Open Doors International Training Program for Women Researchers in Africa

Summary

The advancement of STEM sciences is vital for addressing the societal challenges linked to climate change adaptation and mitigation in a geo-politicised world. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are ‘fast-evolving’ disciplines. High Education and Science Institutions (HE&SIs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) often lack the resources to rapidly incorporate STEM innovations into their training and scientific programs to support agricultural development. Such barriers render African HE&SIs institutions disadvantaged in attracting international funding, becoming globally competitive, or highlighting their research. 
Globally, female scientists face additional challenges to progress adequately in their professional careers. And SSA is not an exception. Women’s representation drastically drops to 28% of the graduated women becoming employed researchers, taking scientific leadership and managerial roles worldwide. While working as researchers, women experience limited opportunities to acquire the soft and hard skills necessary to navigate their careers steadily. As a result, the global retention rate of women in academia is 20% lower than men’s. The lack of inclusive and equitable access to High Education for women negatively affects the global advancement of science and the future generations of girls and women in STEM education and research. 
Hence, the current proposal addresses SDGs 4 and 5 by supporting post-doc and mid-career female scientists pushing the SSA agricultural scientific agenda to become agents of change in SSA HE&SIs. Ultimately, we aim to reduce women’s dropouts from the research pipeline, contribute to science and become role models for future generations. The Open Doors ITP (OD-ITP) is a multidisciplinary and transversal coaching and mentoring program that unfolds in two phases. Phase I is a short research stage of the fellows in Flemish HE&SIs, so the participants can experience a unique learning opportunity and expand their networks. Phase 2 entails a tailored self-pathed curriculum while in SSA with networking and mentorship support that promotes participants’ ownership of the learning process around 5 developmental pillars: capacity building (hard and soft skills); scientific performance; networking & partnerships; mentoring support; and a conducive working environment. The program will host 2 cohorts with 8 female fellows each- Cohort Beta (2023-24) and Gamma (2024-25). VIB-IPBO co-sponsors the OD-ITP.

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