The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), formerly known as TWOWS, is an international organisation whose central role is geared towards promoting women’s access to science and technology as well as enhancing their greater involvement in the decision-making processes for the development of their countries and in the international scientific community. It was created in 1989 as an off shoot of the Academy of Science for the Developing World (TWAS), with an overall goal of bridging the gender gap in science and technology. OWSD uses its fora for intellectual discussions to assist in the development of national capabilities to evolve, explore and improve strategies for increasing female participation in science.

Specifically OWSD’s key goals seek to:

1. Promote the participation of women in science and technology in the developing world, with a view to strengthening their roles in the development of their countries
2. Promote scientific and technological development of their countries, giving due consideration to existing different cultural and socio-economic systems
3. Increase scientific productivity and efficiency of women scientists in the developing world by facilitating access to educational and training opportunities for women in science and technology
4. Popularise and promote science and technology for the general welfare of society
5. Create linkages between science and society (grassroots, schools, universities)

Geographically OWSD is spreads across four regions, the African Region, the Arab Region, the Asia Pacific Region and the Latin America and Caribbean Region.