Ikechukwu OLEKA’s Post

Taking some time today to reflect on this panel that I was delighted to be a part of last night along with Dr Shoba Dawson, Neelam Heera - Shergill, Rubi Rodriguez Nieto, and Dr Eliana Mattos Lacerda, and wonderfully guided by Beatriz Lacerda Ratton. Just an hour and a half of my evening, but the impact of it will stay with me for far longer. Having community researchers, patients, academic researchers, community group members and organisers in conversation together was so powerful - a group of women from various backgrounds and experiences, all pushing for change and demanding better from the health research we have seen for decades. Some of my takeaways: - The systems we are working within are working exactly as intended. They were not built with inclusivity in mind. We are often working to edit and tweak structures that were originally designed with a colonial mindset. - The work we do to improve health for everyone is inherently linked to the political and social landscapes that surround us. With the cost of living putting pressure on everyone, asking people to contribute to research is likely not a priority, and we are also risking complicated ethics when people are struggling to pay their bills and research participation will (and should!) pay them. - Many community organisations may never have intended to work in the health space; they are involved and engaged in this work because their concerns and requests are continually overlooked. They are mobilising because they have been failed. That all sounds bleak, but I left feeling quite the opposite. We are all pushing in the same direction, it's only a matter of time before change happens 🙌

Women in science We read and hear so much on this. There are schemes dedicated to it. And recognition. These initiatives and opportunities are important and it is wonderful that they are here. But #womeninscience needs to rise above tokenism. It is surprising how much struggle there is for women across most professional spheres, definitely not restricted to science alone. How sometimes women professionals themselves are the greatest enforcers of bias on other women in the field. We must ask ourselves how far have we actually come? I shared my perspectives in the article in first comment - going from the days of Mileva Einstein (Einstein’s first wife) to Kaitlin Kariko.

The key objectives of the World Forum Women in Science include envisioning tomorrow's science for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering new partnerships for sustainable futures. It aims to support gender equality in science.

Our last snippet of advice for young women in science comes from Piao Li, Marketing Manager. Hear what she had to say for #InternationalWomensDay2024.

Check out the latest blog post written by the incredible Prof. Lois M. Semenye, PhD., an Associate at WCIU's Women's Institute. Don't miss out on this powerful read. Click the link to dive into our latest post now! https://hubs.ly/Q02K6xlG0

Empowering Women in Science: Breaking Barriers, Driving Change, and Navigating Success Join us as we celebrate Women in Science with our virtual discussion, where we'll discuss: 🔹Championing Women in Science: How can we help women thrive in science? 🔹Driving Change: How can we close the gender gap and promote greater visibility and representation of women in science? 🔹Navigate The Future: How can women steer their own careers in the science industry? Register today: https://hubs.la/Q02m1C2H0 #WomenInScience

Inspire the Next Generation! Learn more about these remarkable women and their contributions to science. Comment below on how you are making history with your contributions to science and technology! #WomenInSTEM #WomensHistoryMonth #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion

Excited to share our new report, "Initiatives for Empowering Women in Science & Technology: A Critical Evaluation" 🚀🔬📊. With actionable insights and in-depth analysis, it’s designed for anyone committed to advancing women’s participation in science and technology. Special thanks to my colleagues at CSIR-NIScPR and my Project PIs and Co-PIs for their unwavering support and expertise! 👉 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gdSC3jff #STEM #WOMEN #CSIR #NIScPR #Report