Words That Count

Words That Count We’re building an Africa where young girls and women thrive in STEM through shared experiences.

22/09/2025

🌸 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Motherhood shows up in many of the stories we share: sometimes as a challenge, sometimes as a source of , and often as both.

Our guests remind us that being a , wife, student, professional, and scientist can coexist, with support, mentorship, and love, making the journey possible.

These are some of the stories of the women redefining what it means to thrive in while nurturing the next generation.

Swipe through to read their words.

22/08/2025



The AIMS Research and Innovation Centre (AIMS RIC) is inviting applications for the Junior Research Chair in .
The successful candidate will:
🔹 Guide and mentor brilliant researchers, postdocs, PhDs, and Master’s students
🔹 Build an ambitious, high-quality research program
🔹 Contribute to teaching across AIMS Centres
🔹 Host international scientific events

This is also a space for growth with mentorship, collaboration through the Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen’s Cluster of Excellence in Machine Learning, and the possibility of promotion to (Senior) Research Chair.

We know how important it is for women to see themselves in these spaces. If this is you, click here to apply today: https://applications.aimsric.org/application/c2eff05e-f561-46e7-b672-5a9e66925a75

The deadline is 31st August 2025

As we continue to celebrate   whose journeys inspire change and redefine what’s possible in STEM, we introduce Dr. Fouts...
18/08/2025

As we continue to celebrate whose journeys inspire change and redefine what’s possible in STEM, we introduce Dr. Foutse Yuehgoh, a Cameroonian researcher whose work in AI and big data is breaking new ground.

As an alumna of AIMS Senegal, Foutse’s impact goes beyond research! She founded Kmer AI to promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing in AI in Cameroon. Through IndabaX-Cameroon and Wimlds - Yaoundé, she mentors women and girls to pursue careers in technology. Her story is proof that with vision, leadership, and representation, we can shape Africa’s data science future.

Discover her full journey here: https://wordsthatcount.org/african-women-in-data-science-foutse-yuehgoh/

11/08/2025

When asked what her favourite quote was, Dr Zanele Dinika responded: “Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live” by Mae Jemison. That was back in 2021, during her Words That Count interview session.

Today, Zanele has channeled her , curiosity, and passion into building her own empire, called Glow Dental Studio Zimbabwe. What began as a vision has now become a reality, reflecting her dedication to excellence and her commitment to serving her with skill and heart.

We are proud to have shared her story then, and even prouder to celebrate her now. Congratulations, Dr. Dinika, on this wonderful milestone. May Glow Dental Studio continue to shine brightly, inspiring others to dream boldly and work tirelessly to bring those dreams to life.

Find more about her STEM journey here: https://wordsthatcount.org/dentistry-chose-me-dr-zanele-f-y-dinika/

 Science for Africa Foundation is hiring a Senior Programme Officer – Research Management (DELTAS Africa). This is an ex...
04/08/2025



Science for Africa Foundation is hiring a Senior Programme Officer – Research Management (DELTAS Africa). This is an exciting opportunity for research professionals who are passionate about strengthening Africa’s scientific landscape and supporting African-led systems.

If you have a strong background in research management and a commitment to equity in , this role could be your next bold step. Your leadership, expertise, and voice are needed in shaping the future of research across the continent.

Apply via: https://scienceforafrica.foundation/vacancies/senior-programme-officer-research-management-deltas-africa

📅 Deadline: August 11, 2025

Here is our small but meaningful insight, drawn from years of listening to and telling the stories of African  .There ar...
01/08/2025

Here is our small but meaningful insight, drawn from years of listening to and telling the stories of African .

There are two tools every African scientist should always have:
📸 A professional photo
📝 A short, clear bio

These are small, practical tools that open unexpected doors. They help you show up ready when opportunity calls.

So, take that photo. Write that bio. Keep them close. Because, representation starts with being seen and heard.

In various STEM fields,   continue to lead with courage, clarity, and strength. Their journeys are shaped by resilience,...
30/07/2025

In various STEM fields, continue to lead with courage, clarity, and strength. Their journeys are shaped by resilience, grounded in purpose, and committed to creating space for others.

Today, we share five lessons drawn from the lived of some of these women, along with their reflections on self-belief, perseverance, community, and impact. Each one is a reminder that success is not always loud, but it is always intentional. To us, these are not just stories. They are blueprints.

See more stories on our website at www.wordsthatcount.org

28/07/2025

Since 2018, Words That Count has grown from just three stories to a collection of over 200 journeys from in STEM. Each tale reflects unique challenges, ambitions, and achievements, offering insight into the lived experiences shaping science and innovation across the continent. We do not measure this growth solely by numbers, but by the careers, futures, and opportunities these stories continue to inspire. Every woman we feature contributes to a richer, more accurate narrative of African excellence in STEM.

This progress would not be possible without the women who trusted us with their voices, and the community that continues to engage, share, and advocate for in STEM. We believe that representation drives meaningful change, and we remain committed to creating space for that change to grow.

To the next 200+: we see you. We stand with you. And we are only just beginning.

Read more: https://wordsthatcount.org/

Meet Doreen Kalembe, a Ugandan   whose career was sparked by a passion for biology and a curiosity about how diseases sp...
07/07/2025

Meet Doreen Kalembe, a Ugandan whose career was sparked by a passion for biology and a curiosity about how diseases spread and are managed.

Today, she is part of the global effort to improve public health through data, as part of her PhD research in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Georgia. Doreen’s journey is a powerful reminder of how in STEM are shaping a healthier future.

Read more about her journey, challenges, and victories on our website: https://wordsthatcount.org/women-in-epidemiology-and-biostatistics-doreen-k-kalembe/

As the world celebrates the International Year of Quantum 2025 (IYQ2025), there is no better time to spotlight   whose r...
09/06/2025

As the world celebrates the International Year of Quantum 2025 (IYQ2025), there is no better time to spotlight whose research is driving this field of emerging technologies forward.

Today, we feature Dr. Leila Zahhafi, a postdoctoral researcher in Quantum Computing at the AIMS Research and Innovation Centre in in igali. Her passion, intellect, and persistence are helping shape the future of this complex field across the African continent.

Learn more about her inspiring journey at https://wordsthatcount.org/women-in-quantum-computing-leila-zahhafi/

 Since 1998, the Fondation L'Oréal and UNESCO, through the  L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards, ha...
03/06/2025



Since 1998, the Fondation L'Oréal and UNESCO, through the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards, have recognized and supported eminent worldwide. Among these are some trailblazing African women like:

👩🏿‍🔬 Prof. Rose Leke (Cameroon)
👩🏾‍🔬 Prof. Catherine Ngila (Kenya)
👩🏾‍🔬 Dr. Priscilla Kolibea Mante, PhD (Ghana)
👩🏽‍🔬 Dr. Gladys Kahaka (Namibia)
👩🏾‍🔬 Dr. Khadijetou Lekweiry (Mauritania)
👩🏽‍🔬 Prof. Zohra Ben Lakhdar (Tunisia)

These women have exemplified the profound impact have on global research and innovation.

The 2026 edition of these awards is now accepting applications and nominations from women researchers in the fields of Life and Environmental Sciences. Are you or someone you know the next trailblazer?

Read more about the open call via https://www.forwomeninscience.com/challenge/show/139 before July 4, 2025

The Cartier Women's Initiative is accepting applications for their 2025 Regional Awards!If you are leading a for-profit ...
29/05/2025

The Cartier Women's Initiative is accepting applications for their 2025 Regional Awards!

If you are leading a for-profit that is making a real difference in your community, you belong in this room. This is not just about funding (though the grants of up to $100,000 help). It’s about visibility, , and being part of a global network that sees your work and takes it seriously.

The call is open to various regions across the globe, but in Africa, it is open to from Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa and Anglophone and Lusophone countries.

We want to see more African women founders in global spaces, and this is one of them. Read more & apply via: https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/regional-awards before June 24, 2025.

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