonyi D’ujanga is an to equipment. She also published a associate professor in the Department number of papers during the project of Physics at , in which enabled her to be promoted at Kampala, Uganda. She was the first the university. In addition, Florence was woman in her country to obtain a PhD also able to establish space science in physics and the first female head studies in her university because of this of the Department of Physics in the project. entire College of Natural Sciences. Like millions of people around the globe, a Florence is motivated to work in young Florence was in awe watching Africa to be a role model for young television images of Neil Armstrong’s women and girls daily. She, therefore, historic walk on the moon on 20th July partners with other organisations such 1969. Much more, she was inspired by as UNESCO to visit schools and give her father telling her that if she wanted to go to the moon, she needed to excel in mathematics and science. This became her motivation. Peer pressure in secondary school almost discouraged her from embracing science. It was, however, her earlier motivation that encouraged her pursuit of science. At university, girls were few; so much so that by the third year, she was the only girl majoring in physics. This did not deter her because by that time she had a goal in mind to achieve. Her most impressive project was one on space weather and ionospheric physics in which many African physicists were involved using global positioning system (GPS) receivers. The project was in collaboration with other universities in and America. Through this project, many researchers in equatorial Africa were able to obtain GPS receivers which were being used in this research. In addition, many students in her university obtained their Masters degrees since they had access 30 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

talks to encourage girls to remain in the successfully pursue careers in science- sciences and pursue scientific careers based fields. Therefore, there is a need in university. to sensitise communities to accept that girls and women can pursue sciences She feels strongly against the negative successfully. This is because it has been effects of gender-based stereotypes and demonstrated that many women who myths that portray science as masculine succeed were encouraged by parents as this has discouraged many bright and talented girls from pursuing science. who valued education. Additionally, Florence emphasises the As a parting shot, she says “while need to discard traditional myths such marriage does not appear to hurt as women’s work is only in the kitchen, women, having young children does as these have also kept some away from affect their chances for advancement the sciences. since child-care responsibilities fall Florence has experienced many disproportionately on women”. She challenges in juggling her demanding therefore recommends that scholarships career in science, marriage and family for women be extended to well over life. She admits that sometimes quality forty years of age. This is because after family time is lost. However, through this age, women will have had families, prioritising, she made time for all are more settled and can perform aspects of her life. At times, she also better when they are not pressured by has trouble mingling with people the ticking of the ‘biological clock’. She who often view her as different. Hard emphasis es the need for mentoring work and believing that even women girls beyond high school to include can make it in science have been the those with basic degrees in science but driving force in her progress. Florence who have stagnated due to the burdens recommends that members of society of domestic chores and care for their need to accept that women can families. 31 Gladness George Mwanga

Science is not only for men, TANZANIA it“ is for all, especially us girls ”

Gladness George Mwanga, the 2014 services to farmers who would UN Food and Agricultural Organisation otherwise lose their livestock due (FAO) Young Innovators’ Award to delayed or lack of access to such winner, is a research assistant and a services. During her Master’s degree, PhD candidate at Nelson Mandela Gladness worked on a project aimed African Institution of Science and at linking ICT and agriculture to solve Technology in South Africa, specialising information problems in the agricultural in Information and Communication sector. As part of her research, she Science Engineering. She is presently developed a Livestock Information working on automating decision- Management System that integrates making processes on farms. both the Web and Mobile Applications. The goal of her research was to create As a young girl, Gladness was a medium through which livestock encouraged by the support she information could be exchanged by received from her parents and her automating the traditional manual primary school mathematics teacher. extension services so as to improve Due to the way they taught and efficiency and effectiveness in livestock encouraged her, she quickly learned information flow between farmers, mathematics and started enjoying any extension officers, researchers and subject that had some calculations. buyers. Currently, farmers, extension On joining high school, Gladness was officers and buyers can only access the automatically enrolled for the science system by using their mobile phones. class due to her exemplary performance Researchers and other users such as in these subjects. In her view it was the policy makers can access the system encouragement and good foundation using the web application which is during her formative years that ushered more detailed and provides further her into the science path. information that farmers may not find When Gladness got the FAO prize, she emerged the winner from among 15 entries from countries in Africa in the category Rural Innovations and Technologies for Agriculture. Her entry aimed at linking veterinary services with farmers through the use of ICT such as mobile phones and web applications. She believes she emerged the best as her innovation offered easy ICT solutions whose impact can improve access to and provision of veterinary 32 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

a use for. Happily the system is now not only meet, chat and discuss their working as a prototype to manage issues, but also post their professional livestock farming information. However, opinions. the plan is to have it expanded to accommodate other forms of farming Gladness loves to work as a scientist and agriculture in general. on the continent of Africa with its many challenges because she has always The impact of this project has been been passionate about doing things impressive. Gladness notes that that bring about positive changes and currently the online extension service she sees herself as a source of that allows farmers to send a query through change in peoples’ lives. This, she their mobile phone to extension says, is the “driving force behind my officers who also use the same studies and in my daily life”. With this channel to give informed advice. This, passion, she has set a mission to work in her view, increases effectiveness hard in exploring ICT so as to use it in delivering extension services by progressively to improve the quality of allowing available professionals to life for people in all communities. work remotely and reach all farmers as needed. Additionally, access to Gladness’ role model is H.E. information by farmers will assist farm- Rhoda Peace Tumusiime who is the level decision-making by providing Commissioner for Rural Economy timely, relevant, and accurate and Agriculture at the . information regarding market access, Her expertise, experience and farming inputs, research findings, commitment have won her several key livestock feeds and pharmaceuticals. positions on regional and international This information is essential to livestock organisations. keepers as it adds value to their Gladness advises young women and livelihoods, improved record keeping girls to believe in themselves and pursue and enhanced production chains. The their dreams with determination. In her system also provides a virtual platform words, “Science is not only for men, it is where stakeholders including farmers, for all, especially us girls. No one is born researchers and extension officers can knowing everything and experience comes through practice. Let’s think boldly and have a positive mind”. She notes that the gender gap in science is controllable as it is more related to social pressures rather than actual ability and academic performance. Therefore, pioneer scientists will need to provide mentorship, encouragement and advice to improve women’s access to science careers. She says this can be achieved by conducting training for teachers to become good ambassadors and to mentor young women, or by organising events such as national science clubs which motivate young girls to explore this field. 33 Hilda Nyambe-Silavwe

If your passion is science, go for it; do ZAMBIA “not let anything or anyone limit you ”

Hilda Nyambe-Silavwe is from Zambia subjects and hence her exemplary and holds a PhD in food science and performance in high school. nutrition from the University of Leeds, Hilda was admitted to the University of UK. She is a scientific officer at the Zambia for her undergraduate degree. National Institute for Scientific and That was when she realised that the Industrial Research in Zambia. Her day- study of science not only enabled one to-day duties revolve around research, to pursue medicine, and become a but she also lectures part-time as she medical doctor, but that there were believes in passing her knowledge on a wide range of career paths one to younger generations. could take as a scientist. That is when Hilda’s interest in science began in it occurred to her that her passion was her formative years in primary school. food science and nutrition. Around Her late father always encouraged her the same period, a new programme in to work hard at school and aim for these subjects had just been introduced the best so that she could become a at the university with support from the medical doctor, because at that time, Belgian Government, so she enrolled in those admitted to study medicine food science and technology. Although were the top performers in science. this change disappointed her father This was the beginning of her interest greatly, Hilda promised him that one in science. In senior secondary school, day she would become a doctor, not in Hilda was placed in a pure sciences class due to her good grades in her junior secondary examinations. What struck her in the pure sciences class was that each of the subjects, physics, chemistry and biology were taught separately and in more detail than in the combined sciences classes. In addition, pure sciences classes had laboratory practicals on topics covered during theory sessions. It was these laboratory practicals that made her interest in science grow more deeply as she found them extremely interesting. Pure sciences were also related to life in a natural way and were factual, hence there was no need to prove anything but deal with things the way they were. This made sciences simpler than other 34 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

medicine but in the field that she really the prevention of type 2 diabetes. It enjoyed. That was how her journey in stands out because for the first time, what she calls ‘the wonderful world of she could see science in action by food science and nutrition’ began and showing results in human volunteers her passion for science was further in addition to conclusions drawn ignited because she really liked this from laboratory experiments. She chosen field. describes this as her most impactful and significant contribution to science Hilda’s first lecturer in food science as the research showed there was and nutrition was Dr. Kabwit Nguz a direct link between diet and the who was the programme coordinator prevention and management of from Ghent University in Belgium and type 2 diabetes. These findings were who became her first mentor too. He published in a leading journal and believed in her and encouraged her demonstrated that the consumption of to go further in her studies, thereby fruits and vegetables which are rich in making her aware of other possibilities fibre and contain compounds known beyond the undergraduate course as polyphenols, are indeed good for she was pursuing. She was privileged human health and may play a role in the to be among the first three women to prevention and management of type 2 pursue a degree in food science and diabetes. The diet, however, works best technology for the first time in Zambia when combined with lifestyle changes at the University of Zambia. especially increasing one’s physical activity. The results may provide a Hilda identifies her most gratifying solution to the growing global problem science project as one that involved of diabetes. determining how diet may play a role, in addition to physical activity, in What motivates Hilda to work as a scientist in Africa is the desire to make a difference in the lives of people on a continent where people face many challenges including malnutrition and disease. As a scientist, Hilda is committed to using her knowledge to carry out research and develop solutions for some of the issues affecting Africa. Stretching the maxim that prevention is better than cure, Hilda adds that food security and nutrition are essential for development. Hilda also lectures part- time because she believes success is not meaningful if it is not shared. In her words, “For development to be achieved, there needs to be continuity of enthusiastic scientists in whichever area they are in”. She lectures mainly to nurture interest and enthusiasm in science just like her own journey in science was enriched by her mentors who believed in her and encouraged her to work hard. She is categorical that Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 35 if she had never been mentored and not planned well, this may affect family encouraged her story would have been time and relationships, and it may also different today, hence the importance seem unfair as the remuneration is not to do the same for others. always commensurate to the effort. To overcome these social challenges, Hilda laments that scientists are often Hilda has had to explain science in not given the much-deserved respect simple language and try as much and support they receive as can be as possible to carry out research on observed by the poor remuneration compared to other non-science topics that affect humanity so that the careers. This is partly because scientific outcomes can be easily understood. In research is expensive and it takes long addition, she has to plan her activities to generate results. She underlines that well in order to allow for family time science is important as it contributes and relationships. Hilda’s role model directly to health, food security, food is Prof. Enala Tembo-Mwase, who has safety, clean water, sanitation, and always combined being a scientist, wife ultimately, national development. and mother, and who has risen to the Therefore, although women scientists highest position of Vice-Chancellor of face many challenges, such as lack of the University of Zambia. funding, mentors and platforms for She informs young women and girls sharing and collaborative research, that there is nothing more fulfilling in there is a need to seek scholarships life than doing the job that you really and grants globally as well as to join enjoy. If your passion is science, go for professional bodies in one’s field. it; do not let anything or anyone limit Socially, Hilda explains that it is not you. Being a girl or woman should never that easy to explain the importance be an excuse because you have the of science and what it is really all equal right to achieve your dreams. If about to family members and friends. your dream is to be a scientist, become In addition, being a scientist is very one and you will never regret it. The sky demanding and time consuming, and, is the limit for girls and women in the from time to time, it may require putting same way it is for boys and men, she in extra hours beyond what is normal. If asserts. 36 Isabelle Adole Glitho

TOGO “ Everybody needs to work hard to excel ”

Isabelle Adole Glitho is an entomologist University of Benin and the Knight of the and researcher at the University of Lome Order of Academic Palms of Cames in in Togo. She holds a Master’s degree 2010. She was also the recipient of the in , a PhD in entomological Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Prize in 2013, physiology and a second PhD in awarded by the African Union. She has bioecology and management of insect published over eighty articles and fifteen populations. She has received multiple scientific reports. In addition, Isabelle awards including that of merit from the has presented more than one hundred and fifty papers on insect physiology, bio-ecology, integrated pest and vector management and on women in science. She is currently researching the use of micro-parasites and botanical pesticides in biological pest control. This method is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of controlling destructive pests instead of using chemically based pesticides. To this end, she is working on the development of models of sustainable management of pestiferous arthropods that are currently used by many African researchers and several farmers in West Africa. She also conducts research on the identification of termites and ants, some of which form part of the diet in Togo. Much of her research focuses on ensuring food security. Isabelle has been recogni ed for the creation of the Laboratory of Applied Entomology at the University of Lome and the establishment of an International Master’s degree in Environment, Water and Health. The programme admits students from at least five countries inW est Africa. Asked what her most impactful project has been so far, Isabelle indicated Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 37 that it was hard to choose. She feels most girls did not select science subjects strongly about all the research she due to negative beliefs and stereotypes has been involved in as her work is about it as being masculine and difficult. informed by her belief in making use of Her biggest challenge has been teaching African values such as Ubuntu, loosely and researching in an institution with translated as working in, with and for insufficient equipment and facilities. the benefit of communities. Based on She also notes that mentoring women this, in 1995 she founded the Togolese in science, although noble, is not Association for the promotion of something the government is interested women in Science at the University of in. Therefore, mentoring and tutoring Lome. The aim of the association is to of young girls in science has been left boost female faculty across all science to a small group of female professors, sectors at the university. lecturers and senior students who lack In 2001, her group also began a both time and finances. Nonetheless, mentoring programme to ensure that the association is constantly raising female students who take up sciences funds which are used to facilitate the were retained. The programme matches high school mentorship programme senior level students with first and and to provide female science students second years to help them cope with in the university with an allowance. This the challenges that often make women has resulted in an increase in the number drop science courses in favour of of female students pursuing science as humanities and education. Involvement well as improved numbers of women in this programme has, however, been faculty in science courses. She wishes to challenging due to the small number of assure young female students that the young women enrolling in science based problems they face are not unique to courses. Consequently, the association them and that science is just as difficult expanded the mentorship programme for boys. Everybody needs to work hard to high schools because at that level, to excel. 38 Judith Sèdaminou Gbenoudon

Encourage girls and women to be confident “if they choose to pursue science careers BENIN ”

Judith Sèdaminou Gbenoudon she often suffered from malaria attacks is a lecturer in immunology and despite good medical care and access biochemistry, as well as the director to a family doctor. She therefore grew of the Laboratory for Immunology, up with the curiosity and the sense Infectious Diseases and Allergy at of wanting to search for solutions to the University of Abomey-Calavi, contribute to solving serious health Benin. She is also the president of the issues in her country. Her wish was not US International Visitor Leadership just to treat people, but also understand Programme (IVLP) Alumni Association. and solve the root causes of diseases. She was the first woman to be appointed Therefore, she chose biochemistry and director of Systems (Informatics) in later immunology. the Ministry of Higher Education and At primary school, she was a brilliant Research in Benin, a position she held student and encountered no barriers for three years (2013–2016). Judith was in choosing science subjects and the first person to set up a research later embracing a career in science. In laboratory in immunology in Benin and secondary school, her physics teacher has won many research and project was very encouraging and was sure she grants. She also initiated and oversaw would go far in physics and chemistry. the formation of the Benin Society of At high school, she had a choice to study Immunology. science and technology or science, As a child, Judith was clever and biology and geology or arts subjects. talented, and her leaning towards She chose science, biology and geology science was obvious. She observed and obtained her ‘Baccalaureate’. things and often attempted to link and She was the best performing student relate causes and effects of day to day in her school and the fourth best happenings. During her childhood, nationally. At university, Judith chose to study biochemistry so that she could understand the processes of life, cells, and specifically to find cures for sicknesses such as malaria. She attests that her biochemistry studies were very exciting and that the courses were well conceived and delivered by committed instructors. This helped her successfully link theory and practice thereby making her studies exciting and fulfilling. Much of the course content was about different aspects of life as well Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 39 as the functioning of the body. She interviewed several times on radio and thoroughly enjoyed the practical television. Additionally, she has given experiments as they involved working talks to thousands of secondary school both with her hands and with her children. Consequently, many students, mind. In many instances the results both boys and girls, have taken a keen she achieved amazed her and on interest in science. In addition, between interpreting them, she was convinced 2012 and 2016, Judith contributed she was pursuing the right career. to publicising science careers among Some highlights of the course were the youth through organising science preparing aspirin, extracting active symposia. components from Indian herbs for Judith loves working in Africa as a studying cell physiology, as well as scientist because there are not enough observing cell behaviour in fluorescent women involved in science on the cells using contrast microscopy and continent. In her view, this is due to special glasses. cultural burdens and expectations The most exciting project Judith has associated with being a woman been involved in was research into why, in Africa. She suspects that male in some people, the immune system colleagues in science are not very chooses not to respond to infections, supportive to a woman who excels. that is, their immune system simply Her approach in the face of these tolerates the infectious agent as it challenges has been to contribute to would do for self-tissue components. the overall understanding of science in This research led to the discovery of the country and popularising it among the so-called regulatory T-cells in the persons of all ages and both sexes. Her human body. The project also shed realisation is that everyone in society light on new aspects of immunology ought to play a role in ensuring that and improved what was taught and more women and men take up careers written in text books. in science. She has also since noted that the emerging obstacles to women Judith’s most impactful science venture pursuing careers in science are not only was a project known by its acronym people-based but also socio-cultural- EBUSS — the Empowering and Bringing based. That is, the prevalent beliefs and Women at Pre-University Levels to stereotypes regarding the appropriate Choose Science Subjects and Careers image of a good girl or woman will also in mathematics, physics, chemistry and negatively impact on her self-esteem biology. She developed this project to and confidence. encourage girls to embrace scientific careers. The project was funded by several international funders. And throughout its lifetime, five thousand people of all ages and categories became sensitised to science. The key components of EBUSS included a survey, motivation and training of seven hundred school girls from eighteen schools to be empowered, and if interested, to participate in the science camps that were also run. Due to the impact of this project, Judith has been 40 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

She says women face many barriers in the same time be a total woman. She their careers. In Africa, these barriers maintains that this can only be achieved are transmitted through education progressively. Her immediate focus is to by parents who believe that women inspire as many girls as possible in the should not opt to study courses that pursuit of science. Running a successful take too many years as this will interfere research laboratory and establishing with their marriage. She narrated how reliable collaborative networks has also an old woman in her neighbourhood been challenging. To address these, once warned her mother that if she she has often sought both external and let her continue with her studies, she local support. Socially, events related to would be blamed should her daughter the breakdown of her family seriously remain unmarried. Concerned, her affected the growth of her career mother steered her towards applying as a scientist but these have slowly for a course in midwifery. Judith translated into a source of strength. completed and even passed the Judith identified a number of role interview. However, when she emerged models including Barbara Broeker, as the best performing student in a professor in immunology and the national examination, her mother patent holder from the University supported her proceeding to advanced of Greifswald, Germany and Minka level secondary education and higher Broeler, professor in immunology at education in general. the Institute for Tropical Medicine in Judith also indicated that boys in her Hamburg, Germany. In her opinion, class often confronted her by saying the two are women of strong character that it was not normal for a girl to strive who inspired her during her early as hard as she did. A case in point was career especially with their love for in high school when some classes were research and making new discoveries. merged. One of the boys warned her Her other role model is Lucie Fanou that he was not a weakling like all the Ayi, a professor in the Department of other boys she had been defeating in Biochemistry at the University of Benin, class. At the end of two years, he failed who for a long time was the first and to beat her. The two of them went on only woman in that department. to join the same university and while Judith encourages women and girls in their third year, the boy confessed to take control over their decisions to her that working hard and pursuing to pursue science as they, not their one’s objectives were not a reserve for parents, are the only ones who know men alone. As fate would have it yet their talents. It is their duty to stand again, Judith and this man now lecture firm by their choice rather than seek in the same university and he often tells advice from family members who might others about his unsuccessful attempts lack the correct information. Young to discourage and dismiss women’s women and girls, she advises, should efforts in the pursuance of science. discard cultural ideas whose time has That episode in her life recedes passed. Culture should evolve. Finally, as Judith has addressed the many she encourages girls and women to challenges as a scientist, most of which be confident if they choose to pursue are both social and professional. Her careers in science, but warns that they biggest challenge is how to remain a might not always be appreciated at the role model in her science career and at beginning. 41 Letitia Eva Obeng

A choice to engage in the sciences should be guided “ by a deep interest and a yearning desire to find GHANA practical answers to the questions of today ”

Born in Ghana, Letitia Eva Obeng parasite which causes river blindness was a child who wondered just about (onchocerciasis). On the continental every simple happening in nature. For and global scene, after having had a example, she was curious why little great deal of experience in parasitology, fish and crabs in streams die when freshwater sciences and environmental out of water; why the many feet of a management, Letitia became, in centipede do not get entangled as it 1974, the first African female senior moves; where the strange substance staff member of the United Nations called water went when poured on the Environment Programme (UNEP). Later, ground and how does it happen to be in 1980, she became the first African up in the sky when it comes down as female director of the Regional Office of rain. These and similar questions were UNEP and its first female representative explained later in secondary school to the Africa Region. In addition to and, coupled with inspiration from her these firsts, she was the first elected professor, she became firmly female fellow of her country’s Academy planted in the sciences. She is currently of Arts and Sciences and became its retired from a professional life that first female President in 2007. spans some sixty years. One of Letitia’s exciting projects in her Letitia is a trailblazer. She was the first science career was, while in her 20s, woman in Ghana to obtain, in 1952, organising and setting up a laboratory a Bachelor’s of Science (Honours) to teach zoology at the College degree in Zoology and from of Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. the University of Birmingham, UK and Additionally, she was instrumental was subsequently appointed the first in organising and establishing from female science lecturer at Ghanaian College of Technology, now known as the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). In 1962, she became the first woman in her country to obtain a Master’s of Science degree in Parasitology also from the University of Birmingham. Two years later, she broke her own record and became the first woman in Ghana to obtain a PhD from the School of Tropical Medicine at the University of Liverpool for research into the aquatic stages of the Simuliidae (black flies) responsible for the transmission of the 42 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

scratch, the Institute of The science profession is not Aquatic Biology (IAB), a devoid of myths. One of the new institute for water general myths she would like research and part of Ghana’s to refute about women and Council for Scientific and the sciences is based on the Industrial Research (CSIR). frequent question she has She directed IAB’s hydro- been asked in her lifetime: biological research on the why she chose to study Volta Lake from 1964 to science when many men 1974. The research that did not want to touch the she undertook at IAB was subject. Regarding this myth, a very fulfilling experience Letitia says “the implication, for Letitia. It responded of course, is that science is to a crucial national need such a difficult subject that to monitor and study the ecological even men (who are supposed to be changes and possible environmental cleverer than girls) shy away from it! impact of Volta Lake, which was the Fortunately, with so many women now largest man-made lake in the world at in the sciences, it should be difficult the time. It also provided an opportunity to scare our current smart female for global learning on man-made lakes. generation away from these subjects.” As a woman scientist Letitia’s contribution Letitia’s exceptional role model is Ms. to science, especially in Africa, was Emily Vivian Asihene who was not a fuelled by her interest in parasitology scientist but a rare pioneer, a female which made her aware of the spread of educationist during a period of limited parasitic infections, especially among acceptance of female higher education. unsuspecting children, in endemic “She was intelligent, capable, dedicated, tropical areas of Africa. She laments and my inspiring and unique role the general public’s ignorance about model”. parasites, the lack of interest in knowing about them and the reluctance to take As a parting shot to girls in Africa, Letitia the necessary precautions to deal posits that science is an exceptionally with them. That notwithstanding, she exciting area of study with boundless published a scientific, but ‘easy to opportunities for original thinking, read’ book entitled “Parasites, the Sly innovation and contributing to the and Sneaky Enemies inside You” with world’s development. She advises that explanatory sketches and an implied a choice to engage in the sciences message that “knowing about an enemy should be guided by a deep interest is the best possible tool for defeat”. and inquisitiveness in the science She is aware that some school children subject and perhaps, even more showed an interest in the subject and important, a yearning desire to find hopes that awareness of parasites will practical answers to the questions of grow. today. 43 Maria Musoke

Science is the only hope that will take UGAND “ African development forward ” A

Maria Musoke is a lady of many firsts. Vision in November 2014. ‘Musoke She was the first Ugandan woman to leaves Makerere University Library get a PhD in information science in Better’, the paper said in a headline. 2001 from the University of Sheffield, She was also the first documentalist United Kingdom. She was also the of the Women and Gender Studies first woman to be promoted to a full Department at Makerere, from 1990 to professor of information science at 1995, and one of the founder members Makerere University in 2010. For this of that department. She is also a founder she received a Gender Equality Award member of several other women’s in 2010 which was reported in various NGOs such as the Uganda Women’s Ugandan newspapers. Network (UWONET) and the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) She is the first information scientist in Uganda. Maria was the first Library from sub-Saharan Africa to chair the and Information Science professional Health and Bioscience Libraries Section to become a Fellow of the Uganda of the International Federation of National Academy of Sciences in 2014. Library Associations and Institutions Later she became a member of the (IFLA), which is the highest world body International Committee on Big Data governing the Library and Information in the open data world and, in 2016, Science (LIS) profession and has been chairperson of their Women in Science in existence for over eighty years. committee, among others. She was the first vice-president of the Maria has received many national and Association for Health Information and international awards, honours and Libraries in Africa (AHILA), a regional other forms of recognition for her body, from 1990 to 1996, and is one of the founder members of that association. Maria became one of the first two Ugandan women to serve on Makerere University’s top management in 2004. The university, which was established in 1922, took over eighty years to have the first local women on its top management. She was the firstU gandan woman to head Makerere University Library Services in 2004, a post she held for two terms until December 2014. Her contribution was best captured in Uganda’s leading newspaper, the New 44 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

contribution to information science My fellow students used to complain that particularly focusing on health and Biology is very wide compared to other women. In 2001, she won an ICT stories subjects, but I loved it and never felt the international competition titled “Simple burden that others were experiencing. ICTs reduce maternal mortality in rural I ended up graduating as a biological Uganda”. She has been recognised scientist (Botany and Zoology) and later for writing excellent papers including moved on to Information Science”. one that presented a model of a Her greatest and most impactful project hybrid blend between traditional was a post-doctoral study which was document delivery methods and based on the realisation that a major technology driven ones, presented to challenge facing health professionals in the International Federation of Library Uganda is the limited access to current Associations (IFLA) conference in 2008. literature which can build their capacity Maria has over thirty journal papers to make evidence-based clinical and book chapters on issues relating decisions and ultimately improve to user studies, health and academic health care. Such information ought librarianship, thereby bridging various to be repackaged in a user-friendly research gaps. manner which, for health workers, took Her early life was characterised by her the form of a Health Information Digest childhood observation on life as she which was printed and distributed to walked to school. What made the trip over 1500 health workers in Uganda. interesting was the beauty of nature This was followed by rural outreach that was reflected in all the plants she training of health professionals on saw. Right from the beginning, she how to access current literature using loved nature. She describes her journey information literacy skills. Maria has to school as follows: “I used to walk to demonstrated how information science primary school but stopped many times can be employed to improve healthcare to touch flowers, smell and pick them to in Uganda. She says, “My greatest compare, but sometimes I had to fight excitement is when a health worker with bees in the process. Up to today I reports that the information literacy love flowers. I also used to do the same training I conducted enabled them for leaves. Elders would find me picking to build skills to retrieve the needed leaves and flowers on the way and beat information and in a timely manner to me because I was playing and delaying save lives” getting to school. When we started In 2016, she published part of the studying Biology, I was really interested. findings of this project in a book titled Informed and healthy: theoretical and applied perspectives on the value of information to health care. It was published by the Academic Press of Elsevier in both print and electronic versions and is available on ScienceDirect.com. To celebrate this achievement, Makerere University organised a high-profile book launch which was very well attended. Above is a picture taken during the event when the Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Ddumba Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 45

Sentamu, handed over a plaque to addressing these challenges, Maria Maria. As part of her post-doctoral pointed out that she needs to inform contribution to Makerere University, those with whom she engages about Maria introduced two new courses, the importance and benefits of health information systems and services, research. In addition, researchers have taught at Masters level since the to continue writing funding proposals, 2001/2002 academic year, and a cross- and keep reminding editors to hasten cutting course for graduate students the publication process. and researchers entitled information The two people who ignited her passion competence and management that were her late sister and her graduate started in 2005. supervisor. Her advice is that research Maria is also one of Uganda’s national will go on, as new questions always leaders who continue to serve her emerge during the research process country by playing various roles and that trigger our curiosity, and hence whose daily life involves making take the investigation forward. Girls decisions that contribute to national and young women should love science development, training and mentoring rather than shunning it as being too the young generation of scholars. Like difficult. It is easier to find employment many academics, she has encountered when one holds a science qualification. several challenges including research In her opinion, science is the only hope fatigue, limited research funding and that will take African development delays in publishing her works. In forward. 46 Marian Asantewah Nkansah

Scientific research, in Africa, is still in its “early stages, but has great potential GHANA ”

Marian Nkansah is a faculty and technology. Other member at Kwame Nkrumah personal interests include University of Science and critical thinking, teaching, Technology in Ghana. She research, public speaking, teaches general, analytical and writing. and nuclear chemistry. She won a Young Scientist Poster Marian grew up on a school Award at CHEMRAWN XII compound since both held at the Stellenbosch parents were educationists. University in South Africa. From the backyard garden Her primary research to the woods around the interests include the determination campus, everything in her home of the levels, trends and occurrence environment spoke science. She was of contaminants in water, soil, air and increasingly observant and inquisitive food. of her surroundings and would pick up various scientific terms such as During her doctoral studies in Norway, ‘pollination’, ‘isolation’ and ‘mating’ she supported and volunteered at the before she turned five. In primary Redd Barna, an organisation whose school, she represented her school work aims to secure children’s rights. in a district science quiz. Therefore, She is also the executive director and majoring in science was an obvious co-founder of the Gaudete Insititute, choice for her. The exposure to science a non-profit organisation in Ghana. in her early life was a major contributor Marian is passionate about the arts and to her interest in science. music, education, environment, science It was a firm foundation for many firsts, including being the first of her high school group to acquire a PhD, the first woman PhD holder to teach in the Department of Chemistry at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the first female to be inducted as a member of the Ghana Young Academy. She was also among the first cohort of affiliates of the African Academy of Sciences and the first recipient of the FM Al-Kharafi Prize of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for Women in Science as well as the first Ghanaian woman member of the Global Young Academy. Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 47

In Marian’s opinion, the most amazing research, making it a challenge to access project she has been involved in was a basic laboratory glassware, chemicals study she conducted on the potential and sophisticated equipment. She has toxicity of classroom dust on the health been compelled to apply for research of school children, which was the first of grants from international organisations its kind in Ghana. She was invited to do and collaborates with international radio and television interviews on her partners who help run analyses or findings and later was published online invite students for research visits. In her by media houses. Besides this study, research, Marian has also encountered she also has worked on heavy metals superstitious people who are reluctant in spices and geographic white clay, to take part in certain studies for which is commonly craved by expectant example, clinical studies that require women in many parts of Africa. These samples such as nails or hair. She studies demonstrate how seemingly therefore must first involve opinion harmless materials can cause heavy leaders in their communities, such as metal exposure. chiefs, who are educated, who then in turn enlighten the people in their One of her greatest motivations is the community. Her greatest challenge fact that the outcomes of her research as a woman scientist has, however, have global impact despite having had been juggling effectively all the national objectives at the beginning. responsibilities of her professional life In her view, research in Africa is still in with the expectations of family and her its early stages but has great potential. community. To manage this, she keeps This is what propels her to go to the a planner calendar and a daily to-do list. laboratory on a day-to-day basis. Of the However, when she is overwhelmed, challenges she has encountered, key she does not hesitate to ask for help. among them has been the stereotypical belief that as a woman she should be Marian’s mother, Mary Nkansah, is her wired more towards the humanities. role model. She taught her never to Many times, it has been assumed that, feel inadequate or limited because of upon entering an important scientific her gender. Marian advises young girls meeting, she is the secretary and as a who are interested in science neither result she often has to introduce herself to be frightened nor discouraged by as a stakeholder. She often makes jokes the stories of those who have tried and of it, telling the people present that failed. Instead they should stay focused, she’s used to such assumptions. tap into their inner strengths, surround themselves with people who believe in Marian has also had to make-do with their dreams and pursue their dreams inadequate government funding for with everything they have got. 48 Mary Abukutsa-Onyango

Excellence or failure all start in the mind. Believe A “ you can do it and the rest will fall into place KENY ”

Mary Abukutsa-Onyango is a Professor Africa for her outstanding contribution of Horticulture in the Department of to agricultural research for development Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture at the in Africa; the Africa-wide Women and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture Young Professionals in Science award and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya. Mary in 2009; the city of Edinburgh Medal set off with a series of firsts for herself. and Prize for research on indigenous She was the first woman to get a PhD in vegetables, agro-biodiversity and sciences not just in her family but her public health, awarded during the 2014 village as well as her sub-district, and Edinburgh International Festival of the first woman to serve as a coordinator Science and Technology. In 2016, she for the Centre of Natural Sciences and also became the first woman scientist Technological Development at Maseno in Kenya to release nine varieties of University (1999 to 2003), as Dean of African indigenous vegetables. the Faculty (2003–2004), as Director of She was born and grew up in a rural the School of graduate studies, and at setting in Western Kenya. She was a the same university (2006–2007), and sickly child who suffered attacks due give a professorial inaugural Lecture in to allergic reactions to animal sources Sciences at JKUAT in 2010. of food. Despite this she attended the She has won many awards including: local Ematsuli primary school and was the African Union scientific award, first very curious and eager to learn new position in Earth and Life Sciences things. Her parents were very loving, category; the Regional Universities and raised her in a strict Christian family Forum for Capacity Building in environment. Her father was a school Agriculture’s (RUFORUM) 2010 award headmaster while her mother was a on Impact Research and Science in peasant farmer. Although her father encouraged her to excel in all subjects, he put a lot of emphasis on mathematics and sciences and this made her develop a great interest in the sciences and, to the surprise of many at the time, her favourite subject was mathematics. On the other hand, her mother always took her to the farm, and often emphasised the importance of being hands-on in the farm “working with our hands’’. This was her method of ensuring the family had enough food and that the house and compound were kept clean. Her mother often fed her on indigenous Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 49 vegetables due to the allergic reactions years between 1992 and 1995. Since to animal proteins. then Mary has worked at two Kenyan universities moving through the ranks It was in primary school that Mary from lecturer to professor. Within developed a passion for Sciences and that period, she initiated pioneering especially agricultural Sciences. At this research on African indigenous stage, she joined the 4K (Kuungana, vegetables thereby repositioning them Kufanya, Kusaidia Kenya) club from being regarded as a poor man’s where she was involved in growing food to African super vegetables. vegetables. When she proceeded to Looking back, Mary credits her parents secondary school, Bunyore Girls High for who she is because at a very School also in Western Kenya, she was young age they instilled in her virtues a top student for the four years she was of integrity, excellence, hard work, there, with her favourite subjects being honesty, commitment, organization, mathematics, biology and chemistry. timeliness and the love of God; virtues She obtained the East African Certificate she upholds to this day. of Education certificate with first division; the highest grade at that level. The most satisfying project Mary has She was then admitted to Ng’iya Girls worked on is “African indigenous High School in Nyanza for advanced vegetables variety development and studies in mathematics, biology and seed systems”. This project was aimed chemistry where she excelled and at developing varieties of African received the East African Advanced indigenous vegetables to improve Certificate of Education certificate with three principals. This qualified her to study medicine which was her father’s and teachers’ wish. However, Mary preferred agriculture due to her interest in agricultural sciences since early age. Her interest in agricultural sciences had further been awakened by the struggle she saw her mother go through to put food on the table. She hoped to unravel the potential hidden in African leafy vegetables that saved her life and yet were not available on markets. Mary graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) Honours degree from University of Nairobi, and thereafter, worked briefly for the Ministry of Agriculture. She soon got a scholarship from the University of Nairobi to pursue a Master of Science in agronomy which she completed in a record two years. Four years later she won a World Bank scholarship to pursue a PhD in horticultural sciences in the UK at Wye College of the University of London, which she completed in three 50 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

production and consumption of these wide involving seven African countries neglected crops. This project was (Benin, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Senegal, significant because it was solving an South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda) existing problem of poor seed quality, and five European institutions. It it was participatory, multi-institutional involved travelling to all the countries to and multi-disciplinary. Its aim was to promote the production of indigenous reposition neglected yet nutrient-dense vegetables in a safe way in 14 African crops to provide home-grown solutions cities. It was impactful due to the to the challenges of food insecurity and high number of tangible deliverables double burden of malnutrition in Kenya. including a book, scientific papers and It resulted in the release of nine varieties peer-reviewed journal publications, of African indigenous vegetables that recipes for indigenous vegetables contribute to increased production and preparation and dissemination of utilisation of African leafy vegetables in leaflets and brochures. The moment Kenya and Africa at large. of greatest excitement was when she travelled to Francophone countries and On the other hand, the most tried to communicate to the audience, impactful project she has worked that did not speak English, technical on was “Networking to promote the information and had to find innovative sustainable production and marketing ways to pass the message effectively. of indigenous vegetables through urban and peri-urban agriculture in Mary used an African proverb to Sub-Saharan Africa-IndigenoVeg”, explain why she likes to work as a funded by the European Commission scientist in Africa yet she can access (2006–2008). The project was Africa- better opportunities elsewhere. She notes “Use the stick in your hand to kill a snake”. Thus, for her, it is the ability to provide home-grown solutions to Africa’s unique challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition through the study of African super-foods that have been neglected and the rich agricultural biodiversity that exists in Africa. She also believes that many good things can come out of Africa. There are many challenges Mary has faced as a scientist. These include the wrong belief still held by many that women cannot be good in mathematics and sciences. She has proved many skeptics wrong, including her own teachers, that women can excel in science and mathematics and the myth that good science cannot come from Africa. She underlines that the problem is funding and facilities in institutions in Africa as the governments hardly invest in science. She, therefore, notes that Africans have excelled when Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 51 given the right environment, as the of Highly Effective People”. Recently, human resource is not the issue but she also developed a personal vision the lack of an enabling political and and mission statement that helps her legal environment where scientific determine what is important. research and careers can thrive. These challenges continue to inspire Mary to Culturally, some of Mary’s relatives do more in terms of raising stakeholder believe she should never hold a position awareness and policy dialogues which higher than that held by her husband has often unlocked research funds and and have told her so. Some even uptake of research findings. Lack of discouraged her from getting a PhD. funds has driven her to seek training This called for open communication on writing winning grant proposals. and sometimes negotiation to reach an Regarding facilities, Mary ensures that amicable agreement and support from each proposal includes a component her husband, children and parents. on equipment which has been She also must plan for family time as helpful enhancing the capacity of her her work station is far from that of her laboratory. husband and has had to involve their children in such planning and decisions. Socially, Mary is faced with the challenge of balancing family and work, as well as Mary’s role models remain her late a cultural expectation that as a woman, parents, Enos and Rosebella Abukutsa. she cannot be more successful than The Vice Chancellor of JKUAT and her husband. An additional challenge Professor of biochemistry, Prof. Mabel is the frequent separation from family Imbuga, also inspires her in everything due to her different working stations. she does especially her resilience and To solve this challenge Mary applies calm demeanour even in a crisis. Mary wisdom in prioritising activities in the would like all young women and girls order of importance and urgency, then to keep in mind a conviction that “All employs proper planning, negotiating things are possible for her who believes. and effective communication. She also Excellence or failure all start in the mind. applies lessons from motivational books Believe you can do it and the rest will such as Stephen Covey’s “Seven Habits fall into place”. 52 Olanike Adeyemo

Science happened to me, but passion is what“ has kept my love for Science burning NIGERIA ”

Olanike Adeyemo is professor and public health because of its vantage, Head of the Department of Veterinary dynamic role in human, livestock, wildlife Public Health and Preventive Medicine and environmental health. To this end, at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. she is the first woman in the field of In 2017, she became the first woman to aquatic veterinary medicine in Nigeria ever occupy the position of Deputy Vice with a PhD in aquatic epidemiology and Chancellor (Research, Innovation and toxicology. Additionally, she was the first Strategic Partnerships). She describes female professor in her department in her journey to Sciences in one sentence: the University of Ibadan. “Science happened to me, but passion is what has kept my love for science In her exciting profession, one of Olanike’s impactful projects was burning”. This is because, growing up, a research she carried out on the her parents strongly believed in the effects of oil dispersants (used to empowerment of the young through clean up oil spills) on the embryos education which set her off on her of Menidia beryllina, (small inland career path quite early. At the time, most silvery freshwater fish) which showed parents preferred their children learn that some oil dispersants are toxic. trades as these translated into quick The research also demonstrated that employment. Later, in secondary school, the chemical characterisation of oil she was zoned into taking the “science” dispersants is very important because subjects (biology, chemistry and physics) oil spills occur around the world and this as students were allotted disciplines directly impacts human communities based on academic performance. She besides wildlife, both aquatic and was subsequently led into the veterinary terrestrial. This research set the stage profession and went on to become for the development of safer and more the first woman university graduate effective clean-up procedures upon in her family. Olanike admits that she occurrence of oil spills. passionately chose her path in veterinary Olanike regards her gender as an attribute saying her womanly intuition and perception help with project conceptualisation, design and implementation. She explains that she has always defined a project by its societal impact; “If it is not impactful, then it is not worth my effort.” In addition to that, she believes strongly in providing feedback to communities, peers and students as this always informs future research. Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 53

On research, Olanike cites funding to encourage them to allow her time to as the major challenge she has faced study as she wanted. as an African scientist, which also translates to lack of access to cutting- Olanike also acknowledges culture edge techniques and infrastructure. as a challenge to women in science in To overcome this, she has constantly Africa. She points out that, in Nigeria, looked outwards (western countries) culturally and socially, the values, for funding and grants for laboratory beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours still equipment, trainings and collaboration have a strong patriarchal leaning. Thus, opportunities to bridge the gap. She she adds, working as a female academic has successfully been funded and is fraught with the challenges of dealing awarded several grants to carry out with gender-assigned responsibilities research and present scientific papers in the work place while struggling with in various fora. a system which inherently does not expect her to measure up because she Another barrier she notes is the lack of is female. a mentorship culture in her institution which leaves young academics Despite this, she has been able to floundering. She, however, appreciates focus and maximise the attractive that she was privileged to have mentors side of academia including: flexibility, throughout her career and thus makes collaboration, networking, research, herself available to junior colleagues job security and most importantly, so that she can mentor them. One of freedom to use initiatives to chart her her role models and mentor is her career path. Admirably, she was the first PhD supervisor, Prof. Samuel Adewumi female veterinarian in Nigeria elected Agbede, a fish immunologist.H e taught to Nigerian Academy of Science and her the value of hard work early, while the African Academy of Sciences. allowing her to grow independently. In her description of her mentor she Her parting shot to girls is, “The only notes, “He guided me gently without person that can limit you is yourself attempting to make a clone of himself because every system puts down rules out of me; I could bounce ideas off him and guidelines which individuals can and when I was in doubt, he was selfless work towards”. Olanike insists that to enough to allow me to seek knowledge achieve what you want you have to independently”. Her earliest mentor set goals, work hard and stay focused. was, however, her teacher in primary Her observation over the years has school who always encouraged Olanike been that, when a woman steps up to work hard in her studies and always and performs excellently, respect and assured her there was a bright future recognition as well as accolades follow. if she focused on her education. Her primary school class two teacher, who she only remembers as Mr. Joseph, had an interest in girls’ education, which seemed unusual way back then, especially because it was on the northern part of Nigeria (Kaduna); but maybe that was why he was so keen. He always bought her a present each time Olanike took the first position in examinations. “Thereafter, he came home with me to meet with my parents” 54 Saada Naile Ahmed Elmahi

AN SUD “ The only failure in life is not believing in yourself ”

Saada Naile Ahmed Elmahi is an encouragement as her mother prayed assistant professor at Sudan’s National that she would grow up to be a brilliant Centre for Research, Medicinal and and distinguished woman who would Aromatic Plants Research Institute in the attend the University of Khartoum, one Department of Agro-technology. Her of the best universities in Sudan. The childhood was filled with motivation dream of studying was strengthened and encouragement from family and further by the fact Saada always had friends to take up science and study to high scores throughout her primary and the highest possible level of education. secondary school life. “Throughout my In particular, she recalls how her mother earlier school years my family members used to sing to her a song of hope before referred to me as ‘doctor’”, she recalls. she put her to bed. The song was an With that encouragement, Saada owed it to herself to attain the highest possible level of education. Indeed, she is the only woman in her family with a PhD. She graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum in 1999 and with a Master of Science degree at the Institute of Environmental Studies in 2006. She got a scholarship from the Tunisian government in 2007 to do a PhD in Tunisia, at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of Carthage, Tunis. Her PhD was in plant production sciences where she focused on organic agriculture. She received the degree with an excellent grade in 2014 after studying French, a necessity for living in a Francophone country. It was a unique experience which added a lot of value to her credentials. Additionally, she was the first woman to leave her home city in Sudan and travel abroad to study. Saada was also the first female Sudanese to obtain a PhD from Tunisia. Saada has since worked with many organisations, both international and Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 55 national, including non-governmental the success stories and the experiences organisations. From these she of the people of Dinder area and gained professional experience and how training and awareness activities knowledge which has greatly enriched influenced their attitude positively. her career. In the last 15 years, Saada Her reflections as an African woman has accumulated experience in scientist are insightful as she believes different fields gaining the capacity to the work of Science is to turn problems think and act positively and scientifically into opportunities. For this reason, in every aspect of life. As a result, she Saada adds that as a woman she can has gained the confidence to tackle understand the problems of her people whatever duties she undertakes. Saada has also worked with the National Centre for Research (NCR), the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Institute (MAPRI), and the Eastern Nile Watershed Management, the Sudan component of the Community Watershed Management Project, funded by the World Bank, the Governments of Finland and Sudan, and many others. Saada worked with the community around Dinder National Park in Sudan as a women development assistant and with the Dinder National Park project implemented by the Sudanese Environment Conservation Society, the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This work she describes as one of her most satisfying achievements and exciting projects. Her work involved conducting social and economic studies, awareness raising, training activities, capacity building and communication activities, natural resources management, conflict mitigation and dispute management by applying participatory approaches. She was able to impact the lives of people from three towns and 40 villages around the park. Her success from this engagement was not only limited to acquiring knowledge as she was also able to write a non- scientific booklet entitled “Dances of Pan Trees”. A thousand hard copies of the booklet were distributed. It depicts 56 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

and, as a scientist, could respond better different topics including agriculture, to them by looking to her discipline for environment and rural development. solutions. Saada acknowledges three people who In her journey of using science to find have been role models and mentors in solutions for the advancement of her her life. One of them is her mother, a community, Saada acknowledges that primary school level 4 drop-out, whose African scientists face barriers mostly belief in her daughter’s greatness has because they lack financial, political always inspired Saada. In her own and technological support. This has words “my mother is the first professor been a hindrance to building careers of my life who taught me the value and in her case, whose interest lies of knowledge, patience and faith”. in research and development, she Her second role model is Prof. Suad constantly worries about how she can Sulaiman who is the Research Director translate research findings into the real at Sudan Medical Heritage Foundation. community services that African people Saada describes her as an iron lady, need. On this challenge, she further who is well organised and devoted highlights that what mostly drives to knowledge and Sciences and who African research work is not the needs has always advised and encouraged of the people, but rather what kind of her. Another role model is Prof. Balgis resources are available, and projects Osman Al Asha, a climate change are subjected to the will of national expert at the African Development decision makers. Thus, a researcher Bank. Saada speaks highly of Prof. Al often has to strategise to target the Asha as someone who knows what decision-makers with programmes that she wants and has a deep caring for help in bridging the gap between what the local people whom she works with they (decision-makers) want and what in different areas in Sudan while still the people need. delivering on her job in the positions she holds at an international level. Despite these challenges, Saada’s experiences as a volunteer in “The only failure in life is not to environmental protection gave her believe in yourself”. That is Saada’s a chance to interact with various encouragement to girls and women. communities in remote parts of Sudan She echoes that girls need to trust where they lack basic needs but are themselves, think about others and equally guilty of mismanaging the remember that every problem on the available natural resources. These African continent can be turned into an interactions cemented her ambitions opportunity if they have the knowledge, and have helped her build a career in courage, patience, hope and faith. 57 Saâdia Nassik

I want to prove to the world that an African MOROCCO “ woman can be happy as a scientist ”

Saâdia Nassik is a veterinary explaining to children how doctor and an assistant to protect themselves from professor at the Institute of the fatal rabies disease which Agronomy and Veterinary is transmitted to humans Institute (IAV) Hassan II through bites from dogs. Rabat, Morocco. Her earliest drive to study science was Saâdia loves working in Africa when she began her studies as a woman scientist because at veterinary school as these were she believes it is the right thing to do. In challenging but also motivating. In this regard she quips, “I want to prove primary school, she was a keen and to the world that an African woman can curious girl who wanted to know be happy as a scientist; thanks to the everything. In high school, she was sun, thanks to her mind and strength, always the best performing student and thanks to her determination!” She and she obtained her highest marks in therefore, dreams of using science as mathematics, history, and a tool to help African women, starting science. At the university, she received with those in her country, build their two awards in recognition for her own businesses and improve their excellent performance. incomes. In her view, they have the In 2010, she received an academic potential to be independent women excellence award from the Agronomy and to change the narrative of helpless and Veterinary Institute Hassan II and dependency that women in Africa have in 2011, an Excellence award from the been associated with. If she were able North African Congress. to write a book on Africa it will be titled “Africa in other words’’. Every day her work as a veterinary doctor and a professor presents a new Being a woman veterinarian in an Arab challenge. Working on avian pathology and African country posed her biggest to establish the cause of death of challenge. This stems from the cultures birds was very interesting. This was mainly because it involved studying bacteria (mycoplasma) that cause chronic respiratory infections in birds and which impact chicken and turkeys production. As Saâdia sees it, the most impactful project she has been involved in, and continues to work on, is sharing with her students the love she has for science and for the continent of Africa. She also finds it rewarding 58 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

regardless of their size. In her own words, “a woman has the strength to face large animals”. Being able to disapprove such negative beliefs about women and what they can or cannot do has been a challenge she faces daily, yet it is one that continues motivating her every day. Saâdia’s role model is world renowned American TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey, whom she describes as a woman who knew how to transform her difficulties into advantages and has invested in improving other peoples’ lives across the globe. She is also inspired by the rural woman. In her words “she is strong, she faces head on the challenges of life and nature. She never gives up and she keeps her smile. Her face is the expression of all her past; she is a woman who embraces her wrinkles with pride”. Her words of advice to young women and girls seeking to pursue and excel in science careers are “you have the and traditions that associate veterinary potential to be the best woman in the work with men. She therefore has a world, but you have to prove it. And responsibility to prove that a beautiful your precious treasure is your brain and Arab woman can handle and treat animals, your perseverance. You can do it!”. 59 Sarifa Abdul Magide Fagilde

MOZAMBIQUE Women can do well… pursue science careers“ and help to make a difference ”

Sarifa Abdul Magide Fagilde is a attended. One of the things she vividly professor of mathematics education remembers is that she had very good at the Pedagogical University of mathematics teachers who inspired her Mozambique. She was the first woman to enjoy it. to get a PhD in Mathematics in her country. She was also among the first Sarifa’s pursuit of excellence in her group of students to be trained as a career has not been without setbacks. secondary school mathematics teacher She confesses that as she grew up, when the country’s first President, mathematics and science were a Samora Moises Machel, decided to preserve of male students. These close all high schools. All students were subjects were likened to a ‘beast with directed to be trained as teachers or to seven heads’ and it became a challenge take pre-university courses due to the for her to show that she could ‘slay it’. huge shortage of qualified personnel She therefore devoted herself to prove in the former Portuguese colony. that she was up to the task and has since This followed a massive exodus of become a role model for many women teachers and other qualified people and girls. In 1996, when serving as when the country got independence Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and from Portugal. In 1996, Sarifa was instrumental in the formation of the Mozambican Association for Research in Mathematics and . Currently, she is also the Director of the Office of International Relations at the Pedagogical University. Sarifa is also an accomplished athlete and has served as the president of Athletics Mozambique and a council member of the African Athletics Confederation where she still is an honorary member. Since her childhood, she was gifted with an ability to work with numbers. She always performed well in science and mathematics and to date, she keeps some of her primary school examination papers. In secondary school, she often achieved good grades in the two subjects, sometimes performing better than the boys in the mixed school she 60 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

Natural Sciences, it was disheartening become SMASE-AFRICA (Strengthening to listen to a male colleague tell her to Mathematics and Science Education in her face “I am sorry Sarifa, but I cannot Africa). have a female ‘boss’ in this Faculty”. This The most impactful programme she obviously posed a personal challenge, has worked on was “Creating the but undeterred, as Dean, she had well Mozambican Scientist of Tomorrow” defined roles and continued to serve in which she initiated when she served that capacity, working well with all her as an advisor to the Minister of science colleagues, for about four years. and technology. The programme One of the most significant projects which is housed in the Ministry of Sarifa has been involved in was the Science, Technology, Higher Education, creation, in 2001, of a network for Technical and Professional Studies mathematics and science education is implemented in partnership with among eleven participating countries the Ministry of Education and Human including Mozambique. The network Development. The resources for sought to collaborate in addressing implementation come from both common challenges in mathematics Ministries. Participating students solve and science education. A year later, non-curricular mathematics, science the network changed its name to and technology problems, including “Strengthening Mathematics and puzzles and games. These are taxing Science in Secondary Education in and require a great deal of skill and knowledge of the core subjects Western, Eastern, Central and Southern including mathematics and sciences. Africa (SMASSE-WECSA)”. Because of In addition, students do laboratory her commitment to achieve the goals of experiments and participate in the network, Sarifa was elected to serve scientific fairs at least once a year. The as a Vice-Chair for the organisation in best students are thereafter called to 2006. The project has since grown to participate in mathematics and science Olympiads at national and international levels. The best girls are often awarded with prizes in the Olympiads and other organised activities. Students are selected to join the programme annually while some volunteer to be in its activities. They, however, have to remain in the programme until they finish high school. The aim of this programme is to increase the number of students undertaking mathematics, science and technology careers, and particularly to motivate more girls. It started with three hundred students but currently more than ten thousand students are involved. This growth has motivated Sarifa to work towards increasing the number of women in science and mathematics. Thus, she became a founder member of the Academy of Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 61

Science of Mozambique and of the the home over and above her teaching Mozambican Association for Research and studies. In addition, she remained in Mathematics and Science Education. active in sports. Indeed, what helped her survive the workload and related Like many career women, Sarifa has stress was her involvement in sports. faced social challenges. This is due She strongly believes that being a to the expectation of the society that mother, a career woman and an athlete after marriage women are expected can be combined and one can excel to remain at home as housewives and in all at the same time. Today, she is take care of children. However, she occasionally called upon as a role model won a scholarship when her first-born to talk about not only mathematics and son was just thirteen months old. She science but also sports. left him behind, travelled abroad to pursue higher education in Australia Sarifa’s role model is the late Prof. and it was only after four months that Paulus Gerdes, one of the fathers of she was able to bring the baby with her. ethno-mathematics. He taught her how Although family and friends blamed to apply mathematics to contemporary her for leaving the baby behind with life which made the subject not only his father, she always had the support enjoyable but also stimulated her of her husband. A totally unexpected curiosity. She advises young women problem was rejection by her daughter. and girls to be persistent and not When her daughter was about one year be discouraged. She concludes that old, Sarifa travelled more frequently women can do well in STEM careers. and every time she returned home her They should pursue them to make a daughter resented her. She describes difference and help their countries and this as “the most painful experience”. the world to change the notion that Eventually, both children came to some careers are only for men. Sarifa accept her and thereafter she was encourages young women and girls careful to explain to them that she had to “Go ahead. The journey is long, but to travel and why. possible and enjoyable, and in the long run they will be proud of themselves”. Sarifa has also had to deal with the She also encourages everyone to take challenge of having too many demands up some sport or physical exercise as it on her time and energy. An example alleviates stress and energises one to be was when her mother passed on and able to accomplish their commitments. she had to become the mother in her In her view, this does not have to be family. Being the eldest girl, she had competitive, although such intensive to take care of the domestic chores in sporting worked for her. 62 Sombo Makeche

Pursuing careers in science will give women “an opportunity to be innovative and contribute to making life better for all ZAMBIA ”

Sombo Makeche is a faculty member to perform well in order to become at Mulungushi University in Zambia. someone great in the future. This She was appointed lecturer upon competition made it possible for completion of her Master’s degree after several pupils, including Sombo, to having worked as a staff development perform well. Upon completion of her fellow and teaching assistant. She was primary education, she was selected among the first women to be given the to join a convent school for her junior overall best graduating student award secondary school, after which she in the School of Agricultural Sciences qualified to join a technical high school at the University of Zambia (UNZA). where she emerged as the best female She is among the youngest lecturers student. She attributes her consistency in the School of Agriculture and to her desire to achieve greater things Natural Resources’ Agribusiness unit at in life. This desire gave her the drive Mulungushi University. to work hard despite having very few female colleagues in the school. Since In her formative years, Sombo attended then, she is convinced that there is a government primary school with a nothing that is limited to men only. lot of pupils in one class. Although Thus, what men can do, women can this made individual pupil-teacher also do and in some instances, even interaction difficult, it promoted better. This informed her decision to competition as everyone wanted take up a career in science despite it being depicted as very difficult and a man’s career. Sombo then proceeded to UNZA where she studied for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in agricultural , and thereafter, a Master of Science (MSc) in the same subject at the University of Pretoria. In both institutions and levels there were very few female students in her classes, but this did not diminish her appetite to excel in her career as a scientist. Her gender was never a limiting factor, and, in fact, she interacted very well with her male counterparts and they shared knowledge leading to the successful completion of their studies. Sombo is motivated by the possibility of being able to contribute positively to Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 63 improving the livelihoods of the people Asked what motivates her to work as in her country. This is a major factor that a scientist in Africa, Sombo noted; “I has triggered her investigative mind. am motivated by what women have Her passion for science and scientific been able to discover through science.” research was ignited by the need to She gave the example of Dr. Judith help change the world, especially by Lungu, Vice Chancellor of Mulungushi means of helping smallholder farmers University, and an animal scientist who increase their incomes to reduce has, through livestock research projects, poverty levels. She notes that in many developed better ways of rearing African countries, particularly Zambia, livestock so as to prevent diseases and the majority of the population lives in reduce livestock mortality rates. She rural areas and a large percentage of notes that other women scientists have that population are farmers. However, also contributed to ways of improving on-farm incomes are low and this the livelihoods of farmers, particularly contributes to increasing poverty smallholder farmers whose incomes are levels. Scientific research is a means often low. The stories of such women of addressing some of these poverty scientists have increased her passion issues and of bettering the lives. for science whose aim is making a One of the best science projects difference in the lives of the poor in she has worked on was research she Africa by improving their incomes. conducted involving smallholder As a young scientist Sombo has faced farmers and private traders in Kalomo many challenges including firstly being district of Zambia. This project helped made to feel inadequate in analysing Sombo to understand how transactions issues effectively, because she is a between these two parties take place, which enabled her to dismiss wrong woman. She emphasised that men perceptions about the operations are often seen to understand science- of the private traders, also known as based issues better than women, briefcase buyers. For her, this was a which is not true. It translates into great opportunity as it involved close men being unfairly considered before interactions with farmers and traders women for positions entailing scientific which improved her understanding of the maize trading sector. Among the most impactful projects Sombo has been involved in was the analysis of trader behaviour in the maize marketing system in her country. This project entailed finding out if traders do indeed exploit the smallholder farmers by paying very low prices compared to other marketing channels such as wholesalers and millers. The findings of this study showed that smallholder maize farmers are indeed exploited. The recommendations made have had an influence on policy in the maize sector which positively impacted on the functioning of markets to the benefit of the farmers. 64 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

analyses and decision making, both her time carefully, thereby creating in the private sector and in academic time for socialisation, especially during institutions. Secondly, she often lacks holidays. This way she can finalise her funding for research, and finally, there project work as well as her school are situations where she has been made assignments. She also limits her work to to work under the supervision of a man, office hours and school days as much who sometimes adds little value to the as possible and avoids carrying work project but then takes credit for the job. home which has helped increase her These challenges inspired and gave her time for social activities. the urge to prove that she can analyse Sombo’s role models are Prof. Kavwanga and deliver scientific results which aid in Yambayamba, Dean of the School of decision making both at the micro and Agriculture and Natural Resources macro levels. She has since resolved at Mulungushi University, Dr. Judith to work harder, read more and seek Lungu,Vice-Chancellor of the same guidance from specialists to achieve university, Prof. J.F. Kirsten, Director of more. She is happy that several people the Bureau for Economic Research at the and institutions have recognised her University of Stellenbosch and former hard work and determination and often Head of the Department of Agricultural involve her in various projects. Economics and Rural Development Socially, Sombo has also had her share at the University of Pretoria, and Ms. of challenges. Key among these is her Melissa van der Merwe, lecturer and family who felt disheartened by the researcher at the University of Pretoria thought that, being so career-oriented, in South Africa. These people have she might not settle down to have a always encouraged her to work hard family. Their disquiet was made worse and take up challenging projects. They by the fact that Sombo did not spend themselves have achieved so much a great deal of time with family and through hard work and dedication and friends, including failure to attend family this gives Sombo the drive to put in her events either being away in school or at best to whatever she does. work. To address this, today she plans In conclusion, Sombo tells young women and girls that nothing is impossible. Besides, impossible has “I’m possible” in it — she informs them. Therefore, everything and anything can be achieved if one only puts one’s mind to it. Girls need to know that they can do so much more than they can imagine; the power lies in their determination, hard work and self-belief. It is her wish that many more girls become involved in science-related fields because it is interesting and the challenges make one realise their great potential. Furthermore, pursuing careers in science will give women an opportunity to be innovative and contribute to making life better for all. 65 Sylvie Hounzangbe AdoTe

Challenges will always be there… one must BENIN keep“ evolving and improving one’s competencies ”

Sylvie Hounzangbe Adote is a lecturer, Research, she coordinated the national full professor and manager in charge of research system of Benin. She also the Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology served as Vice Chancellor of the and Animal Health (LESA) at the Faculty University of Lokossa (2015–2016), and of Agronomic Sciences of the University during this assignment, she coordinated of Abomey-Calavi. She is also the the academic activities and research, president and founder of the Benin organized the capacity building of Association for Education and Scientific university actors (teachers, researchers, Research of Women. She is a career administrators and students), and set up educationist who has several years of partnerships between universities and teaching experience both in secondary companies. In the span of her career, school and higher education. In her Sylvie has carried out several feasibility own words, “my career benefited studies, monitoring and evaluation of from several teaching experiences I research and development projects, have gathered over ten years in Côte both in Benin and outside. d’Ivoire and Benin as a biology teacher before spending the remaining of After primary school in Cotonou my still on-going teaching career in (Cadjehoun Public Primary School), higher education”. Currently, she is a and secondary school at Notre teacher at the Faculties of Agronomic Dame d’Afrique in Atakpamé, Togo, Sciences at the Abomey-Calavi a prestigious school for girls, Sylvie University (South Benin), the University then joined the Lycée du II Février at of Parakou (North Benin) and the Lomé. She was ranked highly enough University of Agriculture of Kétou (East to be allowed to enrol at the School Benin). She teaches different courses of Sciences of the University of Benin including cell biology, animal anatomy in Lomé, where she studied chemistry, and physiology, zootechnology and biology and geology. After two years, ethnopharmacology. Sylvie has also held key administrative positions including: Vice President of the African University of Technology and Management, Cotonou, Benin, where she oversaw academic affairs (2009– 2013) and National General Director of Scientific and Technological Research (2011–2015) at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Benin. As the National General Director of Scientific and Technological 66 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

she accompanied her husband to call for projects. This contributed to Côte d’Ivoire but never eased in her enhancing food security and alleviating academic pursuit. She obtained her BSc poverty within the framework of (1984), MSc (1986) and PhD (1991) at sustainable development by improving the University of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. the productivity of animals. The project Later, in 2004, she obtained a second also contributed to strengthening the doctoral degree at the University of cooperation between different research Abomey-Calavi. Her passion for science teams from Benin and Cameroon and arose from a curiosity to understanding France. This cooperation continues to biological phenomena and with a keen this day and several doctoral students interest in the knowledge of indigenous have benefited in terms of financial medicinal plants. support for research and theses writing in the partner countries. Sylvie has served Benin in many capacities. To the pride of the whole In her evaluation, the most impactful female scientific community there, she project was the implementation was the first and the only woman Vice of gastrointestinal de-worming Chancellor. She was the first woman prophylaxis, done per the breeding to be recruited in the Department of cycle of the Djallonke sheep and the Animal Production of the Faculty of growth phase of the lambs to improve Agronomic Sciences, the first woman their productivity and the pre-weaning to achieve the rank of associate growth of the lambs. This work was professor (maître de conférences) in very well received by the breeders animal production and the first woman and colleagues involved in rural full professor (African and Malagasy development in Benin as it improved Council for Higher Education, CAMES) both productivity and profitability. in all disciplines (except medicine) in In addition, Sylvie coordinated a project Benin. funded by the West African Economic The most exciting science project that and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Sylvie has undertaken was from 2008 to obtained through a competitive 2010 when she coordinated a project international bid. This multi-disciplinary entitled “Valorisation of potentially and multi-institutional project dealt anthelmintic local plants in the tropical with the treatment of gastrointestinal animal system”, funded by CORUS- parasitism using medicinal plants. It France, a grant which she obtained demonstrated that there were many competitively from an international medicinal (anthelmintic) plants from Benin and . Sylvie is motivated to explore further work in Africa due to her love for the continent and her country. She is proud to promote the indigenous knowledge in her field of research. Besides, the collaboration with African researchers is always very exciting and rewarding as it often leads to new knowledge and avenues for further research. The extreme poverty faced by cattle breeders in Benin and the West African sub-region has motivated her research Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 67 interests. Poverty is disempowering, but financial and social needs of her family. within this story of misery, Sylvie found She explains that it takes sustained her calling, which is to develop effective, hard work, without discouragement, to available and low-cost treatments for achieve one’s goals in life. In addition, the management of animal health and challenges will always be there but reproduction breeding stock. one must keep evolving and improving one’s competencies. Her work has not been without challenges including the valorisation Sylvie has had many role models during through scientific research of local her career as a scientist. Key among knowledge and the richness of African them are Prof. Diomande Tiémoko, her biodiversity. Equally inhibiting has been DEA (MSc) director, who died a week the lack of funding and equipment for before her defence in 1986 and whose scientific research on the continent. To rigor in science writing taught her a address these challenges, Sylvie set great deal. She considers Prof. Isabelle up an ethnopharmacology and animal Glitho, at the University of Lomé, Togo health laboratory in 2006 to bridge the as another model woman scientist as existing gaps. she is known internationally, particularly for her fight for the emancipation of Sylvie has authored more than fifty women in science. Sylvie underlines the scientific publications, supervised need for mentorship of young women seven doctoral theses, twelve DEA and girls in scientific careers and to (the equivalent of a Master’s degree) encourage their active participation in and ten professional Masters degrees. women’s associations which organise She has also sensitised and trained sensitising sessions for girls, authorities breeders in the use of medicinal plants for gastrointestinal deworming and and parents. The setting up of listening other pathologies. committees in universities and schools and the organisation of social gender There are many challenges as one actions are some of the activities she has strives for excellence, she cautions. In been involved in. To succeed, she urges her view, it is important to have a happy women and girls to set clear and precise family. In this regard, she dedicates objectives and to pursue these with time to hers during which they discuss diligence and consistency regardless family issues. She also honours her of any difficulties encountered. She responsibilities as a wife, mother and emphasises that to succeed; one must grandmother and provides for the fight and work hard. 68 Tebello Nyokong

Young women and girls who wish to A “pursue science careers should seek education to the highest level SOUTH AFRIC ”

Tebello Nyokong is a South African choices were heavily influenced by chemist and professor at Rhodes societal stereotypes. For three years, University. She is the recipient of several she trudged through arts subjects awards including the Presidency of before she was discovered by a female South Africa’s Order of Mapungubwe science teacher. She therefore owes in Bronze, the L’Oreal-UNESCO award her teacher a great deal since she took for Women in Science for Africa and a risk by enrolling her in the science the Arab States, as well as the Kwame stream with only two years of high Nkrumah Scientific Prize from the African school remaining. Tebello’s earliest Union. From alternating between influence was her father, who right from attending school, taking care of sheep the beginning shaped her to become and dreaming of one day owning her what she is today. Her father was own pair of shoes, she’s become one of liberal and never thought that certain the top ten most influential women in things such as science were beyond science and technology in Africa. her capability just because she was a girl. Her father would, however, have Despite having a good background preferred if she got married and settled in mathematics and science from earlier in line with societal expectations. primary school, Tebello instead chose When she finally joined the sciences, the arts stream in high school due to it was her science teacher’s passion peer influence and a general belief and ability to simplify everything she that science was hard. The common taught that revealed her capability then was that science is leading to impressive performance in not for girls as its demands would these subjects. Asked what drove her conflict with domestic and wifely passion for science, Tebello underlines responsibilities. Looking back, she her ardent curiosity regarding how notes that the choice was due to lack things work and her love of challenges. of proper guidance and the fact that These two aspects have continued to drive her pursuit of science. In her own words, she notes, “I like doing what other people think is hard because I enjoy being challenged.” The most satisfying project Tebello has been involved in is medical research on photo-dynamic therapy, which provides an alternative to chemotherapy in cancer treatment. This research is influenced by the fact that chemotherapy has adverse effects on cancer patients and some die Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 69 because of its negative effects. Photo- each time she has a breakthrough in dynamic therapy is based on the use her research. In her view this has been of the blue dye used to colour denim the most terrible part of her career. She clothing, which is inert and harmless has managed to overcome this through on its own, but can be activated by ‘moderate insanity’ which gives her the exposure to red laser beams and used courage to go on. She says she has the to develop drugs. Most importantly, courage to go on and she overcomes this project demonstrates that Africa her challenges by working even harder. has the capability to develop home- Furthermore, Tebello always seeks grown technologies and ways of improving herself, while having which provide solutions to problems, fun. She does not expect handouts and even though the continent is not known never uses being a woman as a ticket to for scientific excellence. getting anything. One of the hurdles she faced when On the whole, she avoids administration starting her research was difficulty as it comes with extensive in obtaining funding. However, she responsibilities which can stand in the has since learnt to adapt to difficult way of scientific research. However situations such as preparing for administration sometimes finds her and impromptu deadlines. For example, she admits that some is needed as it one time someone called her at home at helps one to learn how things work. Her ten o’clock at night and said they would greatest drive to excel is her passion for be at Rhodes University the following Africa. She opines that the continent is day and if she was interested in their known for its wars and famine rather funding, they required a proposal than as a major player in science and by ten o’clock in the morning. By that technology, a perception she wishes to deadline, she had the proposal written. change, even if only in a small way. The effort earned her three-million- Tebello believes people can change Rands-worth of lasers. their circumstances through education. At the start of her career, Tebello admits Young women and girls who wish to that she had problems publishing. pursue Science careers should seek To solve this, although it was difficult, education to the highest level and she used the international reviewers’ work hard to excel in their careers. She comments to help improve her papers. attests that hard work has earned her In this regard, she says “the nice success, including her many awards thing about being a woman is that and recognition. criticism does not affect us as badly as it would affect men. I learned from my international peers by them criticising my work”. One of the challenges Tebello has had to overcome as an African woman scientist is academic loneliness in her research career. This is due to being the only woman, and the only African woman scientist, of her repute in her university. This means that most of the time she is on her own without anyone to talk to when things go wrong, or to share happiness with 70 Uphie Chinje Melo

If women steer away from the sciences, they“ reduce the scope of women’s contribution to the development of the nation CAMEROON ”

Uphie Chinje Melo is a professor at the Republic’s Prize for Best Researcher in University of Yaounde in Cameroon. Cameroon. She was also awarded, by She has been a visiting professor at Africa Reconnect, a dynamic women‘s the University of South Wales and a group in South Africa.The recognition managing director at the Local Materials for accelerating positive change in Promotion Authority in Cameroon. She her country as the African Frontline has a Master’s degree in inorganic Researcher of the year in Africa. chemistry from the University of Yaounde As a child, Uphie liked playing scientific and a PhD in metallurgical engineering roles such as veterinary doctor, medical from Imperial College, London. She doctor and nurse, in the role-playing was the first woman in Cameroon to games she took part in. In school, she obtain a PhD in engineering and, more did very well in arithmetic which was significantly, from Imperial College of her best and easiest subject. She also Science, Technology and Engineering, liked domestic science, especially one of the most prominent engineering the topics about art and needlework. schools in the world, and the first woman In secondary school her passion for in Cameroon to become a full professor science became very clear. Her interest in engineering. She was also the first increased tremendously because she female to head a state-owned scientific excelled greatly in her science subjects. research cooperation, namely the Her teachers loved this, especially her Cameroon Local Materials Promotion mathematics teacher, a priest who often Authority best known by its French offered candies to the students who acronym MIPROMALO. In 2009, Uphie answered the most questions correctly, was the recipient of the President of the and often Uphie got the sweets. She mainly selected science subjects at the general certificate education (GCE) O level, and took exclusively science subjects in her ‘A’ levels, convinced that she would follow a path in science, although at that time she did not know exactly what specific career she wanted. Uphie’s most impactful project, which spanned several years, involved the development and use of locally produced construction materials as a substitute for imported ones. The process entailed research into the transformation of local iron oxide Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 71 ores using simulated reformed her recruitment into the Department natural gas. She introduced materials Of Inorganic Chemistry, she received a engineering into her department in the transfer from the Faculty of Science to University of Yaounde, researching and the Higher School of Engineering to start supervising several PhD students, and a Materials Engineering Department. subsequently creating pilot training Unfortunately, the Head of Department centres. Eventually there were industrial in the science faculty, who was pivotal production units where materials are in her recruitment, was not pleased. So produced. These ecologically friendly Uphie stayed in the department and construction materials are sold to the introduced research in construction public at a low cost. To ensure the materials into the Department of project’s success, professionals and Inorganic Chemistry, where she was a decision-makers had to be convinced lecturer. This received initial opposition of its viability. In addition, students, from colleagues as they felt that it builders and researchers were trained was not pure Chemistry, but behold, and the public was sensitised to the today Uphie is Head of the Applied importance of these materials. Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, whose main research domain is Engineering Uphie loves working as an African Materials! The department has already woman scientist because it is a produced more than twenty PhD domain that has, for many years, been graduates since 2007 and is proud male dominated. For years women of several specialized professional themselves assumed that science was courses. a man’s world. After attending a Vital Voices Campaign in Cape Town, South Uphie’s second challenge was Africa, Uphie realised the importance introducing the use of materials of supporting and mentoring other fabricated from natural local resources, women. She had felt very natural in the including compressed earth blocks, midst of male colleagues with whom fired bricks, geopolymer blocks she had interacted for over 20 years and roof tiles, in the construction of as the only woman in the Department state infrastructures. This was initially of Inorganic Chemistry. In the past negatively received, but as the general five years, only three young female manager of the state cooperation colleagues joined her department, one (MIPROMALO), Uphie wrote letters and of them having been her PhD student. She calls the attention of young girls and their parents to the fact that if women steer away from the sciences, they reduce the scope of women’s contribution to the development of the nation. In her view, this means that their experiences and knowledge as women will not contribute to this development. In her career as a scientist, Uphie has encountered many challenges. The first, despite reservation from colleagues, was developing courses that were hitherto non-existent in Cameroon universities. Shortly after 72 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

statements which backed these up using Conference in Tanzania. Namakau evidence from completed studies. She conducted full discussions as an then sent these to all technical ministries experienced geologist, only for Uphie and state corporations that ought to later learn that Namakau was not to have been involved in the sector, formally educated in the sector but had including the Prime Minister’s Office, moved into it based on her interests in advising them that the economy of gemstone mining entrepreneurship. Cameroon would not progress if these She even envisaged the financial materials could not be developed and potential of the sector and today she used in the country’s building industry. is a successful gemstone miner in It took two years of demonstrations, Zambia. She was instrumental in setting and convincing different stakeholders, up Zambian Women in Mining and has for the Prime Minister and Head of subsequently become fully involved Government to issue a circular (No with similar international networks. 002/CAB/PM of 12 March 2007), As her parting shot, Uphie tells young instructing the use of local materials in women and girls that they can become the construction of public buildings in scientists and at the same time live a Cameroon. full life as any other woman in any other The third challenge was getting post- profession, including that of beauty graduates and researchers to valorise models. She reminds them that being their research findings. After several a scientist does not mean they ought to failed attempts, she has recently look shabby. She believes that women created trans-disciplinary work teams to make the best scientists as they are encourage start-up projects exploiting good at the preparation of products that their own research results. She has involve mixing of diverse substances, done this because of her realisation much like in cooking. Women have that few researchers are able to achieve been to the moon, and anyone can also this on their own. do that. She encourages women and girls to pursue challenging careers in Uphie identified a friend named science, encourage their friends as well Namakau Kaingu of Caingu Mines to be like them and strive to achieve the Limited as her role model. They met in highest academic qualifications in their 1998 at an African Industrial Minerals chosen profession. 73 Yaye Kene Gassama

SENEGAL “ Science is a powerful tool to improve our daily life ”

Yaye Kene Gassama is a professor of Yaye has worked on three most plant biotechnology at the University impactful projects. First was a study Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar. She is the on the utilisation of the neem tree vice-chair of the National Academy of in the treatment and prevention of Science and Techniques and Chair for malaria. This was conceived as an Fundamental Applied Sciences and effort to use African knowledge in Innovation. She was the first woman plant biotechnology. With the support to attain the level of full professor in of the Association Education Santé fundamental sciences in Senegal. She of the First Lady of Senegal, in 2004 was the second woman in her country a semi-industrial unit for organic to be appointed a cabinet minister products was created to enhance the (in charge of scientific research) and preparation and packaging of neem expressly tasked with the responsibility syrup and other organic products. This of implementing her country’s national greatly contributed to the fight against policy on scientific research. She has malaria, particularly during the rainy also had the honour of being Chair season, as these products are cheap of the African Ministerial Council on and readily available. Second, under Science and Technology (AMCOST) the United Nations Environmental II and with her colleagues from Programme (UNEP) and after three elsewhere in Africa, she spearheaded years of intense negotiation with the development of the Africa Science national stakeholders, her team was and Technology Consolidated Plan of able to develop a consensual legal Action (CPA) initiated by the African framework on the use of genetically Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s modified organisms (GMOs) in Development (NEPAD). Senegal. Senegal has since enacted a Her earliest drive to study science law and established regulatory bodies stemmed from the encouragement she got from her father who worked in finance. He believed in science and in her intellectual capacity. He, therefore, ignited her passion for science by discussing scientific topics with her. His favourite motto was, “Always forward, backward never”. Young Yaye embraced this motto in all aspects of her life and from class to the sports fields, it was always marching forward. She was good at sports and played basketball and athletics in high school. 74 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

on the implementation of GMOs in the i Informatics tools and techniques country. Third, at national level, Yaye was of computer assembling, instrumental in developing a strategic ii laser technology coupled with vision using an innovative approach, to computational graphics for art facilitate the transformation of scientific and handicraft design, knowledge into marketable products iii production of improved seeds and services for strategic sectors like using in vitro techniques, ICT, agriculture and food technology. iv conservation of tropical fruits She, however, notes that for this to have using techniques of desiccation the desired impact, the contributions of under vacuum, and both men and women in science should v production of fortified food be strengthened. Her view is “if we (enriched with vitamins and consider that science is a powerful tool proteins). to improve our daily life, it is also very important to have well trained human This programme has given the resources”. opportunity to almost two thousand young people to be trained in Yaye believes that science is the driving innovative technologies and acquire force for socio-economic development new expertise and new skills to perform in Africa. This is her conviction based their activities. Although Yaye has since on over thirty-five years’ experience left the ministry, the programme is on- in training students and communities going. at different levels of science. She has trained and supervised forty-seven Recognising the importance of plant Masters and eight PhD students in plant genetic resources in stabilising biotechnology dealing with staple food ecosystems in agricultural productivity, plants and agroforestry. She has also nutrition and population health, through participated in seventy-one juries. plant and microbial biotechnology, Yaye is dedicated to researching the As Minister in charge of science and functioning of biological systems in technology, she made progress in the arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Her “socialisation of science” in Senegal investigations are based on major crop by creating five platforms or poles species (rice, vigna, tomato,) and forest of innovation in the country where species of economic and ecological information on technologies and practical skills are transferred to young importance such as the date palm, girls and boys in: acacia, Prosopis, Sterculia and Bambusa. In the field of plant biotechnology, her team sought to determine the optimum culture conditions that promote large- scale regeneration of species of arid tropics using in vitro techniques. They also managed to genetically transform Hibiscus sabdariffa and they succeeded in selecting rice lines tolerant to salinity through another culture. The team also made substantial contributions to maintaining a favourable environment for long-term conservation of tropical fruits and legumes such as tomatoes and mangoes. Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 75

As a mother of two, one of the challenges weeks had to be spent in harsh that Yaye has faced is proving that a conditions, with minimum eating and woman can have her place in the world sleeping, to obtain valid results. It is her of science. Due to social, economic and passion and commitment to science, a cultural restraints, many of her female desire to succeed and an aspiration to colleagues have not gone beyond the become a leader in her field that gave grade of lecturer while men cheerfully her the strength to overcome all the cross over to become full professors. barriers she encountered. She, however, chooses to focus on her professional career and not accept Her role model is Prof. Yvette Pares, her cultural constraints and stereotypes professor in microbiology. Prof. Pares associated with family life. dedicated herself entirely to science and often said that she was married to She received numerous scholarships science. She helped Yaye discover the and grants from different organisations beauty of life at the molecular level which allowed her to acquire equipment and opened her mind and heart to and research material. This financial science. The support and mentoring autonomy has been key in realising she received from Prof. Pares made her her research work plans and the desire to do more for the girl-child. She production of publications. It has also notices that girls, despite being very enabled her to rise through the ranks in smart, encounter hindrances such as the academia from assistant to master marriages, pregnancies and difficulty in assistant, then to lecturer and finally to finding fellowship in a host laboratory, full professor. Arduous work and strong which blunts their potential. As a determination allowed her to become member of the Advisory Board of Forum the first female full professor in basic for African Women Educationalists sciences in Senegal. (FAWE) and in In her career path, Yaye has similarly Science and Mathematics (FEMSA) overcome challenges. For instance, Senegal, she promotes the education when she conducted research on of girls in science and mathematics, forest trees, the field work was difficult, mentors young girls and encourage due to the regular observations and them to become more involved in recordings that had to be done to obtain science, and she also visits high morphological data, soil parameters schools all over Senegal to motivate and to study the physiological behaviour girls to do this. She also encourages of natural populations. Climbing trees women scientists to take advantage of at midnight to monitor the flowering the selective granting of fellowships phase of trees was not an easy task, but and quotas to women, to help them to it had to be done. Days and sometimes perform in their fields of research. 76 Yeweyenhareg Feleke

“Women should initiate research activities ETHIOPIA as they proceed in their scientific careers ”

Yeweyenhareg Feleke is of the forty-nine founding an academic staff member, members of the Ethiopian consultant internist and Academy of Sciences endocrinologist and researcher established in 2010. She was at the Endocrinology and recognized as one of the sixty- Metabolism Unit, Department four Temsalet Phenomenal of Internal Medicine, School of Ethiopian women, and her Medicine, College of Health Sciences, story is documented in a book written Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. by Mary Joy Waglay and Networking She is a former president of the of Ethiopian Women Association Ethiopian Medical Association. Under (NEWA). The book was inaugurated by her leadership, the Institutional Review the First Lady, Roman Tesfaye, wife of Board (IRB) of the School of Medicine the Ethiopian Prime Minister. In 2015 of Addis Ababa University became the she was also recognized as one of the first African Institution Review Board seven Women of Excellence of Ethiopia recognized by WHO-FERCAP-SIDCER (WOE). (World Health Organization-Forum for Yeweyenhareg was born and brought Ethical Review Committees in the Asian up in a rural part of Ethiopia. As a young and Western Pacific Region-Strategic girl, particularly in elementary school, Initiative for Developing Capacity in she liked asking questions and seeking Ethical Review) in November 2009 in explanations for a variety of phenomena the Philippines. she did not understand, including social It was the same year when aspects and natural phenomena. She Yeweyenhareg became the first female wanted to know more about, among professor in health sciences in Ethiopia others, the geographical distribution and the second female professor at of land, historical events, plants, the sky Addis Ababa University. She was one and patterns of stars, and the growth of plants and animals. She also loved observing the relationships between animals, plants and other creations. In high school she was more focused on natural sciences and she found chemical reactions in the laboratory intriguing. Unravelling mathematics problems, especially proving theorems and the analysis of questions delighted her. Her grandfather gave her a small plot of land to cultivate Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 77 and grow vegetables such as carrots, and actionable recommendations. kale, cabbages, onions and potatoes. She has published more than forty- On this little farm, Yeweyenhareg two scientific manuscripts in reputable performed all the necessary activities journals, both national and international. including digging, pouring water, Since 2014, Yeweyenhareg has been preparing shades and adding fertilizers heavily engaged in a national project usually prepared from animal waste on Non–Communicable Diseases and dry leaves. She carefully observed (NCDs) organised by the Ethiopian the growth of her plants and sought to Federal Ministry of Health. As one understand why some grew well and of the delegates from Ethiopia, she others did not, thereafter noting the attended the 67th and 68th World lessons she had learnt and seeking to Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva improve production in the next growth where major decisions were made cycle. on NCDs. Accordingly, the Ethiopian She even noticed that some plants Federal Ministry of Health established could be used to relieve human a technical working group on NCDs. diseases including fever and abdominal She has played a pivotal role in all pain. Thus, when family members were the technical working group activities sick, she would give them local herbs in including the development of a the form of solutions to drink or apply National Strategic Action Plan for Non– locally. Examples of these curative Communicable Diseases (2014–2016), herbs include“Yemechmedhanit” the development of national treatment and “YekurtetMedhanit” in the local guidelines and training materials on language. Because of such activities, major NCDs such as hypertension and her relatives nicknamed her ‘Doctor’. diabetes, conducted the national WHO She acknowledged that this childhood STEPS survey on NCD risk factors and life helped her build important skills, prevalence, thereafter developing attitudes and knowledge in medicine. baseline data for subsequent She also had good educational interventions on these diseases. opportunities in her country and ultimately scored excellent grades in She indicates that many of her mathematics, chemistry and biology publications are based on original in high school, which enabled her to research. These include an assessment pursue medicine as a career. of health care systems for diabetics, cost of care for diabetes, highly As a consultant internist and active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)- endocrinologist, Yeweyenhareg is associated metabolic abnormalities in heavily involved in the management HIV patients and serum calcidiol in the of patients with internal diseases, diabetics and other endocrine diseases at the Tikur Anbessa Specialised Tertiary Referral Hospital. Much of her research work has covered several areas in internal medicine, and more specifically she has focused on diabetes mellitus and associated illnesses as well as other endocrine diseases. Her work has produced several important results, often leading to tangible conclusions 78 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

African population. Her most impactful women in leadership in academic work, however, involves teaching circles and research and a male- and mentoring young researchers, dominated working environment also recognising them as her successors pose a challenge. To address these and the seed for future generations in problems, she always aspires to do Science. Thus, building the minds of more and never gives up. In addition, young medical doctors and scientists she looks for alternatives and seeks over the last two decades has been advice from friends and family. She of great fulfilment. This is because she also gets advice and support from her hopes to bring change in science in husband, children, friends, colleagues, Africa and make her contribution to the advisors and the Ethiopian government. continent’s growth and development in science and technology. Yeweyenhareg identifies her former teachers as her role models. She informs In her career, Yeweyenhareg has had to young women and girls that they need overcome many challenges including commitment to pursue their studies lack of time as she is involved in many activities in academia, research, in undergraduate, postgraduate and patient care, community work and fellowship training programmes. They personal life among others. She has also have to be determined and engage also faced difficulties in obtaining in hard work. They should also initiate research funds, delayed publication research activities as they proceed in and delayed disbursement of funds their scientific careers.Y eweyenhareg is due to bureaucracy in the procurement most grateful to all who have supported process. Under-representation of her to achieve such great success. 79 Zoubida Charrouf

A scientific career for women in Africa is the MOROCCO “future for the development of this continent ”

Zoubida Charrouf is a professor of this field. Instead, on her return to chemistry in the Faculty of Science, Morocco, she mostly got administrative Mohammed V University, Morocco. jobs. In addition, where she worked, She was the first Moroccan woman women could not perform or take up to graduate from Ecole Nationale jobs that entailed more demanding Supérieure de Chimie de Lille (ENSCL), responsibility. Therefore, she decided France. She started primary school with to prepare for her doctorate since her brothers under her mother’s watch scientific research excited her. but without her father’s knowledge. He was conservative and believed that Zoubida’s most impactful project was a girl’s role was to help her mother at on the preservation of the Argan tree. home. Eventually, he found out that she This is a drought-tolerant tree that was attending school but allowed her is endemic to Morocco. The plant to continue because she had proved an has acted as a green curtain against excellent student. She had a liking for desertification by the encroaching science, as opposed to other subjects, Sahara. However, deforestation, as she found science subjects logical. overgrazing and agricultural land She was also a very curious student clearance has reduced the number of who found that there was a scientific trees by more than half. Her idea was to explanation for almost everything. transform the environmental problem into an economic opportunity and at the Her academic trajectory became same time preserve the Argan forest. evident in college where she surpassed the boys in her class in mathematics, She started with the main product: to often with very good grades. Thus, her produce Argan oil, and she developed professors oriented her towards science a new technology to mechanize a subjects and every year, Zoubida part of the production process. This rewarded them by winning the prize helped speed up operations, improve of excellence. She wanted to pursue chemical engineering but the course was not available in Morocco and her parents could not afford to send her for studies abroad. She therefore worked for a year to pay for her studies in France where, after five years of study, she obtained a diploma in chemical engineering from the national school of Chemistry of Lille (ENSCL). Despite this, Zoubida was never able to obtain an interesting job in 80 Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa

oil quality, reduce waste, and prolong establish the use of Argan products in the oil’s shelf life, hence reducing the cosmetic industry globally. production costs and improving Zoubida considers this to be her most incomes from oil sales. impactful project because it enabled Zoubida has also worked on the organisations of women in rural areas to pharmacological properties of Argan oil develop new skills, take part in literacy and discovered molecular substances programmes, work outside their homes unique to it which can be utilized in and, above all, earn an income of which making cosmetics. After this research, they are in control. The success of this Zoubida undertook field work, during project has had other positive effects which she set up women’s co-operatives including women’s participation in to produce and market Argan oil in governance in the community. These Morocco. This enabled the women to women are now actively involved build a new industry, run and owned in local elections and have become by them. Moreover, it encouraged advocates for their villages, giving them them to feel responsible for protecting a voice within government and a new and sustainably managing the Argan status within society. Through Zoubida’s trees. This new industry is based on support, women have become pivotal a strong scientific base of research. in developing Argan oil as a popular It has increased general awareness cosmetic ingredient, and are active in and knowledge of Argan products, introducing pressed cake and leaves improved the processes used to prepare from the tree to the industry. and preserve them, and has helped to This work has transformed the country’s economy. The export of Argan oil has increased from 200 litres per year to 1,200 tons, with another 1,500 tons sold within the country itself. In addition, the price of a litre of Argan oil has increased from US$ 3 in 1996 to US$ 35 in 2017. The number of co-operatives continues to increase, and the impact of her work continues spreading. The environmental impact of the project is also massive. In view of this, Zoubida notes that this project has helped to improve forest cover as it has promoted restoration (people now have a reason to plant more Argan trees) and their preservation due to the use of sustainable oil extraction methods. The work has seen vulnerable women transform their lives and their communities. Their status has improved and they have gained the power to manage their income and to invest in the future of their children. Thus, apart from transforming an industry and changing the lives of thousands Women in Science: Inspiring Stories from Africa 81 of women, Zoubida’s work has locally have been her main strategies. inspired environmental sustainability, A challenge that inspires her is how to ecotourism, and the re-birth of other preserve Moroccan natural resources. traditional local products, thereby She acknowledges that not enough has showcasing the potential of rural been done in research to unravel the women and natural resources. properties of natural resources such as the Argan tree. Thus, despite the Zoubida is motivated to continue research already done, there is still a working as a scientist in Africa because gap in the knowledge of the chemical the continent has many medicinal plants composition of Argan oil as its many which are not valued and therefore their potential remains unknown. This uses in traditional medicine is yet to has led to many cases of biopiracy. In be explained. There must, therefore, her view, therefore, Africa must invest in be other active properties in the Argan the progress of a green economy and tree fruit and other products that the development of local communities. ought to be identified and their uses This is the key to real sustainable fully explored. She emphasises that development and scientists from Africa, research should not remain at the basic more so women, have a role to play. level in African countries. Developed to She is also motivated by the situation of the highest level, research must serve rural women on the continent who are the country to improve the incomes marginalised and in most cases also lack of local populations and protect the formal education. This means that even environment for future generations. when they have , Zoubida, however, acknowledges it cannot be sustainably used to benefit that researchers may not be able to them and their communities. Both undertake such expensive research women and men researchers, therefore, without proper funding and good well- need to work towards the development equipped laboratories. of communities, the empowerment For Zoubida, all scientists in her field of women and preservation of the are role models because their research environment. inspired her. She believes that the During her work, Zoubida has faced scientific careers for women in Africa many challenges. The most critical are the future for the development has been lack of funding. However, of the continent. She therefore urges she emphasises that giving up is not young women and girls to take up an option. To solve this problem, science careers for the good of African collaborations and using what exists nations and communities. 82

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Prof. Jennifer A. Thomson Innovation of the South African Minister Editor of Science and Technology and is a member of the Independent Science Jennifer Thomson (PhD Rhodes) is a and Partnership Council of the CGIAR member of the NASAC Women for Science (Consultative Group for International Working Group and Emeritus Professor Agricultural Research). She is the President in the Department of Molecular and Cell of the Organisation for Women in Science Biology at the University of Cape Town. She for the Developing World (OWSD) and held a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard, chairs the South African chapter. was Associate Professor in Genetics at the University of the Witwatersrand, visiting Dr. Pacificah Florence Okemwa scientist at MIT, and Director of the Consultant Writer Laboratory for Molecular and Cell Biology for the CSIR, before becoming Head of Pacificah Florence Okemwa is the the Department of Microbiology at UCT Secretary of the NASAC Women for in 1988. She won the L’Oreal/UNESCO Science Working Gro up and a senior prize for Women in Science for Africa in member of Academic staff at Kenyatta 2004 and has an Honorary Doctorate from University. She holds a Masters’ (1993) the . Her research and PhD (2007) in Religious Studies from field is the development of genetically the same institution. She is a mother modified maize resistant to the African of three sons. Pacificah is one of the endemic maize streak virus and tolerant to founder members of the Department drought. She has published three books of Gender and Development Studies on Genetically Modified Organisms: that was initiated in the year 2008 after Genes for Africa, Seeds for the Future, and successfully seeking a transfer from Food for Africa, and is a frequent speaker Religious Studies to Gender which was at international meetings, including the duly granted due to her passion and World Economic Forum and the United interest in gender matters. She is a self- Nations. She is a member of the board taught Gender scholar, researcher and (previously Chair) of participant trainer. the African Agricultural Much of her research Technology Foundation and publications (AATF), based in Nairobi are on Gender and and Vice-Chair of ISAAA Women issues. She has (International Service supervised 25 Masters for the Acquisition and one PhD candidate of AgriBiotech to completion. In 2002, Applications). She she won the Lecturer serves on the National of the Year Award of Advisory Council on Kenyatta University.

Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) was established on 13th December 2001 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the auspices of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the InterAcademy Panel (IAP).

NASAC is a consortium of merit-based science academies in Africa and aspires to make the “voice of science” heard by policy and decision makers within Africa and worldwide. NASAC is dedicated to enhancing the capacity of existing national science academies and champions the cause for creation of new academies where none exist.

As at November 2016, NASAC comprised of the following twenty-four members: Académie Nationale des Sciences et Technologies du Congo, Brazzaville (ANSTC) Académie Nationale des Sciences du Burkina (ANSB) Académie Nationale des Sciences et Technologies du Congo (ANSTC) Académie Nationale des Sciences, Arts et Lettres du Benin (ANSALB) Académie Nationale des Sciences, Arts et Lettres du Togo (ANSALT) Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) Academy of Sciences of Mozambique (ASM) African Academy of Sciences (AAS) Algerian Academy of Science and Technology (AAST) Botswana Academy of Science (BAS) Cameroon Academy of Sciences (CAS) Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS) Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology, Morocco Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS) National Academy of Arts, Letters and Sciences Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) National Academy of Coté d’Ivoire Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) Sudanese National Academy of Sciences (SNAS) Tanzania Academy of Sciences (TAS) Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) Zambia Academy of Sciences (ZaAS) Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences (ZAS)

For more information, please contact us: The NASAC Secretariat | Miotoni Lane, Off Miotoni Road P.O. Box 201-00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 712 914 285/+254 733 297 661 Email address: [email protected] Website: www.nasaconline.org