Equipping East African Women for Leadership in Science

Eleven new awards were given in August to women crop scientists working in national research institutes and universities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda by the CGIAR Gender and Diversity (G&D) Program.

“The fellowships support professional growth in scientific expertise and people management, facilitating development of female science leaders and strengthening their institutions,” said Vicki Wilde, Program Leader, G&D. “It is a holistic program that allows fellows to interact closely with senior CGIAR scientists for mutual benefit.”

The innovative award program provides each awardee with a 2-year fellowship that includes two-way mentoring (first as a mentee, then as a mentor), funds to present research at two major scientific conferences, support for participation in team and leadership skills, and greater access to professional networks.

“The fellowships are designed to support professional growth, and help ensure continued development and advancement of female leaders in agricultural science for East Africa,” said Peter Matlon, Director of The Rockefeller Foundation's Africa Regional Program. “Congratulations to this year's winners, and to G&D for launching an innovative program.”

“Smallholder farmers are my main concern” exults Rose Mongi, an awardee, and plant breeder from Tanzania. “One of my interests is to work on the so-called orphan crops that are generally neglected in the international scenario.”

The CGIAR Gender and Diversity Program is supported by The Rockefeller Foundation. A recent report, “Strangers in a Strange Land': A Literature Review of Women in Science,” revealed that although the number of women in science worldwide has dramatically increased, research consistently documents a 'chilly climate' for women scientists. The research also confirms the 'leaky pipeline' syndrome where many women drop out of science as they move up the ladder.

For more information, visit: www.genderdiversity.cgiar.org