Women in science in Africa: A Silent Revolution

Women in Africa represent an essential part of society’s human and economic resources, as well as a unique reservoir of talent for science and innovation. They are gifted, dynamic, entrepreneurial and resolutely forward-looking. This ground-breaking documentary takes a closer look at this vibrant community of women who, through their hard work, their involvement in the emancipation of young women and their fight for equality between men and women, are revolutionising the world of research and contributing to the development of a continent in the throes of change.

Over forty years ago, a woman scientist and environmental activist created the Green Belt movement to combat deforestation in her region of Kenya. In 2004, this woman was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It was the first Nobel Prize ever awarded to an African woman. Her name was Wangari Maathai. 15 years later, more than 35 million trees have been planted across the continent, and Wangari Maathai continues to inspire a whole new generation of women involved in science or environmental protection, like those in her region… Today, worthy heirs to Wangari Maathai can be found just about everywhere on the continent. Pioneers who are blazing new trails. Dynamic and enterprising, African women scientists are the new face of a modern Africa that is taking part in the major upheavals in our societies. But in this competitive world, they are still under-represented. We followed three of them, specialists in nanochemistry, molecular biology and astrophysics respectively.

Who are these women? What obstacles have they had to overcome to reach the top of their field? What impact have they had on their communities? Will they be able to find concrete solutions to the major challenges of the 21st century? And what if the Einstein of tomorrow was an African woman?