This collaborative programme is funded by the IAP  and led by a Women for Science (WfS) Working Group whose main goal is to  initiate activities that increase the profile and participation of African women scientists in national academies in membership and leadership roles. Women scientists must overcome cultural and other barriers that still exist in their career advancement, both in public and private sectors.  To do this, they must also work together with employers and the education sector, to identify ways and embed best practices such as role modeling and mentorship programmes. This initiative is one of the ways NASAC has advised science academies on remedies for the widespread under representation of women in science and technology space.

The WfS working group is a convening forum for women scientists in Africa which strives to apply the gender-lens in science and technology spaces. This is currently being done through shared experiences and priorities of academies by building gender capacity and input of women scientists into academies (involvement and recognition). Among the tools utilized to achieve this include networking, supporting and increasing the profile of women in science (visibility) as well as by encouraging the gender mainstreaming of science curricula in education to encourage pursuit of science-careers by girls in schools (role-models). The WfS Working Group have contributed to the publication of several reports, including:  Opinion Paper on Gender Perspective of Covid – 19 Pandemic in Africa, Women and Sustainable Development in Africa, Women In Science – Inspiring Stories from Africa and the International-Forum on Women and Sustainable Development in Africa report.