12 Scientists Across Sub-Saharan Africa Honored By L'Oréal-UNESCO

Science knows no boundaries, and that includes gender as well as age. African women have once again displayed inventiveness and excellence when it comes to the sciences. The L'Or�al Foundation and UNESCO are proud to announce the recipients of the 2015 L'Or�al-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Fellowships.

"For the last 17 years, with the For Women In Science program, we have been fighting to advance the cause of women scientists worldwide. Much has been achieved: more than 2,000 women have been recognized worldwide, the program has gained recognition from the international scientific community, a springboard to enable women to go further and rise to greater heights. Science is part of our DNA and we are really proud of all the women who continue to make a difference in Africa through our program," said Sandeep Rai, Managing Director of L'Or�al South Africa.

Through the great diversity of their research, this year's Sub-Saharan African Fellows highlight the changing face of scientific research and the new disciplines that are continually emerging, forging the next generation of For Women in Science fellows. These young researchers share the thrill of curiosity and discovery, and are strong believers that science can change the world.

As part of the program, 12 female scientists from across Sub-Saharan Africa have been honored for their work and impact in the scientific field. This year we received applications from 19 Countries which is testament to the increasing awareness of the program and our commitment to advancing women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

The recipients of the Post-Doctoral Fellowships of 10,000 Euros each are:

-Rasheedat Mahamood (Nigeria) - University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Zebib Yunus- iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa
; Jandeli Niemand- University of Pretoria, South Africa.

The recipients of the Doctoral Fellowships of 5,000 Euros each are:

Nomvano Mketo -- University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Gaelle Kafira KO -- Laboratory for Solar Energy and Energy Savings (LESEE), Burkina Faso; Shobna Sawry -- University of Witwatersrand, Institute of Reproductive Health and HIV, South Africa; Majidah Hamid-Adiamoh -- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia and the University of Lagos, Nigeria; Jinal Bhiman -- University of Witwatersrand, �South Africa; Olubokola Adenubi (Nigeria) -- University of Pretoria, South Africa; Olotu Ifeoluwa (Nigeria) -- University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Danielle Twilley -- University of Pretoria, South Africa; Edith Chepkorir -- International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Kenya.

The scientific research areas covered by this year's fellows are varied and include studies in the fields of life and engineering sciences, food and water security as well as health. New and emerging areas include laser science, nanotechnology, renewable energy and climate change science. These research studies are aimed at addressing the new sustainable development goals and building a sustainable future and planet.�

The L'Or�al-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa program in partnership with UNESCO's African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI) has reached many women across Africa. Dr. Peggy Oti-Boateng, ANSTI Coordinator and one of this year's judges, reinforced the need for "science for a sustainable future, we want female scientists to be counted."

The prestigious Awards Ceremony where fellows were presented with the fellowship took place on the evening of December 2 at The Venue in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. �

This year L'Or�al South Africa is honored to also have an International Laureate from the 2016 L'Or�al-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Associate Scientific Director: CAPRISA, PI: CAPRISA Clinical Trials Unit, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology Columbia University and Honorary Professor in Public Health,�University of KwaZulu-Natal.�

Professor Abdool Karim was chosen from the Africa & Arab States region for her remarkable contribution to the prevention and treatment of HIV and associated infections, greatly improving the quality of life of women in Africa. She will be honoured at a global ceremony in France in March 2016.

Our past awardees have gone on to achieve extraordinary things; Ameenah Gurib-Fakim our 2007 international laureate was recently appointed as president of the Republic of Mauritius. This is a significant accolade as a woman in the science field and will enhance her role in developing the SADC region.

The South African scientist Adriana Marais was selected as an International Rising Talent where 15 young women researchers were honored at the global event. Each in her field, these women are searching for new ways to tackle the environmental and health challenges. In addition to this, Adriana was selected from more than 200,000 applicants as one of 100 potential astronauts shortlisted for a one-way expedition to Mars.

Created in 2007, the L'Or�al Corporate Foundation is committed to making the world more beautiful through everyday actions. Drawing on the Group's values and professional expertise, the L'Or�al Foundation aims to reinforce and perpetuate the Group's commitment to responsible citizenship.
The L'Or�al Foundation is active in two main areas: supporting scientific research and the role of women in science and helping vulnerable people regain self-esteem and social reintegration through beauty.

The L'Or�al Corporate Foundation created the For Women in Science program in partnership with UNESCO in 1998 with the aim of increasing the representation of women in global scientific circles. Since then, more than 2,000 women scientists from across the globe have been distinguished by the L'Or�al-UNESCO Awards or supported in pursuing their careers through the various fellowship programs. In 2009, two previous FWIS laureates were awarded Nobel Prizes in chemistry and medicine, bearing testimony to the impact of the Foundation's influence on scientific research.

Four tiers of the L'Or�al-UNESCO For Women in Science program:

1. L'Or�al-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate Awards: Only five women globally -- one leading woman per continent -- receive this prestigious award every year and these outstanding scientists are known as Laureates. The award is for accomplished scientists who are honored for their impact in the field of science.

2. L'Or�al-UNESCO International Rising Talents recognizes the fifteen best fellows each year selected among the winners of the national or regional fellowships covering each of the five regions: Africa & Arab States, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America.

3. L'Or�al-UNESCO National Fellowship Program: These fellowships anchor the For Women in Science program in 47 countries around the world where L'Or�al has a subsidiary, and thus assures the management and promotion of the program.

In 2010, the L'Or�al-UNESCO For Women in Science partnership started the For Women in Science Regional Fellowships including the L'Or�al-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Fellowship programme. The objective of the Regional Fellowships is to bring support to young women pursuing scientific careers in dozens of countries throughout the world where L'Or�al does not have a subsidiary. The Sub-Saharan Africa Fellowship program covers 49 countries.