Brief on Women in Science Without Borders Initiative (WISWB)
Women in Science Without Borders (WISWB) is a gender inclusive initiative and network of scientists from over 60 countries world-wide. The aim is to integrate scientists, in the development of the society by encouraging inclusion of both males and females in scientific collaborations and projects, making scientific merit and excellence the only criteria of evaluation of scientists. This initiative was mainly founded to help in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including gender equality. The network has regular and interactive meetings open for scientists, industrialists, practitioners, students, journalists, etc, where its main theme is SCIENCE FOR ALL. In this community of scientists, we chose science as a common language to change the world across borders away from any considerations, whether political, religious or cultural to reach to the world. This community of scientists believe as Brain Greene said that ‘When kids look up to great scientists the way they do to great musicians and actors, civilization will jump to the next level’ WISWB was founded in 2017 with its first meeting held in Egypt under the supervision of young and senior Egyptian academics. In 2018, the second event was held in South Africa at the University of Johannesburg. In 2019, the meeting was held in Egypt and co-organized with the Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF) under the name - World Forum for Women in Science with the theme of Science Diplomacy for Sustainable Development. From the beginning, WISWB was supported by industry, and international organizations such as Sanofi, Welcome Trust, L’Oreal, Johnson & Johnson, International Science Council (ISC), Global Young Academy (GYA), Japanese Science and Technology Agency (JST), Bosch Foundation, Next Einstein Forum (NEF), Brazilian Academy of Sciences, TWAS Young Affiliates Network (TYAN), African Academy of Sciences (AAS), etc. In February 2020, the meeting was held in Brazil. Now, WISWB has regular meetings called Saturday science webinars.