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Celebrating African most talented young female scientists
For 15 years, the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents - Sub-Saharan Africa Programme has been raising the profile and honoring female researchers. From 6 to 11 December in Cotonou, Benin, the 2024 regional award ceremony celebrated 30 of them - including 25 PhD students and 5 post-docs - representing 16 African countries.
These remarkable women were selected from nearly 800 applicants for their pioneering research projects helping to overcome the continent's major challenges, by a Jury of eminent African scientific experts, chaired by Professor Aggrey Ambali, Head of Technical Cooperation and Programme Financing at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).
By recognizing the scientific contributions and achievements of these researchers, this regional initiative not only aims to support the young generation of women scientists across the continent, but also to inspire more girls to pursue scientific careers, breaking down gender barriers.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, women account for just 31.5% of researchers. Since its inception, the programme has supported more than 240 young female researchers from 34 African countries, providing them with financial resources and essential tools to advance their careers. “African women scientists are shaping a more just and sustainable future for their communities and beyond,” said Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at UNESCO. “By investing in science and championing innovation, African societies can empower the next generation to drive economic growth, create jobs and tackle pressing environmental challenges”.
The awarded researchers benefited from a three-day training in leadership, communication and management, were able to engage with over 100 students of the CEG Gbegamey School, in the presence of the Minister of Social Affairs and Microfinance, the Secretary-General of the Beninese National Commission for UNESCO, and Alexandra Palt, Vice President of the Fondation L’Oréal.
UNESCO and the Fondation L’Oréal are sincerely proud to celebrate the achievements of this year’s Young Talents, reaffirming their commitment to support and empower the future generation of scientific leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the power of a more inclusive science.
