Empowering Women in STEM towards the Sustainable Development of Africa.
November 4-8, 2024, Kigali, Rwanda
Event Overview
Rwandan Association for Women in STEM (RAWISE) is hosting the African Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists (ACWES) on November 4-8, 2024, Kigali, Rwanda, in partnership with the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES) and AIMS in Rwanda ( AIMS Rwanda & AIMS RIC).
The conference aims to attract and retain women in STEM, serving as a catalyst for Africa’s sustainable development. ACWES 2024 will focus on empowering women in STEM fields working in industry, NGO, academia, research, etc., fostering gender equality and addressing societal challenges.
The event will be co-hosted by the RAWISE, Africa Regional Network of INWES and AIMS, and aligns with their missions to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.
This two-and-a-half-day (2.5 Days) event will feature workshops, mentoring, seminars, and networking opportunities. It will equip women and girls with skills to pursue STEM careers and support the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The event also aims to amplify women’s voices in STEM leadership, particularly in decision making roles, and foster international collaboration.
Objectives
● Building Capacity and Expanding Opportunities: Broaden STEM education and career opportunities for young women.
● Mentorship: Offer guidance to young African women in STEM to dismantle gender stereotypes.
● Empowering Voices: Enable young African women in STEM to engage in decision-making on science and engineering issues.
● International Collaboration: Foster global connections to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration.
● Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate the sharing of research findings related to the conference’s sub-themes.
● Strengthened Networks: Expand the INWES Africa Regional Network (ARN) and its impact.
Key Themes and Topics
● Humanitarianism and Engineering
● Science and Engineering Communication
● Gender-responsive Policies, Leadership, and Advocacy
● Emerging Technologies and Innovations
● Sustainable Systems for Food Security and Health
● Discoveries in Fundamental Research
Sub-Themes for Presentation Sessions
● Climate science for sustainability
● Strategies towards reduction of gender disparity in STEM
● Sustainable Systems for Food Security and Nutrition
● Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development
● Innovations and Entrepreneurship in STEM
● Science innovations for better health and wellbeing
● Discoveries in Fundamental Research
Anticipated Outcomes
● Increased Participation: More young women engaged in STEM education and careers across Africa.
● Professional Development: Advanced career prospects through mentorship and support networks.
● Active Engagement: Empower young African women in STEM to participate in discussions and decision-making on science and engineering issues.
● Enhanced Skills: Improved communication, collaboration, and innovation abilities in STEM.
● International Connections: Strengthened partnerships across African and global STEM communities.
● Strengthened INWES ARN: Greater awareness and impact of INWES ARN across Africa.
● Dissemination of Training Materials: Distribution of materials from workshops and seminars to member organizations.
● Policy Recommendations: Propose inclusive, diverse, and equitable STEM environments to attract, retain, and advance women scientists, ensuring their full participation in Africa’s development.
Registration and Abstract Submission
ACWES 2024 welcomes abstracts for 15-minute oral presentations and electronic posters under the following sub-themes: Climate Science for Sustainability, Strategies Towards Reduction of Gender Disparity in STEM, Sustainable Systems for Food Security and Nutrition, Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development, Innovations and Entrepreneurship in STEM, Science Innovations for Better Health and Wellbeing, Discoveries in Fundamental Research.
Submitted abstracts should be:
- Original research, not previously published,
- Must not exceed 300 words (excluding title, author(s), institutional affiliation, and contact details).
- Abstracts should include the following: Title (max 30 words, bold), Relevant sub-theme, Author(s) (presenting author(s) in bold and underlined), Institutional affiliation(s) and city for each author, Summary of the presentation.
- The format should be in Times New Roman, font size 12, single-spaced. The official language of the conference is English.
The Scientific Committee will review all abstracts, and notifications of acceptance will be
sent by October 18, 2024. Detailed guidelines for presenting electronic posters will be
provided after acceptance. Selected papers will be published in a suitable journal.
Key Dates:
Abstract Submission
Notification of Acceptance
Registration
Paper/PowerPoint Submission
Registration Fees
Registration fees, received by RAWISE, will cover meals, conference materials, and participation costs.
Registration Fees:
● $100 for general participants
● Fee waiver for Rwandan students and early-career researchers and engineers (less than 10 years of experience)
● 10% discount for members of the organizing party
Venue and Logistics
Details on the event venue, travel, and accommodation recommendations will be provided closer to the event. A virtual participation option will be available for those unable to attend in person. A Google Map will also be provided for easy navigation.
REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN ON OCTOBER 1st 2024
Organizers
Sponsors
Contact
Contact Information
● Email: acwes.events@gmail.com
● Tel: +250 791430292 | +250 788465646
English