The United Nations declared 11 February to be a day to celebrate women and girls in science. The day celebrates that science and gender equality play a pivotal role in achieving the 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals.

According to UNESCO data (2014-2016) around 30% of all female students select STEM- related fields in higher education. Gender stereotypes and long standing biases are hindering girls and women to participate in science related subjects. Celebrating this day brings awareness to the society of the importance of women and girls in building a powerful industry in fostering innovation.

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), a programme unit of the UNESCO has also taken the initiative of celebrating the International day for Women and Girls in Science. OWSD is an international organization founded in 1987 and based at the offices of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), in Trieste, Italy. OWSD has different branches in developing countries referred to as National Chapters. The National Chapters exist to support women scientists in and from the Global South.

The OWSD Southern Africa Regional National Chapters have joined hands in celebrating the International Day for Women and Girls in Science on 11 February 2021. These countries include South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Join us in celebrating this day virtually as per the details below and see the attached flyer for more information.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85195516586?pwd=THFXSnMzd3h0OVplK3F1VDkvdjAzZz09

Meeting ID: 851 9551 6586

Passcode: 292128

Join by Skype for Business

https://us02web.zoom.us/skype/85195516586

For more information contact Amanda Muza on +263 771 847 238 or email National Chapter chairs:

# United we stand, divided we fall
#Together we can
# Mask up Africa