According to UNESCO, women account for only 30% of researchers in sub-Saharan Africa, and their share is even lower in positions of responsibility, even though the continent already accounts for only 2.5% of the world’s scientists. International Women’s Day is a reminder of the importance of highlighting and celebrating African women who excel in their scientific fields.

On a continent where young girls are less likely than elsewhere to embrace scientific careers, Hopscotch teams were proud to support the Foundation L’Oréal-UNESCO, working together to support and raise the profile of female talent as part of the For Women in Science program. On the occasion of its 14th edition in sub-Saharan Africa, the prize-giving ceremony was held in Kasane, Botswana. 25 female doctoral students and 5 female post-doctoral researchers received the L’Oréal-UNESCO Jeunes Talents prize in the presence of scientific personalities, prize-winners from previous years and representatives of the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO.

Hopscotch Africa, Hopscotch PR, and Hopscotch Event worked together to publicize the event, showcasing the talents and telling the stories of the 30 award-winning scientists in digital and audiovisual media and in magazines in the languages of the countries concerned, promoting the awards event in Africa and beyond through digital media, or embodying the project in international women’s media through a portrait of Alexandra Palt, Executive Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for the L’Oréal Group and Managing Director of the L’Oréal Foundation.

Together, on this mission, we helped break down barriers, shatter glass ceilings and create a brighter, more inclusive future for women scientists across Africa.

Take a look at some international (BBC News, Le Point..) and African coverage and interview highlights below: