Enhancing the careers of East African women scientists
The programme, funded mainly by the Rockefeller
Foundation and run by the Gender and Diversity programme of CGIAR,
aims to retain and increase the number of women scientists working
in leadership positions in agricultural research.
Research shows that an increasing number of African
women are choosing careers in agricultural science, yet due to cultural
pressures and family demands many step off the career ladder. The
programme, funded mainly by the Rockefeller Foundation and run by
the Gender and Diversity programme of CGIAR, aims to retain and
increase the number of women scientists working in leadership positions
in agricultural research.
The Fellowship so far supports 35 women
selected from research institutes in East
Africa for two years, to participate in training
provided by the Consultative Group on
International Agricultural Research. This
includes women’s leadership courses, coaching
in management and negotiation skills and
assistance in expanding their network of
professional contacts. Participants also have
the opportunity to present research at a major
international scientific conference each year.
A key aspect of the programme is its
mentoring, which ensures that each Fellow
is matched with a senior scientist in the
same field of expertise. Sharing knowledge
is a valuable way of keeping scientists up to
date with the latest technology, while Fellows
gain experience and a wealth of contacts.
From a pool of 65 highly qualified applicants
from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, 10 female
crop scientists were awarded the second round
of fellowships in April 2006. SFSA supported
an additional applicant, who was interested
in working in the private sector, raising the
total number of Round Two Fellows to 11.
SFSA has also supported the development
of a new communication strategy and sat
on the Fellowship Selection Committee.
|
