Event
"A Step Towards Gender Equality in STEM..."
On March 29, 2025, LES GO SCIENCENT and OIITID with Dr Mafini Dosso, PhD, PMP® successfully organized the 1st Forum of Women Scientists in Cameroon at the Djeuga Palace Hôtel in Yaoundé. This historic event brought together nearly 200 people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate women in science and innovation.
Context: Despite the ongoing efforts, women are still underrepresented in STEM fields. In Cameroon, as in many other countries, women account for less than 32% of researchers, and in terms of intellectual property, the proportion of patent applications from women inventors between 2021 and 2023 was less than 25%.
The 1st Forum of Women Scientists in Cameroon was organized to address these challenges: promoting a culture of scientific research among women and raising awareness among women about their rights in intellectual property, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
The event brought together women scientists, experts, policymakers, and private sector representatives around four panels:
1. Women, Science, and Innovation: Architects of the Future
2. Women in Industry: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies for Success
3. Intellectual Property (IP) for Innovation and Value Creation by Women Scientists and Innovators in Cameroon
4. From Idea to Enterprise: How Women Can Use Science and Technology to Create and Protect Their Innovative Businesses
A masterclass on fundraising was also held: “Developing a Pitch to Raise Venture Capital Funds for Tech Startups”.
The event was a resounding success, with:
– 2 ministries present (Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation and Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Family) providing institutional support
– Many strategic partners and 4 privileged partners who believed in our mission and supported us financially and logistically:
OAPI for their financial support and commitment to promoting intellectual property in Cameroon.
Eneo Cameroon S.A. for their financial, logistical, and expertise contribution that made this event possible.
CRID Cameroon for their financial support and expertise in research and development.
Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. for their active participation and commitment to promoting women’s health and well-being.
– 20 expert panelists shared their knowledge and experience, inspiring and guiding the participants.
The event enabled:
– Seeding innovative project ideas in the minds of participants that can be developed and funded
– Fostering promising collaborations between participants, experts, and partners
– Creating a network of women scientists who can support and inspire each other
Join the the association via this link: https://lnkd.in/ekfHTsHW
Thank you again to all our partners, experts, and participants for their support and commitment!