Afrian women scientists: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The Symposium and Workshop on Biotechnology for African Women Scientists, held on the eve of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing (1995), addresses the critical role of women in science and technology (S&T) for sustainable development in Africa. Despite the global push for gender equality, African women remain underrepresented in S&T fields, hindered by systemic barriers such as limited access to education, inadequate institutional support, and socio-cultural constraints. The paper highlights the disparities in S&T development between developed and developing regions, with Africa particularly marginalized, possessing only 5% of global research and development capacity. It emphasizes the need for African countries to prioritize equitable access to education and resources for women, as well as the importance of integrating women into S&T policy-making and innovation processes. Key recommendations include improving access to education, promoting gender-responsive curricula, and fostering partnerships between governments, academia, and industry to enhance women's contributions to S&T.