# Towards Women Participation in Scientific Research in Africa

Towards Women Participation in Scientific Research in Africa is a book collaboratively authored by Ahmed Hamdy, Mohammed Kyari, Marie Johnson, Rasha Kelej, Ahmed Fahmi, and Tiziano Peccia, representing the African Union, UNESCO, and the Merck Foundation. Published in November 2017, the book provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities for advancing women's involvement in scientific research across the African continent. It also offers strategic recommendations aimed at promoting gender equality in Africa's science and research sectors.

## Background

Towards Women Participation in Scientific Research in Africa was launched during the 3rd UNESCO-MERCK Africa Research Summit (MARS) held in Mauritius, at the presence of President of the Mauritius Republic Ameenah Gurib-Fakim and African Ministers of Health, Research, Education and Social Development.
The summit, supported by Merck, focused on enhancing gender equality in scientific fields across Africa and featured contributions from notable women scientists like Professor Rose Leke (recipient of the UNESCO-L’Oréal Award for Women in Science in 2024), along with other leading women scientists across the continent, acknowledged for promoting gender equality thanks to their career in scientific research. The book aligns with efforts such as the African Union’s initiatives to close the gender gap in science and technology.

## Structure and content

The book is divided into two main sections. The first section presents a comprehensive review of gender disparities across African educational institutions, from primary to tertiary levels. It underscores the gradual progress in women's participation in science, emphasizing that bridging the gender gap is crucial for Africa's socio-economic development.
The second section offers a strategic analysis of the causes behind women's underrepresentation in scientific research, using focus group data. It proposes solutions that align with the African Union’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024), particularly its emphasis on building technical expertise across the continent.

## Key findings

The book presents statistical evidence showing slow but steady progress in women's participation in higher education. For example, the gross enrolment ratio (GER) for women in tertiary education in sub-Saharan Africa rose from 2% in 1990 to 6% by 2012. Despite this growth, women remain underrepresented in fields like engineering and manufacturing but are more prominent in education and health sectors. It highlights initiatives like the African Union's Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016) aimed at increasing women's access to science education.

### Recommendations

The authors conduct a root cause analysis using a "problem tree" to map out the barriers limiting women's participation in scientific research. Their recommendations include fostering mentoring programs, improving access to quality education, and implementing gender-sensitive policies in research institutions. These actions aim to create a more inclusive and equitable scientific community, supporting the broader goals of STISA-2024.

## Author affiliations

* Ahmed Hamdy, Mohammed Kyari, Marie Johnson – African Union Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AUSTRC), [www.austrc.org](http://www.austrc.org)
* Rasha Kelej – Senator in Egypt and President of the Merck Foundation, [www.merckgroup.com](http://www.merckgroup.com), [www.merck-cap.com](http://www.merck-cap.com)
* Ahmed Fahmi, Tiziano Peccia – UNESCO, [www.unesco.org](http://www.unesco.org)

## Conclusion

Towards Women Participation in Scientific Research in Africa offers a detailed framework for promoting gender equality in African scientific research. The book serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and advocates, calling for the active involvement of all stakeholders in creating a more inclusive scientific environment. It emphasizes that empowering women in science is vital to Africa's overall socio-economic progress.