The Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World
The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) is an international forum that unites eminent women scientists with the objective of strengthening their role in the development process and promoting their representation in scientific and technological leadership. Established in 1993, the organisation is based in Trieste, Italy at the headquarters for The World Academy of Sciences. Following the Fourth General Assembly and International Conference in 2010, members voted to change the organisation's name from Third World Organization for Women in Science (TWOWS) to the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World
Currently OWSD has more than 7,000 members from 134 countries, over 90% of whom are women living and working in developing countries with Masters or Doctorates in scientific subjects. In Africa, there are 3573 members with Cameroon having one of the largest OWSD registered members in the region, pulling at 190 members. Each member has the potential to contribute significantly to the technological advancement and economic growth of her country.
An OWSD National Chapter is a group of OWSD members from the same country who fully support the objectives and activities of OWSD, and aim to promote female participation in science and technology, in scientific leadership, and in the decision-making processes, both at the national and regional levels.
National chapters can:
-
Provide networking and information sharing between institutions and individuals for promoting the increased participation of women in science and technology.
-
Initiate science-based activities that address national concerns working with all levels of society (grassroots, schools and universities).
-
Evolve and develop strategies for mobilizing financial and human resources towards achieving OWSD's objectives.
The OWSD-CAM National Chapter seeks to, among others, promote female participation in science, promote the recognition of Cameroonian female scientists by profiling STEM women in Cameroon, and impact the young generation by organizing workshops and outreach activities to schools.
