COACh: Challenges for Women Scientists in the Developing World

With global challenges such as climate change and the devastating effects of the global pandemic, there is an urgent need everywhere in the world to build a strong and capable technical workforce comprised of the best and brightest. Currently this workforce misses a large swath of our best and brightest, that being women scientists and engineers. They share a passion to use their talents to the betterment of mankind and to solve these difficult global issues. Yet the barriers are often so great that they give up or lose all confidence in their ability to make a difference. This is as true in the developing world as it is in the US. Through the COAChprogram that is working to increase the number and career success of women scientists around the globe, I have seen the incredible talents of thousands of women scientists in over two dozen countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. But I have also heard their stories of the challenges that they face in pursuing their scientific aspirations and dreams. My presentation will report on what I have learned from them and how important it is for all of us to work together to make sure that their incredible talents and capabilities are not left behind.