On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are shining a spotlight on the efforts of UNFPA Arab States Regional Office and Startups Without Borders, who are joining forces to support women in science and technology through the GenF Mentorship Programme.
In collaboration with Startups Without Borders, this initiative is empowering women-led social enterprises in nine Arab countries, emphasizing the role of women in science and technology.
The GenF Mentorship Programme is a transformative three-month coaching journey, providing participants with access to role models, success stories, and online training sessions.
On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are spotlighting how Noor, Raghda, and Naima, with the support of UNFPA's GenF Mentorship Programme, is using technology and science to break down barriers to sexual and reproductive health information for women and girls.
Noor Jaber (Lebanon) founder of NAWAT Health digital platform
Noor's story is a testament to the power of women in science and technology to drive positive change. As agents of change, they are shaping a future where access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
Science and technology break down geographical and social barriers, allowing women and girls to seek sexual and reproductive health information without fear of stigma.
“I witnessed the struggles of my friends in accessing sexual and reproductive health services. This triggered in me a deep passion for women's health and rights.”
“NAWAT Health is a digital platform providing women and girls in Lebanon with scientific and confidential advice on sexual and reproductive health. It promotes open dialogue around sensitive topics, challenging social norms, ensuring that women can access expert advice safely and conveniently.”
Raghda Rashad (Egypt) Founder of Women’s Wellness MENA digital platform
Raghda Rashad is the founder of Women's Wellness in Egypt, an online digital platform dedicated to women's health literacy. The platform covers various aspects of women's health, including sexual and reproductive health. Currently, the Women's Wellness platform offers courses focusing on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, menstrual cycle charting, and fertility awareness.
“With Women’s Wellness, I am building an online digital platform for women's health literacy and sexual and reproductive health in Egypt providing education courses with an evidence-based and culturally sensitive approach. I am also leading scientific research on Egyptian women's health literacy interventions to improve clinical and cost effectiveness which can encourage the public and medical community to increase access for women and girls.”
Naima Faisal (Somalia) Founder of Girls Hub
Naima Faisal is the founder of Girls Hub in Somalia. Girls Hub provides women with the necessary career guidance through short educational programs, enabling them to acquire skills to find jobs or to start their own small businesses. This empowers them to generate income from the skills they've acquired and enhancing their lives.
“Somali women and girls have huge roles in the country's economy, especially in science and technology. I started Girls Hub in Hargeisa after seeing girls being underrepresented and discouraged in workplaces and educational settings. Women and young girls need places to improve, especially where they can find a career consulting and learning system to find work. With this support, girls in Hargeisa can change their lives and our country.”
UNFPA, along with Startups Without Borders, is working to empower women-led social enterprises like NAWAT Health, Women’s Wellness and Girls Hub through the GenF programme. By harnessing social entrepreneurship and amplifying their impact for a sustainable difference in the lives of women and girls.
Let's celebrate all the inspiring women in science and technology on this special day! And let's keep investing in their potential to build a healthier, more equitable world for everyone.
