A PowerPack of SuperScientists: An innovative concept by African scientists to address gender bias and inequity in science

Wellcome Open Research

article

Maphe Mthembu¹  Omolara Baiyegunhi¹  Yanga Mdleleni²  Lerato Ndlovu¹  Hannah Keal¹  Kim Waddilove¹  Justin C. Yarrow⁴  Victoria Kasprowicz¹  Thumbi Ndung'u¹  Emily B. Wong¹ 

[1] Africa Health Research Institute;University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine;HIV Pathogenesis Programme, The Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal;CodeMakers NPC - SuperScientists;Ragon Institute of MGH;Harvard Medical School;Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London;Division of infectious Diseases, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham

关键词: Gender equity;    African science;    Intersectionality;    Bias;    Early career scientists;   

DOI  :  10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17668.2

学科分类：内科医学

来源: Wellcome

【 摘 要 】

Underrepresentation of women in scientific leadership is a global problem. To understand and counter narratives that limit gender equity in African science, we conducted a public engagement campaign. Scientists representing six sub-Saharan African countries and multiple career stages used superhero imagery to create a diverse and unified team advocating for gender equity in science. In contrast to many traditional scientific environments and global campaigns, this “PowerPack of SuperScientists” was led by early-career Black female scientists whose perspectives are often under-represented in discussions about gender equity in science. The superhero imagery served as a powerful and fun antidote to imposter syndrome and helped to subvert traditional power structures based on age, race and sex. In an interactive social media campaign, the PowerPack developed insights into three themes: a) cultural stereotypes that limit women’s scientific careers, b) the perception of a “conflict” between family and career responsibilities for women scientists, and c) solutions that can be adopted by key stakeholders to promote gender equity in African science. The PowerPack proposed solutions that could be undertaken by women working individually or collectively and interventions that require allyship from men, commitment from scientific institutions, and wider societal change. Further work is required to fully engage African scientists from even more diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds and institutions in these solutions and to enhance commitment by different stakeholders to achieving gender equity in science. Our experience suggests that creative tools should be used to subvert power dynamics and bring fresh perspectives and urgency to this topic.

【 授权许可】

CC BY