Today, 29th April 2025, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), in collaboration with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Botswana Academy of Science (BAS), and funded by UNESCO, proudly hosted the Postgraduate Female Research Fees Scholarship Awards in Gaborone.

 

The event is part of the transformative project: "Increasing Scientific Expertise and the Prominence of Females in STEM Academia and Research for a Knowledge-Based Economy."

 

In his opening remarks, BUAN Vice Chancellor Professor Ketlhatlhogile Mosepele emphasized the power of empowering women in science, echoing Kofi Annan’s words: “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.” He highlighted the gender disparities in STEM and reaffirmed BUAN’s commitment to changing the narrative: “To empower a woman is to empower a nation.”

 

A special tribute was paid to Dr Motlalepula Tait, the project’s Principal Investigator and Chairperson. “Doc, academics like you give meaning and value to institutions of higher learning,” said Prof Mosepele. “Empowered women empower the world.”

 

Ms Gloria Baitshepi from the Botswana National Commission for UNESCO shared valuable insights on funding opportunities, emphasizing the organization’s support for projects that prioritize education, gender equality, and natural sciences—especially in STEM, where women’s representation remains at just 30%.

 

Dr Tait presented an overview of the project, underlining the importance of acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges women face in academia. “We believe in diversity and inclusivity,” she said, “but also in equipping women with the tools to succeed.”

 

Three BUAN students were awarded research funding as follows:

 

Ompelege Matenanga (PhD) – “The development of functional yoghurt using indigenous plants in Botswana” – P100,000

 

Kelebonye Ramolekwa (PhD) – “Dissecting gamma-irradiated induced polygenic mutation associated with yield and nutritional value in cowpea” – P100,000

 

Galalea Gaonosi – “Screening and introgression of Aphis craccivora resistance into cowpea” – P70,000

 

To boost academic publishing, three more students were awarded P10,000 each for publishing support:

 

Linda Mpofu-Dobo (BUIST)

 

Kelemogile Mmolawa (UB)

 

Rejoice Molosiwa (UB)

 

Additionally, a capacity-building workshop on academic publishing will be held for other students, ensuring wider impact.

 

As we celebrate these remarkable milestones, we leave you with this powerful reminder from Prof Ishmael Basesane, President of BAS:

“Believe in yourself. You are capable. Let’s continue creating opportunities for women to rise.”

 

#WomenInSTEM #BUAN #OWSD #UNESCO #STEMforWomen #EmpoweredWomen #ResearchExcellence #BotswanaScience #ScholarshipAward #STEMLeadership