Hilja Eelu, a Namibian PhD candidate at the University of Cape Town and lecturer at the University of Namibia, has been awarded the 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Award.
She is one of 30 recipients of the 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Award.
According to a release by the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents, since its inception, the L’Oréal-UNESCO FWIS programme has supported 240 young researchers from over 34 African countries offering financial support and professional development opportunities.
PhD candidates receive €10,000 research grants, while post-doctoral researchers are awarded €15,000.
Additionally, recipients benefit from leadership, communication and negotiation training to navigate challenges such as sexism in their fields.
“The challenges awaiting the world and the African continent are significant. Yet, we are merely at their threshold. To address those challenges, we need science more than ever; however, women who wish to pursue scientific careers are battling headwinds of obstacles while they can bring adapted perspectives, boundless innovative capabilities and unwavering commitment to everyone’s development,” said Vice President of the Foundation, L’Oréal Alexandra Palt.
The 2024 cohort, which includes 25 PhD candidates and five post-doctoral researchers, was selected by a jury chaired by Professor Aggrey Ambali of AUDA-NEPAD.
The winners are recognised for addressing critical issues such as food security, public health and climate change through innovative scientific research.
The award ceremony was held on 10 December 2024, in Cotonou, Benin, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the FWIS Sub-Saharan Africa programme.
This milestone event brought together government representatives, UNESCO officials and prominent scientists to celebrate the achievements of women scientists driving change across the continent.
According to UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, by investing in science and promoting innovation, African societies could empower the next generation to drive economic growth, create jobs and address pressing environmental challenges.
The organisation affirmed its commitment to collaborating with partners to support this shared vision and unlock the continent’s full potential.
“One of the greatest strengths and potentials of the African continent is youth. For young people, science presents a unique opportunity. It addresses their needs by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and essential skills development. Science-based education and training programmes equip youth with the tools necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world,” she said.
