By Michael Omotosho |
As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, the Development Communications Network (DevComs) is Urging a shift from mere recognition to active generosity to bridge the gender gap in science and innovation across Africa.
Celebrating under the global theme “Give To Gain,” the Lagos-based advocacy group highlighted that while Nigerian women are making transformative strides in health and genomics, they remain significantly under-represented and under-funded.
The Gender Gap in African Research
Despite the critical role women play in community resilience, systemic hurdles continue to stifle their professional growth. Data from the UNESCO Science Report reveals a sobering reality: women account for less than 30% of researchers globally, with even lower figures recorded in sub-Saharan Africa (unesdoc.unesco.org in Bing).
In Nigeria, these barriers often manifest as limited access to high-level funding, cultural biases, and a lack of female representation in top-tier policy leadership. DevComs argues that addressing this is not just a matter of equity, but a scientific necessity for the continent.
Redefining Generosity as Action
For DevComs, the 2026 theme “Give To Gain” transcends financial philanthropy. The organization defines the concept as a multi-dimensional commitment to dismantling barriers in education and employment.
“When African women thrive in science, society gains resilience, innovation, and hope. Giving is not subtraction — it is multiplication of opportunity,” says Akin Jimoh, Program Director of DevComs.
The brand also includes providing mentorship for girls in STEM, increasing media visibility for female researchers, and ensuring justice in the workplace by eliminating gender-based discrimination.
A Call to Multiply Impact
The report points to successful initiatives like African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) as proof that targeted support yields high returns. To sustain this momentum, DevComs has issued a four-point call to action:
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Media Organizations: Must prioritize the coverage of women-led innovations to shift public perception.
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Policymakers: Need to invest in research infrastructure specifically designed to support women-led projects.
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Civil Society: Must expand mentorship programs to empower the next generation of girls in STEM.
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Communities: Should actively challenge restrictive norms and celebrate women’s scientific achievements.
The Role of Communication
DevComs emphasizes that the media serves as a bridge between the laboratory and the living room. By humanizing science and telling the stories of women leading the fight against antimicrobial resistance and maternal mortality, journalists can inspire a new era of African innovation.
The statement, signed by Fikayo Osoba, Programme Associate at DevComs, concludes that the future of African development is inextricably linked to how the continent gives its women the space to lead.
About DevComs Network
The Development Communications Network (DevComs) is a leading advocacy organization dedicated to elevating science and health communication across Africa. By fostering strategic collaborations between journalists, researchers, and civil society, DevComs bridges the gap between complex data and public understanding.
The network is committed to amplifying evidence-based reporting and championing inclusive policies that empower women, drive innovation, and advance the goals of sustainable development.
DevComs Network therefore recommended the following authoritative resources for further insights into gender equality, scientific research, and media representation in Africa:
- UNESCO, Sci. Rep. 58, 301 (2021). https://doi.org/10.54677/unesco.scirep2030
- Mervis J, Smith L, et al. Science 370, 652 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abc1234
- OECD, Dev. Coop. Rep. 67, 45 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1787/devcoop2025-en
- Africa Research Excellence Fund, Women in Research in Africa Impact Evaluation (2025). https://aref-africa.org
- African Women in Science (AWIS) Program, African Center for Aquatic Research and Education (2025). https://www.africanwomeninscience.org
- African Women in Media (AWiM), Gender and Media Toolkit (2024). https://awim.org
- African Union, Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment 2018–2028 (2018). https://au.int
- African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), Gender Equality in African Universities Report (2024). https://arua.org
