Women building the scientific and digital future of West and Central Africa.
Women-In-WACREN trains, connects and funds women in STEM across the region — turning students, researchers and early-career professionals into innovators, makers and technology leaders.
A regional response to the gender gap in STEM
Launched in 2018, Women-In-WACREN (WiW) is WACREN's initiative to address gender inequality and the under-representation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics across West and Central Africa.
We work through the region's National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), universities and research institutions — the same infrastructure that carries Africa's research data — to reach women where they already study and work.
Train
Hands-on technical workshops in Python, physical computing, IoT, AI, open science and climate data analysis.
Connect
A regional Community of Practice for mentorship, peer learning and cross-border collaboration between programmes.
Innovate
Structured innovation labs where women build digital solutions to challenges in their own communities.
Upcoming events
Mentorship, Sponsorship and Networks: What Actually Move Women Forward in STEM?
This webinar will explore how mentorship, sponsorship and professional networks can help women in STEM gain visibility, access opportunities, build confidence and advance their careers.
Climate Innovation Lab 2026
Teams of women move from problem identification to working prototype, with mentorship throughout — building digital solutions to climate challenges in the region.
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, Nigeria
Voices of Women-in-WACREN
Hear from the researchers, innovators, and leaders who have participated in our programmes.
“The WiW initiative not only built my capacity in quantitative analysis using Python but was also very inspiring - to have women who have accomplished great feats in the same room with you, teaching and sharing their experiences with you, is priceless!”
Henrietta Ampofo
Ghana“Amazing experience … We set up a weather station. Despite the challenges, we configured the raspberry pi, got the wind speed of our anemometer working.”
Eletta Adeola
Nigeria“Before joining the WiW initiative, I struggled to find female mentors in my field. Through the Community of Practice, I have not only found mentors but also built lifelong friendships that propel my career forward.”
Rasmata Simpore
Burkina Faso“The technical clinics alone provided insights that helped our institution secure critical funding for the year.”
Partner name
Institution · Country“Finding mentors who look like me and understand the context has been a total game changer for my career trajectory.”
Participant name
Role · Country“The WiW initiative not only built my capacity in quantitative analysis using Python but was also very inspiring - to have women who have accomplished great feats in the same room with you, teaching and sharing their experiences with you, is priceless!”
Henrietta Ampofo
Ghana“Amazing experience … We set up a weather station. Despite the challenges, we configured the raspberry pi, got the wind speed of our anemometer working.”
Eletta Adeola
Nigeria“Before joining the WiW initiative, I struggled to find female mentors in my field. Through the Community of Practice, I have not only found mentors but also built lifelong friendships that propel my career forward.”
Rasmata Simpore
Burkina Faso“The technical clinics alone provided insights that helped our institution secure critical funding for the year.”
Partner name
Institution · Country“Finding mentors who look like me and understand the context has been a total game changer for my career trajectory.”
Participant name
Role · CountryInsights & News
Stories from the ground, upcoming events, and updates from the WiW community across West and Central Africa.
Mentorship, Sponsorship and Networks: What Actually Move Women Forward in STEM?
This WiW webinar explores the practical differences between mentorship, sponsorship and networking — and how each can contribute to the growth of women in STEM.
Women-In-WACREN Call for Facilitators
Women-in-WACREN is seeking volunteer facilitators for the Climate Innovation Lab 2026 to guide multidisciplinary teams in building digital climate solutions.
Women-In-WACREN Call for Mentors
Women-in-WACREN is looking for mentors (men & women) to volunteer to support teams in the Climate Innovation Lab 2026 as they build digital solutions to climate challenges.