Chief Scientific Officer at the Science for Africa Foundation, Dr Evelyn Gitau says African women are increasingly taking the lead in scientific discovery and research governance.
She said that African women were also demonstrating excellence in data stewardship and public trust, which the foundation considered essential for durable and impactful science.
Gitau said this at a recent webinar held to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, hosted to highlight the pivotal role of African women in shaping the continent’s scientific future.
“Across Africa, women are building the governance, supply chains, and leadership systems that make science reliable and accountable. They are proving that science is not just about laboratories, but about the structures that ensure integrity, transparency, and societal impact”.
She highlighted several key initiatives led by women, including the Global Research Management Practice (GRMP) Standard, led by Allen Mukhwana and supported by women scientists.
Continuing, she said that the standard professionalises research governance by creating career pathways that encourage scientists to remain in Africa and advance their work locally.
“Africa Biospecimen and Data Exchange platform (ADBEx), Nicki Tiffin and her team are advancing ethical governance of African biological samples and data, balancing openness with protection and fostering global collaboration.
“Combating antimicrobial resistance in West Africa: Prof. Iruka Okeke of the University of Ibadan shared her work in genomic surveillance and infectious disease epidemiology, linking research to policy and public health practices that directly protect communities,” she said.
She also underscored the importance of science communication, noting that women journalists had bridged the gap between research and public understanding.
“Science leadership is not only about producing knowledge, but it’s about ensuring that knowledge translates into policies and practices that improve lives,” she said.
She emphasised that while African women were ready to lead, sustainable investment, decision-making authority, and institutional trust were critical to fully realising their potential within the continent’s science ecosystem.
