Five West African Scientists Serve As Role Models In The Sciences

We are proud to support diverse voices across our publishing. The 11th of February was International Day of Women and Girls in Science, established in 2015 by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly.

On this day and every day, we recognize that shining a spotlight on the representation of women in scientific fields particularly in the West African Region and applauding the gains that have been made in their fields, and amplifying the voices of women who have made a career in scientific research is crucial in the effort to creating a landscape that is inclusive.

Join us in recognizing and celebrating their contributions and achievements as women in science. These West African scientists have and continue to serve as role models, driving change and challenging societal barriers within the chemical sciences sector.
This compilation of West African scientists is supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK.

Professor Sa’id

Professor Sa’id is a Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Physics, Bayero University, Nigeria. She is currently one of very few scientists contributing and specializing in atmospheric physics and nuclear science. With family support, she was able to face up to the challenges of an early marriage and traditional and cultural roles she was expected to fill to make her mark as an acknowledged scientist.

Dr. Sylvia Anie

Dr. Sylvia Anie is a Ghanaian scientist (CSci, CChem FRSC, FRSM, Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, UK, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK) known for many notable contributions in science. In 2015, she was selected and honoured as an African Science Hero and had the opportunity of addressing the UN General Assembly, New York in 2011 on HIV and Health. With her team, she established the Ghana AIDS Commission and served as Deputy CEO at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. She holds a patent for research into Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the gastrointestinal tract and is currently working with the National Institute of Health Research, UK on Non-Communicable Diseases in low- and middle-income countries. She further served as the Director of Social Transformations – Health, Education and Gender at the Commonwealth Secretariat, London. Her hard work and perseverance is an inspiration to others.

Dr. Kouakou

Dr. Kouakou is a Lecturer at the Félix HouphouétBoigny University of Abidjan, Ivory Coast. She is leading research on the use of clay to treat diseases and purify polluted water. Dr Kouakou shares the pressure as one of the elders of her family, expected to pursue a less demanding carrier. She was not deterred and is currently recognised as a leading scientist.

Dr. Paye- McClain

Dr. Paye-McClain is an Assistant Professor and Chair, Department of Medicinal/Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Liberia. She spent 10 years instead of 4 to complete her first degree due to shortage of instructors because of war and conflict in Liberia. Currently, she is helping with the production of WHO recommended hand sanitizers as part of preventive measures to control COVID-19.

Dr. Mante

Dr. Mante is a Lecturer and Neuropharmacologist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. She is currently working towards producing a cure for epilepsy. In 2019, she received the L’Oréal- UNESCO Women in Science International Rising Talent Award. Her career journey in a male dominated field has nurtured her skills in perseverance.

Dr. Kolipha – Kamara

Dr. Kolipha-Kamara is the Resident Malaria Advisor for Chemonics International, Freetown, Sierra Leone. Dr. Kolipha-Kamara has been instrumental in the design and implementation of the pharmaceutical curriculum for a university in Freetown. For a who nearly missed out on tertiary education for lack of funds, she is a great inspiration for sailing through.

 

 

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