Research shows that women are poorly represented in science, accounting for less than 30% of scientists and researchers worldwide. There is a need for women scientists to arise as mentors to inspire and guide more women to build careers in science. This was the focus of discussion in a recent CGIAR Women in Research and Science (WIRES) meeting organized to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS). The theme of the meeting was “Innovate, Demonstrate, Elevate, Advance, Sustain (IDEAS)”, but the discussion focused on how CGIAR women role model success. The virtual meeting was held on 13 February, and various CGIAR Centers, including IITA, participated.
Giving an overview of what WIRES is about, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Technical Program Manager Aparna Das shared the vision and mission of the community. Das mentioned that she is volunteering for WIRES because of her passion for women’s advancement. CGIAR also created WIRES due to its passion for helping women in science. “WIRES is an open community that welcomes everyone—male or female—as long as they are willing to support women in science,” she said.
CGIAR Global Director for Digital and Data, Khuloud Odeh, highlighted the importance of mentorship as she shared her story and journey into science and WIRES. She stated that she was inspired by her mother—a science teacher and cousin—a computer scientist to study science which has opened doors of opportunities for her. Odeh later realized that she has also inspired other women to study science. “It is important to not just have role models but also be one,” she said.
At a panel session moderated by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Research Fellow Muzna Alvi, International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Agriculture Water Solutions Researcher Maha Al-zu’bi and Associate Researcher at Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Paula Espitia, shared some of the motivating and also limiting factors in their journey as women scientists. Advising women in science, Espitia indicated that surrounding yourself with supportive and positive people is vital. She also emphasized that women should pursue their dreams with focus and determination, worrying less about when they would arrive. “As a woman, listen to your inner voice; it is almost always right,” she added.
Al-zu’bi encouraged women scientists to be part of groups in their interest because science requires collaborative efforts. She also advised women to create a better relational environment in their groups by supporting other women’s projects.
Wrapping up the meeting, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) Communication Consultant Nada Abdelhamid summarized ways volunteers could help to advance women in science and research in CGIAR. She mentioned that it starts with joining the WIRES team, being a part of the mentoring program, engaging in the random coffee pilot, joining focus groups, and participating in the women in leadership workshops which will be launched in April.
Contributed by Ochuwa Favour Daramola
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