UNITING WOMEN SCIENTISTS FROM THE DEVELOPING WORLD

About OWSD

OWSD provides research training and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers.

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) is an international organization founded in 1987 and based at the offices of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), in Trieste, Italy. It is a programme unit of UNESCO.

OWSD is the first international forum to unite eminent women scientists from the developing and developed worlds with the objective of strengthening their role in the development process and promoting their representation in scientific and technological leadership.

OWSD provides research training, career development and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers.

Our main programmes are:

• Membership in the international OWSD network and in National Chapters in many countries, to unite women scientists in developing countries and provide information on opportunities, regional and local events and access to skills-building activities;
• Fellowships, including scholarships for women scientists from least developed countries to study for Postgraduate (PhD) degrees  in another developing country, and grants for early career women scientists to support the purchase of equipment and other expenses needed to carry out their research; and
• Awards to recognise and celebrate early career women scientists who have made significant contributions to research and education in their scientific field.

OWSD provides support to women scientists throughout their careers. As you progress from undergraduate science through to PhD research, to postdoctoral studies and beyond, you can draw on OWSD members’ experience and expertise to help you through to the next stage of your career. You can attend regional and international conferences and seminars in your research field, develop writing and presentation skills, sign up to get help from a mentor, learn what it takes to become a leader or negotiate better conditions in your department. One day you might be in a position to persuade government ministers, policymakers and heads of department that the knowledge and needs of women should be considered in the design of research projects and that women should be trained in how to use new technologies and products that could transform their working and family lives.

From an idea in 1987 at a TWAS conference in Beijing, to the framework put in place in 1988 (at an international conference sponsored by TWAS and CIDA in Trieste, Italy), to an organization with a name and constitution in 1989, to the official launch four years later in 1993, OWSD has been working on behalf of women scientists in the developing world for over a quarter of a century.

What is now OWSD first began as the seed of an idea at a conference on ‘The Role of Women in the Development of Science and Technology in the Third World’ in 1988. The conference was organised by TWAS, The World Academy of Science – for the advancment of science in developing countries –  at their headquarters in Trieste, Italy, and sponsored by CIDA, the Canadian International Development Agency.

218 leading women scientists participated from 63 developing countries and a study group was set up to explore the possibility of creating an organization that would champion the experience, needs and skills of women scientists in the developing world. At a further meeting in Trieste the next year (20-22 March 1989)  the Third World Organization for Women in Science (TWOWS) was established and a constitution agreed and adopted.

TWOWS was officially launched four years later in Cairo, Egypt in 1993, at the First General Assembly, sponsored this time by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences. The TWOWS constitution was ratified at this event, and amendments made at subsequent General Assemblies.

On June 29 2010, members voted to adopt a new name – the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) – at the Fourth General Assembly in Beijing, China.

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency has been supporting OWSD financially since 1997. With Sida’s generous and continuous support, OWSD has fully funded 340 PhD fellowships for women from the South to study in the South. Of these over 200 have graduated and there are currently 103 OWSD fellows onsite.

In 2012, Sida expressed huge confidence in OWSD’s ability to make a direct impact on women’s economic development in the South by doubling the number of awards for scholarships given annually – now up to 50 per year. These scholarships cover all costs related to undertaking research in a host country (that are not covered by the host institute), including travel, visa and health costs, tuition and bench fees as well as a monthly stipend for the awardees’ board, accommodation and living expenses. In addition, Sida has identified specific activities that will ensure these women have a real chance at competing successfully in the international scientific arena –  engaging in research of the highest quality which in turn will feed into the local economy. These include an annual regional workshop in science communication skills and additional funding for each PhD fellow to travel to international workshops and conferences of relevance.

Mission and Constitution

The OWSD Constitution

Article 1:  Establishment

1.1 The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing  World  (hereinafter referred  to  as  OWSD) is an international organization hosted by The World Academy of Sciences in Trieste, Italy

1.2 This Constitution was revised and approved by the OWSD executive board in February 2017, September 2017, August 2018 and November 2020.

Article 2:  Objectives

OWSD shall pursue the following objectives:

1. Increase the participation  of  women  in  developing  countries  in  scientific  and technological research, teaching and leadership;
2. Promote the recognition of the scientific and technological achievements of women scientists and technologists in developing countries;
3. Promote    collaboration    and    communication    among    women    scientists    and technologists   in   developing   countries   and   with   the   international   scientific community as a whole;
4. Increase access of women in developing countries to the socio-economic benefits of science and technology;
5. Promote the participation  of  women  scientists  and technologists  in  the  sustainable and economic development  of their country; and
6. Increase understanding of the role of science and technology in supporting women’s development activities.

Article 3:  Activities

In pursuing its objectives, the Organization may,  inter alia, undertake the following activities:

1. Improve access to educational, training and professional development opportunities for women scientists and technologists in developing countries;
2. Recognize scientific  excellence  and  other  achievements  of  women  scientists and technologists in developing countries;
3. Enhance opportunities and develop strategies for the participation of women in the development and utilization of new technologies;
4. Develop  strategies  for  the  participation  and  leadership  of  women  in  national  and international science and innovation systems;
5. Make science more responsive to the needs of society, especially those of women and of women’s development activities;
6. Promote  the  involvement  of  women  in  harnessing  science  and  technology  for sustainable development; and
7. Undertake  such  projects  and  actions  as  it  deems  appropriate  for  achieving  its objectives.

Article 4:  Members, Friends and Ambassadors

4.1 OWSD membership has two categories:

a. Full Members:

• Women scientists from developing countries who have completed a master’s degree or higher in scientific subjects and who are committed to the objectives of OWSD.
• This is the only category with voting rights for electing members of the OWSD executive board, and members of national chapter executive committees.

b. Affiliate Members:

• Women scientists from developing countries who have completed a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in scientific subjects and who are committed to the objectives of OWSD.
• Affiliate members can advance to become Full Members upon completion of a master’s or doctoral degree (or equivalent) and submission of the relevant certificate to the OWSD Secretariat.

4.2 Individuals who wish to support OWSD, but are not eligible for membership can become Friends of OWSD:

• Women and men from developed and developing countries with at least an undergraduate degree (or equivalent experience) across all disciplines (including the natural sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities), who are committed to promoting the objectives of OWSD and who are not eligible for the Affiliate or Full membership categories.
• Friends of OWSD are encouraged to engage with OWSD and its members through support activities (mentoring, fundraising, networking, promoting). They can maintain their online profile on www.owsd.net for visibility and communication purposes.
• Friends of OWSD are not considered OWSD Members and cannot be elected to a National Chapter Executive Committee or OWSD Executive Board. Friends may be invited to participate in selected national chapter events and activities, at the discretion of the national chapter members.

4.3 Individuals who wish to become Members or Friends must apply online through the OWSD website, submitting all required documentation. Applications will be approved online by OWSD Headquarters and national chapters will be able to access new members in their countries directly through the OWSD website. Applications for OWSD membership must always go through the OWSD website to be approved: www.owsd.net.

4.4. OWSD has the right to make specific events for Full/Affiliate members only and/or ‘by invitation only’.

4.5 An OWSD Ambassador is a woman or man (not necessarily an OWSD Member) who has significant scientific influence and credibility in both the developed and the developing world.

• She or he undertakes to use her or his influence in the scientific circles in which she or he works or in which she or he has influence to further the aims of OWSD listed in Art.2.
• Specific activities OWSD Ambassadors might engage in include:

1. Inviting OWSD fellows or members to attend conferences or workshops in which the Ambassador is involved;
2. Nominating OWSD fellows or members for prizes or awards;
3. Fundraising for OWSD
4. Increasing the visibility of the Organization at an international level

4.6 Disciplinary measures: Upon Registration, each Member commits to the objectives of OWSD. If an OWSD Member believes another OWSD Member(s) is acting against the OWSD constitution and/or Mission, she should write directly to the OWSD President, detailing her complaint. The President may then decide to put the complaint to the OWSD executive board who will carefully consider the evidence and the circumstances. The OWSD EB has the right to withdraw Membership. On the other hand, OWSD will not accept or tolerate any allegations towards its Members that are based on assumptions or word-of-mouth. Any accusations of misconduct should make reference to the point in the OWSD Constitution or National Chapter constitution that has been breached. In such cases where no evidence is provided, disciplinary measures against the complainant(s) are foreseen and will be discussed and decided by the Executive Board. In such cases, membership withdrawal is an option.

Article 5:  National Chapters and Country Networks

5.1 An OWSD National Chapter (in the listed Developing Countries) or OWSD Country Network (in any other country) is a group of at least twenty OWSD members and friends who fully support the objectives and activities of OWSD, and aim to enhance and promote female participation in: science and technology research and professions; scientific leadership and decision-making processes, at national and regional level.  National Chapters are regulated by the National Chapter Guidelines and Executive Committees must adhere to these. Country Networks are regulated by the Country Network Guidelines and Executive Committees must adhere to these.

National Chapter or Country Network membership shall consist of all registered OWSD members and friends who are Resident and/or Nationals of that country.

Article 6:  General Assembly

6.1 The General Assembly is a meeting of OWSD members convened by the Executive Board.

6.2 All Members shall be invited to attend the General Assembly and have the right to participate.

6.3 At the General Assembly the Executive Board and OWSD Headquarters shall inform members of activities undertaken since the previous General Assembly and present a strategic plan for the next four years. Members will have an opportunity to discuss and provide feedback to the Executive Board. If Members do not agree with the decisions taken they should contact their regional Vice-President or Regional Member, who can raise Members’ concerns with the Executive Board.

6.4 The General Assembly shall  meet  at  regular  intervals to  be  determined  by  the Executive Board (usually 4 years). All Members shall be notified at least six months in advance of a planned meeting of the General  Assembly  and  shall  receive  a  draft  programme at least four weeks before the meeting.

6.5 A website page with all evolving information relevant to the General Assembly and conference will be available at least 3 months before the General Assembly.

Article 7:  The Officers of the Organization

7.1 Elections to the OWSD Executive Board are regulated by the relevant Rules of Procedures.

7.2 At least six months in advance of the General Assembly, any Full Member can submit her name to the Nominating Committee (appointed by the Executive Board) for election to the Board. All applications must be endorsed by at least two Full Members.

7.3 At least three months before the General Assembly, all Full Members will be invited to vote for the eligible members selected by the Nominations Committee, from which a shortlist will be published on the OWSD website

7.4 Full Members shall elect from the shortlist all members of the Executive Board:

• President (from any region)
• 4 Vice-Presidents (from each of the 4 OWSD regions)
• 4 Regional Members (from each of the 4 OWSD regions)

7.5 The term of office of the President, the Vice-Presidents and the Regional Members of the Executive Board shall begin the year in which they are elected and shall end in the year of the next Board elections.  They may be re-elected onto the Board in any capacity only once (whether consecutively or not).

7.6 The President shall preside over the meetings of the General Assembly and the Executive Board. If the President is unable to attend a meeting, she shall designate a Vice-President to take her place.

7.7 If the President or a Vice-President resigns before the end of her term or is otherwise unable to continue, the Executive Board shall elect a Member of the Board as acting President or Vice-President for the remainder of the term of the original President or Vice-President.

7.8 If a Regional Member of the Executive Board resigns before the end of her term or is otherwise unable to continue as Regional Member, the Executive Board shall meet to discuss procedures for the election of a replacement Regional Member.

7.9 Ex officio members do not have the right to vote for decisions which are discussed by the Executive Board. The immediate past President shall be an ex officio member of the Board for one term only. The Coordinator of OWSD Headquarters shall be an ex officio member of the Board.

7.10. The President shall liaise with OWSD Headquarters in handling all official correspondence. If she is unable to do this she will delegate this responsibility to one of the Vice-Presidents.

7.11 The OWSD Executive Board shall meet at least once per year (online or in person). An additional online meeting (e.g. six months from the formal EB meeting) may be held online to discuss matters arising and to ensure agreed decisions and timelines are being implemented.

7.12 The Executive Board shall be responsible for:

a. Setting the time and venue for the meetings of the General Assembly;

b. Discussing and approving the General Assembly programme drawn up by OWSD Headquarters in consultation with the OWSD President;

c. Discussing and approving the strategic plan drawn up by the Secretariat and President in consultation with a specially formed Executive Board sub-committee (4 persons)

d. Approving programmes and activities, as well as their budgets.

7.13 The Executive Board  may  only  take  formal  decisions  if  at  least  six  members  are present (including online) at  a  meeting.  The Executive Board shall decide by a majority vote. In case of a tie, the vote of the President  shall decide. At any point during the Board meeting, members have the right to request a secret ballot for decisions they deem sensitive.

7.14 In the interval between meetings a formal decision may be taken by email, with instructions sent from the President and provided that at least six members approve by the stated deadline. If a vote by email relates to a specific person or persons, the individual votes of members shall be kept confidential.

Article 8:   OWSD Headquarters

8.1 The staff of OWSD Headquarters shall be appointed through UNESCO procedures and with the approval of the TWAS executive director.

Article 9:  Finances

9.1 The  funds  of  OWSD  shall  be  derived  from  Membership  fees, grants, subsidies,  bequests,  prizes,  revenue  from  investments  and  from  such  other  sources as are approved by the Executive Board.

9.2 The  Executive  Board  shall  each year set  or confirm the  voluntary contribution  suggested to  be  paid  by  Full Members.

9.3 OWSD Headquarters shall prepare each year an audited account of all incomes and expenditures of OWSD to be presented at the EB meeting.

Article 10:  Amendments

10.1 The Executive Board can make amendments to the Constitution and these must be published on the OWSD website and the Membership informed thereof (with a period of at least two weeks to raise any objections). Any amendments to the Constitution since the last Assembly will be presented to the next General Assembly.

10.2 The Executive Board may amend the Rules of Procedures of the Organization and these must be presented to the General Assembly.

• Increase the participation of women in developing countries in scientific and technological research, teaching and leadership (see OWSD fellowships)
• Promote the recognition of the scientific and technological achievements of women scientists and technologists in developing countries (see OWSD awards)
• Promote collaboration and communication among women scientists and technologists in developing countries and with the international scientific community as a whole (see OWSD networking)
• Increase access of women in developing countries to the socio-economic benefits of science and technology (see GenderInSITE)
• Promote participation of women scientists and technologists in the development of their country (see GenderInSITE)
• Increase understanding of the role of science and technology in supporting women’s development activities (see GenderInSITE)

Taken from the ‘OWSD Statutes and Rules of Procedure’ , approved June 29, 2010

While a growing number of women are enrolling in university as undergraduates, many opt out at the highest levels required for a research career. This situation is even worse for women undertaking doctorates in science in the developing world.

You can get all the relevant data for your country by using an interactive tool, ‘Women in Science’ developed by the Unesco Institute of Statistics which presents the latest available data for countries at all stages of development. The tool lets you explore and visualize gender gaps in the pipeline leading to a research career, from the decision to get a doctorate degree to the fields of research women pursue and the sectors in which they work.  Explore the data for countries worldwide

Why is it important for women to do science?

It is well known that scientific research and advancements can lead to knowledge and products that can solve many of the problems developing countries face, including disease, food security, climate change, the impact of natural disasters and the development of a communications infrastructure. In addition, such products and innovations have a market value which can contribute to local economies, alleviating poverty, unemployment and housing shortages.

If women are not involved directly in scientific research, we lose their specific experiences and local knowledge. In many countries throughout the developing world, women have daily needs and routines oriented to their roles as main care-givers to the elderly and children. Women make up the majority of agricultural workers too, growing and harvesting food for their families, as well as collecting fresh water for drinking. If women are included as both participants in scientific research and as the beneficiaries of scientific research, the impact on children, on the elderly and on local communities will be direct and highly effective.

OWSD provides PhD and Early Career fellowships for women in science from developing countries

OWSD has been awarding PhD fellowships, thanks to generous support from Sida, since 1998. Over 470 women have received fellowships and more than 270 of these women have graduated.

To read more about this progamme, click here.

In addition, in 2017 OWSD announced a new fellowship for Early Career Women Scientists (ECWS), funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). This two-year fellowship provides up to USD 50,000 for women scientists employed in selected developing countries, enabling them to continue their research at an international level while based at their home institutes and to build up research groups that will attract international visitors.

You can find out more about this programme here.

Email: owsd@owsd.net

Phone: +39 040 2240-492, -325 , -682, -662

Fax: +39 040 2240-689

Postal address:
OWSD Secretariat
ICTP Campus
Adriatico Guesthouse, 7th floor
34151 Trieste
Italy