UNESCO Expands Mentorship Opportunities for Sudanese Women Scientists

UNESCO is expanding mentorship and research collaboration opportunities for Sudanese women scientists as conflict and displacement disrupt the country’s scientific community. The project, through regional collaborations, seeks to enhance professional relationships, support women's research careers, and help them contribute to Sudan's scientific rehabilitation.

The UNESCO Sudan Office, in cooperation with UNESCO Cairo Office and the Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), organized a two-day hybrid event for engaging Sudanese stakeholders in the Arab Women in Science Platform on October 12.

The event was held on 12-13 October to highlight the success of the first Arab Women in Science (AWSci) Co-Mentorship Program, to acknowledge the work of volunteer mentors, and to initiate the second cycle of the program for 2026-2027. The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and developing scientific cooperation, professional development and regional scientific partnerships.

Key Highlights

• UNESCO connects Sudanese women scientists with regional mentorship opportunities
• Research partnerships aim to strengthen professional networks and scientific collaboration
• Proposed working group seeks to advance Sudanese women researchers’ participation

The first day emphasized the experiences and professional need of Sudanese women scientists, where they all discussed the challenges they faced, to share knowledge and look for ways to enhance the role of women in scientific research in Sudan.

UNESCO Sudan Office organized the participation of Khartoum and Alexandria with regional scientific networks and mentorship to reach Sudanese stakeholders. These linkages are especially significant in view of ongoing displacement and conflict threatening access to research institutions, scientific resources and professional collaboration.

Importance of mentorship, networking and research partnerships for women scientists to maintain their careers and continue contributing to scientific development was highlighted. These opportunities can facilitate knowledge transfer, foster professional development and ensure the continuity of collaborations with the broader scientific community in difficult times.

Participants also discussed enhancing research cooperation between Sudan and Egypt. Opportunities for collaboration may include sharing scientific experiences, creating professional networks and linkages between female scientists from both countries. Such partnerships could expand access to regional research networks and create opportunities for joint scientific initiatives.

An important outcome envisaged through the discussions is the establishment of a Sudanese Women Scientists Working Group linked to UNESCO’s international scientific platforms.

A networked community of women scientists could be a crucial pathway for maintaining access to scientific research for women scientists in Sudan, where work has been disrupted and they are displaced from their homes. By facilitating communication and cooperation, the proposed initiative seeks to support knowledge sharing and create opportunities for women researchers to contribute their expertise to scientific development.

Women scientists have an important role in rebuilding Sudan’s research capacity, strengthening scientific institutions and addressing the country’s development challenges. Maintaining their access to professional networks, mentorship and research partnerships is therefore significant to the future of Sudan’s scientific community.

Through cooperation with the UNESCO Cairo Office, AASTMT and national stakeholders, UNESCO Sudan is working to expand opportunities for women researchers to remain connected to the wider scientific community. The Arab Women in Science Platform provides a regional framework for advancing these efforts through mentorship, networking and scientific collaboration.

By connecting Sudanese researchers with regional and international networks, these initiatives seek to promote inclusive scientific development and help women scientists continue contributing to Sudan’s recovery and future research landscape.