Reflections on the journey: SGCI gender and inclusivity initiative

Abstract

Dr Dikabo Mogopodi, lecturer at the University of Botswana, a member of the Botswana Academy of Science Secretariat and Secretary-General for Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World: Botswana chapter. In this interview, Dikabo Mogopodi highlights the need for greater participation of women in science communication-a need shown into sharp relief by the COVID-19 pandemic when communication about the science of the pandemic came predominantly from men. The situation prompted Mogopodi and her team to seek funding through the Network of African Science Academics (NASAC) to conduct research into advancing the role of women in science communication. The research project led to the development of training programmes aimed at raising awareness among women scientists about available media platforms, how to pitch ideas for stories, and to develop more confidence about writing and speaking for a public audience. The process produced "pleasant and unpleasant surprises", says Mogopodi. A pleasant surprise was the buy-in from government ministries, while an unpleasant surprise was the extent to which women were shown to be "missing" from academic publication statistics and seemed to be unaware of opportunities for grants, calls for proposals or to review journal articles. For Mogopodi, her hope is that women become "more visible" and "bold", and, in terms of leadership positions, "we want women not just to be heard but ... make decisions".