Science by Women
Science by Women is one of the flagship initiatives through which the Women for Africa Foundation (MxA) advances its mission to promote human rights, peace, democracy and sustainable development across Africa with a firm gender perspective. Launched in 2014 as a key part of this vision, the program supports African women scientists as leaders of knowledge and innovation, recognizing their vital role as drivers of transformative change across the continent.
Through its annual postdoctoral fellowship call, Science by Women offers six-month research stays at leading Spanish centers of excellence to talented African women PhD holders. Since the first edition—when 9 fellowships were awarded to researchers from South Africa, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Senegal, Ghana, Egypt and Sudan—the program has grown to include collaborations with 33 Spanish institutions and support from various public and private partners.
Across the continent, many African researchers face challenges in the STEM fields, including limited resources, underfunding, and unequal access to research infrastructure and opportunities. For women scientists, these challenges are often compounded by social expectations, limited visibility, and persistent gender bias. Science by Women was created to help address these barriers by opening pathways for African women researchers to engage with international scientific networks and contribute fully to the global research community, recognizing that their leadership is essential to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
To date, Science by Women has supported 171 African women scientists from 38 countries, fostering cutting-edge research in fields such as mathematics; health and biomedicine; energy; climate change; water and sanitation; astronomy; agriculture; and more. By highlighting the achievements of African women scientists, the program strengthens a diverse and vibrant scientific community that becomes the driver of change and suistainable development for the continent.
Science by Women is much more than a fellowship program. Since its launch, it has focused on advancing African women’s leadership in science as a key element for sustainable progress across the continent.
To broaden its reach and impact, the program has developed a strong community called N.O.W. is Africa, which promotes collaboration, mutual support, and the exchange of knowledge among its members. In addition to the core research stays, a variety of complementary initiatives are organized annually – such as the Science by Women Congress, training workshops, networking events, and educational projects — all designed to nurture scientific excellence, professional growth, and a connected network of African women researchers.
10 Years of Science by Women
The Sience by Women program celebrated its 10 year anniversary the past 2024. In honor of this milestone, the Foundation has worked together with a professional statistician, Carmen Hernandez, to draft and publish a report that explores the program’s evolution and highlights its impact in the lives of more than 160 women scientists in Africa.
The report is currently available in Spanish.
Science by Women Congress
The Science by Women Congress is one of the program’s core annual activities, designed to bring together current and former fellows to share their research, reflect on their professional experiences, and strengthen ties within the N.O.W. is Africa network.
Through presentations, panel discussions, and collaborative workshops, the Congress creates a space for exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and collective learning—reinforcing the program’s long-term commitment to supporting African women scientists and their role in shaping sustainable solutions for the continent.
Workshops and Trainings
As part of program, we organize complementary activities such as workshops and training sessions designed to strengthen key skills for participating scientists. These sessions aim to provide practical tools in areas essential to scientific careers, including leadership, scientific writing, grant seeking, proposal development, and public speaking.
Held in collaboration with partner institutions and professionals, these activities help researchers enhance their visibility, influence, and capacity to lead impactful projects within their fields and institutions.
Science by Women documentary
In 2024, Science by Women took visibility to a new level with the premiere of the documentary “The Science of African Women” (“La ciencia de las mujeres de África”). Directed by Begoña Piña and Pedro Mambrú, the film chronicles the program’s first eight years, offering an intimate look at the challenges its fellows face alongside their remarkable innovations and locally relevant research contributions.
The documentary will soon be available online, inviting audiences worldwide to discover the untold stories and transformative impact of African women scientists.
Program Partners – 11th Edition
Extended Network of Partners
