Women in STEM-BW-WiS

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science are no longer futuristic concepts — they are the engines powering today’s globally dynamic economy.
From banking and healthcare to agriculture, climate innovation, telecommunications, and space technology, AI-driven systems are shaping how nations compete, grow, and lead. The question is no longer whether Africa will participate in this transformation — but how we will lead it.
Africa is home to one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations in the world. This presents an extraordinary opportunity: to build a generation of African women who are not just consumers of technology, but architects of AI systems, designers of data infrastructure, and decision-makers in global tech ecosystems.
However, leadership in AI requires more than technical skills. It requires mentorship, visibility, cross-border collaboration, and intentional support systems.
That is why Women in STEM-International (WiS) is hosting a powerful conversation:
Women in AI and Data Science: Advancing Careers, Mentorship and Support for African Women
Join us as we bring together distinguished professionals from the South African banking industry and the United States to discuss:
• Career pathways into AI, Data Engineering and Software Engineering
• Industry expectations in finance and global tech ecosystems
• Breaking barriers and navigating bias
• The role of mentorship and sponsorship
• Positioning African women for global leadership
Whether you are a student, early-career professional, industry leader, or policy stakeholder — this conversation is for you.
AI is not the future. It is the present.
And African women must be at the forefront of building it.
Register and be part of this continental and global dialogue.

Spotlight of the week: Ms Tumo Fortunate Kedumele, the Founder/CEO of Women in STEM Botswana! Check out the full interview here: https://wisinternational.org/blog/my-stem-and-space-industry-journey-an-interview-with-women-in-stem-wis-founder-and-ceo-tumo-fortunate-kedumele

You are invited to the Astrnomical Society of Botswana (ASB) Monthly webinar on the 29th January 2026 for a talk on Indigenous Astronomy of the San Community in Botswana.

Join here: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/32033502431734?p=u71qtuwEyyYa1Q2lqk
Meeting ID: 320 335 024 317 34
Passcode: bo9Nj3t6

Opportubity Alert for Secondary School Students/Graduate!!!

Students become AI-savvy and learn about the artificial intelligence (AI) they interact with every day, in our NEW track for Pathways: AI + Society!

The latest track in our free and virtual self-paced program for high schoolers gives students the knowledge to be an informed AI user in an AI-powered world. Whether they’re curious about the technology behind AI or want to use it more effectively, this track will help them understand how it works, and how to use it responsibly—no experience required!

1. They'll learn to think critically about the tools they interact with.
2. Explore what AI can and cannot do.
3. And discover how AI affects different people and communities.

Plus, Pathways connects them with other students and mentors who share their passion for tech in Girls Who Code's supportive, global community.

Apply here: https://girlswhocode.my.salesforce-sites.com/GWCEnrollment/apex/ERx_Forms__PageMaker?pageId=Welcome&utm_source=Campaign+Monitor&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=general_campaign_monitor

Radio Astronomy Advancement Programme (RAAP) - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory - NRF/SARAO [av_slide_full slide_type='image' id='29120' video='https://' mobile_image='' fallback_link='https://' title='Radio Astronomy Advancement Programme (RAAP) ' video_format='' video_ratio='16:9' caption_pos='caption_bottom'…

Women in STEM -International is partcipating on an Indigenous Astronomy project in Botswana and Namibia. A project facilitated by researchers from Botswana international University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Radboud University, Rhodes University and Office of Astronomy for Education in Botswana (OAE). The project was recently presented at the IAU Symposium on Indigenous Astronomy in the New Spece Age (IAUS 399) at the University of Melbourne, and in 2024 it was presented at the IAU General Assembly.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=WjWgmmF0GEk&feature=shared

Tumo Kedumele: Cultural Astronomy for Sustainable Development: San in Botswana & Namibia Cultural Astronomy for Sustainable Development: A study on Indigenous San Communities in Botswana and NamibiaTumo Fortunate Kedumele - Botswana Int. Univ. of...

Hello all... WiS- BW now has a WhatsApp channel that you can follow for more opportunities and news on all things STEM, Astro and Space!!!

whatsapp.com

SGAC Nigeria, Ethiopia, Namibia, and Botswana proudly presents:

FROM PASSION TO POLICY: BUILDING AFRICA'S NEXT GENERATION OF SPACE NEGOTIATORS

📍 Date: Saturday, 23rd August, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM UTC+1
📍 Venue: Zoom (Details will be shared)

Why join this conversation?
Africa stands at the threshold of a space policy revolution. With increasing interest in space exploration, satellite applications, and international negotiations, young Africans must be prepared not only to dream but to shape the rules, policies, and collaborations that will define our continent’s future in space.

At this webinar, we will:
✅ Explore how passion for space can translate into meaningful roles in policy and diplomacy.
✅ Highlight the skills, knowledge, and networks required to represent Africa on global negotiation tables.
✅ Discuss how mentorship, institutional support, and cross-border collaboration are essential in cultivating space policy leaders.

This isn’t just another webinar. It is a call to action for the next generation of African leaders, to ensure that Africa's voice is not only heard but also influential in shaping global space policy.

🔗 Secure your spot today!
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-the-next-generation-of-negotiators-registration-1537910324179?aff=oddtdtcreator

Space Generation Advisory Council STEMi Makers Africa World Space Week ESA - European Space Agency IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach

Are you an astronomy enthusiast? Or an amateur astronomer? Or an educator ? Or you just simply have an interest to make a difference in Botswana. Well here is an opportunity for you to learn, network, grow and contribute to the astronomy community in Botswana and the world.

The IAU- Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE) in Botswana is calling out for National Astronomy Education Coordinator (NAEC) Associates to join the OAE- BW Team.

You can apply to be a NAEC Associate here: https://forms.gle/uGftVa1ViM248wsS7

Happy International Day of Women & Girls in Science

Every year on 11th February, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS). This day highlights the vital role of women and girls in STEM fields, honoring their contributions while advocating for greater excess, representation and opportunities for the gender.

This year’s theme, “From Trajectory to Transition in Science” calls for an in-depth evaluation of traditional trajectory of STEM careers to transition them to more sustainable career paths, re-evaluate the opportunities they offer, the need to address gender imbalance and the celebration of women’s achievements in sciences.

In proud partnership with MacGillivray Freeman Films 🇺🇸, we hope to showcase the Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels film at schools in Gaborone, Moshupa and Kanye.

This will take students inside the wonders of the human body and the incredible breakthroughs in science and bioengineering that are changing the course of human health.

Get ready for:-
🧑‍🔬📚 Visitation to Schools
🎙️🧑‍🔬 Virtual meeting
🧑‍🔬🎬 Science Filmshow
🧑‍🔬🗣️Science talks with Scientists
For more information, contact 📧 [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]
Women in STEM-BW-WiS & STEMi Makers Africa