As we celebrate Women’s Month with a Women of Impact special edition, we aim to honour the tremendous impacts by women in science across the African continent. This year’s theme – Generations of Impact: Legacy, Leadership and the Next Thirty Years, encapsulates both the profound legacy of trailblazing women, on whose shoulders the new generation stood, poised to lead us into the future with resilience and empowered to overcome many challenges.
Five years ago, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, a bold vision was born. We embarked on a journey to create a platform to serve as a beacon of hope, support and recognition for Africa’s growing community of female scientists. Little did we know the magnitude of the storm we would face, yet our resolve was unwavering. We were driven by the belief that in the face of adversity, the seeds of innovation and resilience would flourish.
Today, we are humbled and proud to have met and profiled hundreds of extraordinary women from across the continent. Their stories of struggle and triumph have not only inspired us, but have illuminated the vital role of women in the scientific community. The global outpouring of support and recognition has been overwhelming as women from diverse backgrounds continue to find inspiration and a sense of belonging in our shared mission.
This edition of Women of Impact is more than a celebration; it is a reflection of the remarkable contributions of women who have shaped the landscape of science and technology in Africa. As we commemorate 30 years of freedom and democracy, we honour these women whose ground-breaking work laid a solid foundation for future generations. Their legacy of leadership, resilience and innovation serves as a guiding light for the young women in STEM who will lead us into the next 30 years and beyond.
Yet, as we celebrate these achievements, we are also acutely aware of the barriers continuing to hamper the progress of women in science. The journey towards a sustainable and prosperous Africa, powered by scientific discovery, demands that we confront these challenges head-on. It is imperative that we build inclusive systems to empower and nurture the next generation of female scientists, ensuring their voices are heard, their ideas cultivated and their contributions recognized.
In this edition, we shine a spotlight on women of impact, who are not only breaking new ground in their fields, but are also paving the way for others to follow. We delve into the issues that matter most: barriers to progress, the role of science in building a sustainable Africa, the empowerment of women in the workplace and the profound impact of AI on gender equality.
As we look to the future, let us carry forward the lessons of the past 30 years and let us continue to build a world where the dreams and ambitions of every young woman in STEM can take root and grow. Together, we can shape the next generation of impact, ensuring the legacy of African women in science continues to thrive for decades to come.
With gratitude and hope for the future,
Nthabiseng Mokake
Managing Executive
