Forty African scientists arrive in Spain to encourage innovation on the continent

Forty scientists are preparing to conduct their research for six months in different Spanish cities. Within the framework of the project Science by women/achievedThese women received scholarships from the Women for Africa Foundation, which she runs Former Vice Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega. The primary goal is to learn, share and develop projects in their areas of knowledge and then import what they learn to their home countries.

“the program I started with only four scholarships Fernandez de la Vega explained that there is some doubt or ignorance about the very high level of African institutions and the enormous source of talent that the program represents. After a decade of work, Science by women He was welcomed More than 160 researchers It created a network of 31 Spanish research centers, where they carry out their work.

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“The talent and enthusiasm of these women inspired the documentary.”African Women's Science“, Directed by Begonia piña and Pedro Mambro, which is related to this project. The feature film was screened on Thursday at La Prensa Palace in Madrid, which was attended by… Queen LetiziaThis was in the presence of the Minister of Integration, Social Security and Immigration, Elma Saez.

Through interviews with project participants, the film seeks to find… equation Empowering women in the field of science. This involves, according to the researchers themselves, an increase in the number of female scientists over time, and an increase in the opportunities available to them and the visibility they receive. However, putting this equation into practice is complicated by the burden of caregiving and motherhood, which is almost entirely borne by them, as well as the biases and stereotypes of those in charge. For this reason, Mambro advocates that “Men should listen a lot more To women.”

The six-month program remains open to various key areas such as health, energy, water, climate change, agriculture and food security. Among the scholars who completed their period in Spain is Nigerian Joy Ifunanya OdimejoWho spent half a year at the University of Castilla-La Mancha. The Doctor of Pharmacology and Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos dedicated her residency in the field of magnetic nanoparticles for the controlled release of natural extracts in plants and their subsequent application in cancer treatment.

“The mission is to introduce, promote and support the essential role of African women’s leadership in development and modernity,” Fernandez de la Vega said. “because Women are the driving force of Africa I will never tire of saying this, and scientists play a pioneering role as they take us to the limits in every area of ​​knowledge that supports and shapes the present and future of their societies.

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the Women for Africa FoundationFounded in 2012 by María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, it is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of the African continent, with a focus on comprehensive support for women, who are the engine of progress in the region.