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To mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, CORAF organized a webinar on"Women in Scientific Leadership in West and Central Africa: their Inspiring Stories". The event brought together around 100 participants to discuss the crucial role of women in agricultural research. The webinar welcomed women leaders in agricultural research as panellists sharing their experiences, underlining the crucial importance of women's inclusion in the agricultural sector.

Among the panelists were Prof. Aichatou ASSOUMANE, Director General of Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of the Republic of Niger; Prof. Aïssatou Dramé YAYE, President of the CORAF Scientific and Technical Committee; Prof. Mauricette OUALI N'GORAN, Vice-President of the CORAF Scientific and Technical Committee; Prof. Fonteh Florence ANYANGWE, Secretary General of the CORAF Scientific and Technical Committee; and Prof. Fonteh Florence ANYANGWE, Secretary General of the CORAF Scientific and Technical Committee. Mauricette OUALI N'GORAN, Vice-President of the CORAF Scientific and Technical Committee; Prof. Fonteh Florence ANYANGWE, Secretary General of the CORAF Scientific and Technical Committee; and Dr. Mariam Maiga, CORAF Regional Gender and Social Development Advisor.

"It is important to include women in the agricultural sector as their involvement is essential to achieving food security in Africa," said Dr Angela MORENO, Chair of CORAF's Board of Directors in her introductory remarks to the webinar. This statement set the tone for the exchanges that followed, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing women in agricultural research.

The contributions of the various speakers highlighted the crucial role of science and agricultural research in the development of the sector, underlining the need for an inclusive and gender-sensitive sector. Dr. Mariame Maiga of CORAF, in her speech, called for the specific needs of men and women to be taken into account in the development of agricultural technologies, stressing the importance of reducing the drudgery of work for women and adapting seed varieties to their preferences. " The aim is to facilitate women's access to decision-making positions in agricultural research and development systems," emphasizes Dr Maiga.

She also shared data on CORAF's commitment to women. The BIORISKS project is currently being implemented, with 38% of women benefiting from post-graduate scholarships in sociology and virology in the countries where the project is being implemented, as well as training in scientific writing and leadership. Another current CORAF initiative, the ABEE project, has encouraged the recruitment of 40% women technicians in varietal selection, to name but a few.

Prof. Aissatou Yayé Dramé's contributions highlighted the challenges faced by women in their professional careers, including the obstacles associated with reconciling family life and a scientific career. She emphasized " the importance of promoting equal opportunities in the agricultural sector through measures such as open days, community vegetable gardens and special scholarships for women scientists".

This webinar was an opportunity to share the experiences of women leaders in research with participants. The discussions and recommendations emanating from this webinar organized by CORAF will serve as inspiration to strengthen the involvement of women and girls in this sector of agricultural research.