Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Ibadan and Allied Research hosted its end of the year Luncheon/Dinner at Trenchard hall, University of Ibadan, where they highlighted their achievements and contributions to supporting women scientists. The event, themed “Glitz, Glam and Retro”, was held on Wednesday December 11th, 2024, and brought together an impressive gathering of women.

OWSD is an international organization founded in 1987 and based at the offices of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), in Trieste, Italy. It is a programme unit of UNESCO. OWSD is the first international forum to unite eminent women scientists from the developing and developed worlds with the objective of strengthening their role in the development process and promoting their representation in scientific and technological leadership. It provides research training, career development and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers. OWSD increases understanding of the role of science and technology in supporting women’s development activities.

Professor Aina O. Adeogun, the coordinator of the organization, discussed the various activities OWSD had undertaken throughout the year. These included organizing webinars, seminars, conferences, and visits to schools to educate young girls. The organization also provides support to its members, offers mentorship programs, and helps women scientists develop their research, writing, presentation, and leadership skills. “The organization organized webinar, seminar, conference, we visited girl child schools to educate them, and we support ourselves: The support of OWSD members, Executive, Welfare, Scientific, and Programs Committee is to ensure a unique science/research sustainability society” she says.

Professor Adeogun emphasized the importance of women scientists taking responsibility and leading the way in improving the state of science and research in the country. The organization also honored members who had achieved milestones during the year, such as promotions at work and childbirth, while acknowledging the loss of some members by providing support to their families. Additionally, OWSD hosted the first-ever South-West Conference and received significant support from the University of Ibadan's Vice Chancellor and management team.

“Our staff in each department show off responsibility and productivity, we hosted the first ever OWSD South-West Conference, we enjoy the tremendous support of the Vice chancellor and management team of the University of Ibadan, and to every other organizations, DGs that has been supportive in one way or the other, we say thank you”.

Expectations for the event were high, with attendees looking forward to having fun, networking, sharing experiences, and celebrating the achievements of women in the sciences. The event also provided an opportunity for women to discuss the challenges they face in their fields and how they can work together to overcome them.

One of the attendee said “Today, we are here to celebrate and be happy so I’m expecting to have lot of fun and relax, as women we have been working the whole year, also taking care of our families, it’s time to unwind, most importantly to network with people for more project because we have ladies in academia, researchers here in attendance”.

In an interview with CEOAFRICA, some of the women shared their thoughts on the organization and the event. They expressed that OWSD is an important platform for promoting and supporting women in the sciences, particularly in developing countries. The organization aims to empower women in scientific fields and provide them with opportunities for growth and advancement.

“OWSD is all about collaboration, it’s all about researchers in the whole of Oyo State, when we come together, we network, it is an avenue where professionals come together to rub minds, whatever we are taught when we apply them in homes, it goes a long way and also impact the society at large” Mrs Kemi stated.

According to Professor Anyawu, “OWSD is the first international medium to unite women scientists from the developing and developed world at different stages in their careers, it covers all institutions, parastatals around the West and Ibadan city; we have had seminars, webinars, and conferences like we do every year to empower us”.

The role of women in society was also discussed in the interview, with many participants emphasizing the importance of women's contributions to science and the need for greater recognition and support. “The role of women is enormous, it is unquantifiable, women are the key in everything you do, the society isn’t complete without women, and women are at the forefront in research because the way we reason is quite different from men”.

In addition to the insightful discussions and networking opportunities, attendees at the Luncheon/Dinner had a fantastic time. The event was filled with laughter and camaraderie as women in science came together to celebrate their achievements over the years. The theme added an element of fun, with the women dressed in their finest retro outfits and enjoying the vintage-inspired decor. The music had everyone on their feet, dancing the night away and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

At the dinner, members shared their experiences and gratitude towards the coordinator and the committee that worked tirelessly to make the event a success. “This is a great party, I hope we do this every year, I’ll like to specially thank the coordinator and the entire committee that put this together”.

“I am delighted to be here, I want to thank Prof. Adeogun, she is a bundle of energy, a woman in 10women, a fantastic communicator and also the team, we women should always come together like this once in a year, I am enjoying myself”.

Delicious food and drinks were aplenty, with a variety of dishes to cater to all tastes. From delectable appetizers to sumptuous main courses and decadent desserts, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The drinks flowed freely, adding to the festive spirit of the evening.

The event was a success, it served as a reminder of the valuable work OWSD is doing to support and empower women scientists in the region with attendees not only coming together to celebrate women in science but also having a great time in the process. The combination of meaningful conversations, fun activities, and delicious food and drinks made it a memorable night.