Breaking barriers and building bridges: exploring the resilience, success and mitigation factors aiding African women in science

Contemporary African women in science are dismantling the barriers that have long existed and coming up with new approaches. The chronology of African women in scientific careers is marked by numerous acts of courage and notable achievements. It demonstrates how they are eradicating barriers and creating bridges within their communities, with regard to education, mentorship, and support. There is still a long way to more equal representation, but there has been some progress. The article examines motivational factors driving success among African women scientists, mitigation factors enhancing African women’s career resilience in science, and the barriers limiting the career progression of African women in science. African women scientists are confronted with multifaceted barriers such as gender bias, cultural norms, economic constraints, insufficient institutional support and resource constraints. The article elucidates the importance of education and mentorship in amplifying African women’s voices in the science space. There is a need to foster environments that encourage women within organizations, institutions and communities, in pursuit of scientific careers. The support for opportunities in mentorship, education, and policies that include support for women, gender equity, diversity, flexibility, and a supportive community that ensures scientific success for all is paramount. While the world today looks towards science and technology to address many of the social, economic, and environmental issues affecting the globe, the focus on diversity and inclusion in science and technology will be the cornerstone in ‘Building a world for everyone.’