What is AfNWA?
The African Network of Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) is an initiative that aims to connect women working in astronomy and related fields in Africa. It was established in September 2020 as one of the committees under AfAS. With AfNWA, we would like to guarantee the future participation of girls and women at all levels in astronomy and science developments in Africa. Our main objectives are to improve the status of women in science in Africa, using astronomy to inspire more girls to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Why AfNWA is needed?
Considering the latest report of the UNESCO and UN-WOMEN, the number of female researchers in the world (both part-time and full-time) is on average < 30% (UNESCO, 2019). For most countries, this number becomes even lower when considering STEM fields. Globally, we are facing a huge gender gap in science. In most countries in Africa, female scientists are below 25%. However, the difference varies from each country; for instance, Tunisia has 55%, Ethiopia has 13%, and Chad has < 5 % female researchers. We know there are many factors at play for the low number of female scientists (e.g., poverty and access to education, social constraints, cultural biases and beliefs, lack of female mentors and role models, etc.). Ultimately, these difficulties result in a huge loss of potential that could benefit our society. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) may be difficult to attain without giving our best to empower ~ 50% of the world’s population, made up of girls and women. Astronomy and space sciences are currently experiencing significant growth in Africa. With the AfNWA initiative, we would like to support female participation at all levels of these new and important developments for the benefit of all. AfNWA objectives, however, cannot be achieved without the full support and participation of the whole society.
Who is behind AfNWA initiative?
| Mirjana Pović (Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute, Ethiopia) |
| Vanessa McBride (Office of Astronomy for Development-IAU, South Africa) |
| Priscilla Muheki (Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda) |
| Carolina Ödman-Govender (University of the Western Cape, South Africa) |
| Somaya Saad (National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Egypt) |
| Nana Ama Brown Klutse (University of Ghana, Ghana) |
Who is supporting AfNWA?
We greatly acknowledge the support of:
- South African Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), through the support given to the African Astronomical Society
- Nature Research and Estée Lauder through the Mirjana Pović’s inaugural 2018 Nature Research Award for Inspiring Science