Botswana, Kasane: L’Oreal Foundation, in collaboration with UNESCO, held the L’Oreal UNESCO Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents Awards in Kasane on Thursday night.
This event was officiated by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi with his First Lady, Neo Jane Masisi, L’Oreal Foundation CEO Alexandra Palt, UNESCO members, ministers, scientists and other dignitaries.
Since 2010, the awards have recognized and celebrated female scientists and supported their work and research through grants, training and networking opportunities. For their 14th edition, 25 PhD candidates and 5 post-doctoral researchers were rewarded and honoured.
When giving a keynote address, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi commended the L’Oreal Foundation and UNESCO for their commitment to identify, acknowledge and promote the research talent that young women of Africa possess.
“The relationship between L’Oreal and UNESCO demonstrates the interconnectedness of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics in delivering an empowering programme in promoting and enhancing the status of women”.
L’Oreal Foundation CEO Alexandra Palt noted the importance of women in science, looking at the challenges the world is facing, ranging from climate change, biodiversity loss, health and technology. “We need science; we need women in science to build inclusive societies that work for all of us,” said Palt.
Since the programme’s inception, four young Botswana women have received awards in the areas of life and environmental sciences as well as biomathematics. Last night, two Batswana women, Phinius, a doctoral student in infectious diseases, and Mesha Mbisana, a doctoral student in analytical chemistry, were among the 30 African women awardees.
Bonolo Phinius was honoured for her research on the prevalence of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Botswana, and Mesha Mbisana was honoured for her research to improve safety of food crops by removing harmful toxins.
President Masisi noted that to increase women’s participation in science in Botswana, the National Research Fund is being set up to revolutionise the national research landscape in Botswana.
“Government is committed and ready to support all regional and global initiatives that are aimed at empowering and supporting participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects”.