Women in Science

Bats without Borders is committed to supporting and promoting women in (bat) science working on African bats, particularly those working in southern Africa. Women are globally underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and given the gender inequality in science, we are excited to be working with an early career committee to develop opportunities to network and support women working on African bat research and conservation.

To sign up to the mailing list for information on events and networking opportunities, please click on the button below:

Women in (bat) Science mailing list

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first WiBS event!

Our first 'Women (bat) in Science' Indaba

Bats without Borders celebrated our first 'Women in (bat) Science' event as part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Our speakers provided a snapshot of the work they do. Please scroll down to watch their presentations.

The event was open to all and we welcomed attendees to come together to celebrate the great work being carried out by Women in (bat) Science working on African bats.

To ensure our events are inclusive, they are free to attend but there is an option to make a donation. As a small NGO, we heavily rely on donations and would really appreciate any donation if you are in a position to do so.

Keynote speaker
Dr Dina Dechmann - Max Planck Institute (Germany) - Dina's work is global and includes bat research working across Africa

Wonderful line up of speakers

Dr Leigh Richards - Durban Natural Science Museum (South Africa)
Dr Marike Geldenhys - University of Pretoria (South Africa)
Alexandra Howard - University of Free State (South Africa)
Siphesihle Magagula - University of Eswatini
Ana Gledis da Conceição - Gorongosa National Park / Administração Nacional das Áreas de Conservação-ANAC= National Administration of Conservation Areas (Mozambique)
Damilare Ayokunle - Bowen University (Nigeria)

To see the full programme, please download the PDF below. You can also catch up (or rewatch) the great selection of talks on our via our YouTube channel, please see below. The talks have been divided up for easier viewing.

wibs_2023_indaba.pdf
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"This was an amazing experience and thanks to the team for supporting me throughout considering it was my first time being a speaker in a huge platform"

"A conference like #WiBS2023, completely focused on women in bat science provided a valuable platform for promoting diversity and inclusivity in the field, along with a space for women scientists to share their work, experiences and perspectives, and to connect with other women who share their interests and passions.

This conference not only provided opportunities for attendees to learn about the latest research and advancements in a specific field, as well as network with other professionals and experts. It also posed as an opportunity to raise awareness about the important role that bats play in ecosystems and the challenges that they face, as well as to inspire the next generation of women scientists." - Anindita Deka

"WiBS2023 was particular because of its origin! It all started with the symposium and this is proof that we were all listened to and understood above all!"

"I'm an Environmentalist and graduate of Environmental Studies. This is my second webinar with the 'Bats Without Boarders' organisation and I must say it was nothing short of my expectations. Being an emerging scientist myself, seeing all those women in science going so well really encouraged me to continue with the scientific path.

I learned so much about bats and one thing that interested me knowing they have an important role in balancing our ecosystems. My aim is to study these wonderful animals and their ecological functions in depth. The webinar was most definitely very insightful. Thank you so much to all the organisers and presenters. Looking forward to more events like this." - Chiti