Latest news with #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Region's first FemTech Hackathon puts young women at the forefront of health innovation
Dubai – Innovation met empowerment this past weekend as Expo City Dubai's Women's Pavilion, in partnership with PeriCare and NextGen of Immunology Consultancy, became the epicentre of technological disruption and female-led creativity. The venue hosted the first-ever FemTech Hackathon in the region, launched earlier this year as part of the Women's Pavilions International Day of Women and Girls in Science program – a groundbreaking event that spotlighted the power of young women in technology and their potential to reshape the future of healthcare and wellness. Bringing together developers, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals and students, the hackathon focused on creating and developing tech-driven solutions that address challenges unique to women's health and wellbeing. From fertility and reproductive care to mental health and menopause, the event encouraged participants to rethink how technology can better serve women throughout every stage of life. More than 100 applicants submitted initial proposals, from which 40 students from 23 different UAE schools aged 16 to 18 attended the 48-hour, high-intensity event. The Women's Pavilion buzzed with energy as students brainstormed, built prototypes and refined their pitches. Mentored by a diverse group of industry experts and evaluated by a panel of judges, the teams delivered creative and thoughtful solutions that reflected both medical understanding and cultural sensitivity. Maha Gorton, Head of Women's Pavilion, Expo City Dubai, said: 'The FemTech Hackathon demonstrated the remarkable potential of young talent when equipped with the right guidance and opportunity. Over just one weekend, these students addressed complex challenges in women's health with innovation, empathy and determination. Their work marks a promising step forward in shaping a more inclusive and forward-thinking future for healthcare.' Perihan Abouzeid, Founder, PeriCare ' The FemTech Hackathon was born from our belief that the future of women's health is a conversation we must have now it's now or never. We saw Gen Z as the bold, purpose-driven leaders best equipped to lead it, and we couldn't have found a better partner than the Women's Pavilion to bring this vision to life.' Winning ideas At the close of the hackathon, three standout teams were recognised for their ingenuity and awarded the opportunity to take their projects to the next level; each team will also be invited to participate in up to four career immersion days hosted by top institutions including NYU Abu Dhabi. MenoCare – 1st place Driven by the underrepresentation of menopause in medical research and funding, MenoCare developed an adhesive biosensor patch that monitors estrogen levels through sweat. Paired with a user-friendly app, the device empowers women to track and understand hormonal changes during menopause – transforming knowledge into power and autonomy over their health. Bump2Baby – 2nd place Focused on maternal health in developing regions, Bump2Baby introduced a culturally sensitive wearable band with built-in AI that monitors foetal health and detects early signs of complications. The project also proposed a community engagement forum and tech-enabled pregnancy tracking platform, aimed at first-time mothers and high-risk cases. Clove – 3rd place Clove is a smart, AI-powered skincare assistant tailored to hormonal cycles. It predicts breakouts, scans skin and recommends safe products. With a chatbot, education hub and supportive community, Clove is designed to help girls and young women feel confident, informed and cared for – emotionally and physically. A fourth project, Smart Compact Mirror for Women's Safety, developed by Halima Sadiya Surti, received an honourable mention and has been selected to be further developed with the support of PeriCare. Over a three-month incubation, the organisation will help refine the design, strengthen her pitch, and shape a go-to-market strategy while ensuring she retains full ownership of her intellectual property. Building a movement More than an event, the FemTech Hackathon is the beginning of a movement that places young women at the centre of innovation. The initiative reflects Expo City Dubai's broader mission to drive sustainability, inclusivity and human potential and aligns closely with the Women's Pavilion's vision to amplify women's voices and champion gender equity across all sectors. Following the success of this inaugural edition, organisers are planning future hackathons and expanded programming to foster a growing FemTech ecosystem in the region. With continued mentorship, post-event support and platforms for real-world impact, the region's first FemTech Hackathon has laid the foundation for a future where women not only lead the conversation but shape the solutions.
Saudi Gazette
11-04-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Prince Sultan University reinforces Saudi Arabia's AI leadership with global collaborations and women empowerment initiatives
RIYADH — As Saudi Arabia continues to climb global rankings in the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Index 2025, Prince Sultan University is playing a key academic and research role in driving national progress in the field of artificial intelligence, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. The university has launched a number of strategic initiatives and programs that strengthen its contributions to innovation, talent development, and international collaboration. Among its most notable efforts is the emphasis on empowering women in AI and data science through hosting the International Women in Data Science (WiDS) Conference—one of the region's leading forums—and participating in global efforts like the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, supporting UNESCO's push to spotlight female leadership in AI and sustainable development. Prince Sultan University continues to cultivate a new generation of AI talent through academic tracks at both undergraduate and Ph.D. levels, alongside practical training programs, bootcamps, and workshops tailored to the Kingdom's growing demand for AI professionals. Enhancing its research landscape, the university is actively attracting world-class scholars from top institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, the University of Washington, and others. It has also launched collaborative initiatives with global powerhouses such as MIT, Berkeley, and Imperial College London, underlining its commitment to academic excellence and global partnerships. Prince Sultan University has established some of the most advanced AI laboratories in the Middle East, earning recognition for the volume and quality of its published research. In addition, the university has signed multiple agreements and MoUs with public and private entities across sectors like transportation, energy, and healthcare—supporting national innovation priorities and contributing to the Kingdom's sustainable development goals. — SG
Al-Ahram Weekly
05-03-2025
- Science
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Science, She Says! celebrates women in science, global collaboration - City Lights - Life & Style
The Italian Cultural Institute in Cairo hosted the third edition of the 'Science, She Says!' event to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS). The event celebrated women in science, highlighting 50 years of scientific collaboration between Egypt and Italy and marking key milestones in the global effort to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. This year's event was particularly significant as it marked the 10th anniversary of IDWGS and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which have been crucial in the global pursuit of gender equality and women's empowerment. Additionally, 2025 marks the golden anniversary of the scientific cooperation agreement between Italy and Egypt, which has financed research projects worth 1.2 million euros across shared priority areas, such as water management, agriculture, renewable energy, and cultural heritage. The Embassy of Italy in Cairo and Egypt's Science, Technology, and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) organized the event. The event's name, 'Science, She Says!', is inspired by the award programme established in 2022 by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to annually recognize an outstanding junior female scientist who has remarkably contributed to science and technology. Italian Ambassador to Egypt Michele Quaroni commenced the event by underscoring the vibrant scientific cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted the successful implementation of their cooperation agreement and the more than 40 active bilateral agreements between Italian and Egyptian research institutes and universities. Quaroni acknowledged the leading role of women scientists in groundbreaking research globally despite their continued underrepresentation in career paths and decision-making processes. He emphasized that increasing women's participation in science and technology promotes gender equality and benefits civil society and the world of work. Key figures attended the meeting, including the EU Delegation to Egypt, represented by Counsellor Anne Kofoed, who highlighted EU initiatives such as the Erasmus programmes and Marie Curie research grants, which support women's participation in science. Prof. Walaa Sheta, executive president of STDF, spoke about Egypt's cultural shift and the growing opportunities for women and girls in science. Prof. Marianne Azer, a board member of Egypt's National Council of Women (NCW), shared insights into the NCW's role in advancing women's participation in science. The conference focused on the interconnected challenges of food, energy, and water, with inspiring testimonies from prominent women in their respective fields. Rossella Fanelli, Deputy Director of the World Food Programme Egypt, discussed her work bridging Egypt and Italy. Dalia Samir, co-founder of Hydrogen Egypt and awardee at COP 29 by the Women in Renewables Alliance (WiRA), shared her experience in the renewable energy sector. Prof. Elham El-Zanati, a scientist at Egypt's National Research Centre and the country's first female PhD holder in biomedical engineering, spoke about her pioneering work in water desalination. A panel discussion featuring testimonials from prominent figures in science and policy (photo credit of the Italian embassy) Event highlight! A special event moment came when 20 girls from the prestigious Don Bosco school in Cairo, traditionally an all-male school, shared their excitement about studying science. These girls represent a significant cultural shift, as over 100 students study there. The event was concluded with a panel discussion featuring testimonials from prominent figures in science and policy, including Hoda Saad Aboremila, visiting professor at the University of Pisa; Farid Hegazy, senior specialist for employer's activities at the International Labour Organization (ILO) Cairo Office; Heba Gaber, science counsellor at the EU Delegation to Egypt; and Farida El-Kattan, head of CSR and Shared Value Unit at ALEXBANK. More than 140 attendees participated in the discussion, including representatives from academia, research institutes, embassies, international organizations, banks, and NGOs. Domenico De Martinis, the scientific attaché of the Italian Embassy in Cairo, concluded the event by reaffirming the embassy's commitment to female empowerment, particularly ensuring women's and girls' access to and participation in science and STEM disciplines. He highlighted that the event provided a significant opportunity to reflect on the actions necessary to continue advancing gender equality in science. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al Bawaba
16-02-2025
- Health
- Al Bawaba
Ooredoo Kuwait Celebrates Kuwaiti Women in Science on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Ooredoo Kuwait has illuminated its iconic tower in the heart of the capital with images and names of a select group of pioneering Kuwaiti women scientists and researchers. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Science, is designed to showcase the remarkable achievements of Kuwaiti women in research and innovation and to highlight their pivotal role in shaping a sustainable scientific future. Empowering Women in Scientific Research and Technology Ooredoo Kuwait, a leader in technology and telecommunications, reaffirms its commitment to supporting and empowering Kuwaiti women. This initiative aligns with the company's diversity and equality policies and underscores the significant contributions of Kuwaiti women scientists and researchers. Their efforts have not only bolstered Kuwait's international scientific reputation but have also driven tangible progress across various fields including medicine, technology, energy, and engineering. Kuwaiti Female Pioneers in Multiple Fields The initiative honored several distinguished female researchers and scientists, amongst them: Shaikhah Shuaib – A PhD candidate at Boston University and a pioneer in utilizing ultrasound in neuroimaging, whose research has redefined diagnostic and treatment methods for neurological disorders. Dr. Intisar Al-Hatlani – A professor of chemistry at Kuwait University and director of the Master's program in Forensic Science, recognized for advancing chemical analysis techniques in forensic Fatema Al-Rashed – A researcher at the Dasman Diabetes Institute specializing in lipid metabolism and developing treatments to prevent Sherine Al-Subaie – A researcher at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research who has developed innovative techniques for shrimp aquaculture in desert areas using low-salinity water, thereby enhancing food security in Fakhraldeen – An expert in environmental metagenomics and cancer research, exploring natural substances for the development of new cancer therapies. Dr. Nawal Al-Hamad – An authority in health and nutrition, instrumental in formulating a national food and nutrition strategy to improve public health. Dr. Farida Al-Habib – A consultant in cardiovascular diseases and founder of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Heart Center, noted for her contributions to treating hypertrophic Sharifa Al-Shalfan – A municipal council member and advocate for urban redesign to promote sustainable city Asil Al-Raqam – An assistant professor at the College of Architecture, Kuwait University, who fosters critical thinking in the design of public spaces. Dr. Reem Ameen – An assistant professor at Kuwait University, credited with helping establish the National Stem Cell Registry to boost the success of stem cell transplants. Dr. Dalal Al-Saeed – The Clinical Operations Director at the Dasman Diabetes Institute, who conducted a groundbreaking study on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare providers. Dr. Fattouh Al-Raqam – The Director of the Energy Efficiency Technologies Program, a trailblazer in renewable energy research and sustainability projects utilizing green hydrogen. Dr. Ebaa Al Ozairi – Chief Medical Officer at the Dasman Diabetes Institute and the first woman from the Middle East to serve as Vice President of the World Obesity Federation, with over 100 scientific publications in her field. A Continued Commitment to Excellence This initiative reflects Ooredoo Kuwait's steadfast commitment to empowering Kuwaiti women in scientific research and technology, reinforcing the notion that innovation and progress are intrinsically linked to their contributions. By honoring these trailblazing scientists, Ooredoo Kuwait not only upholds the values of equality and excellence but also fulfills its social responsibility to promote sustainable development and celebrate the achievements of Kuwaiti women in science, engineering, and technology. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Zawya
13-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Ooredoo Kuwait celebrates Kuwaiti women in science on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Kuwait: In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Ooredoo Kuwait has illuminated its iconic tower in the heart of the capital with images and names of a select group of pioneering Kuwaiti women scientists and researchers. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Science, is designed to showcase the remarkable achievements of Kuwaiti women in research and innovation and to highlight their pivotal role in shaping a sustainable scientific future. Empowering Women in Scientific Research and Technology Ooredoo Kuwait, a leader in technology and telecommunications, reaffirms its commitment to supporting and empowering Kuwaiti women. This initiative aligns with the company's diversity and equality policies and underscores the significant contributions of Kuwaiti women scientists and researchers. Their efforts have not only bolstered Kuwait's international scientific reputation but have also driven tangible progress across various fields including medicine, technology, energy, and engineering. Pioneers in Multiple Fields The initiative honored several distinguished researchers and scientists, including: Shaikhah Shuaib – A PhD candidate at Boston University and a pioneer in utilizing ultrasound in neuroimaging, whose research has redefined diagnostic and treatment methods for neurological disorders. Dr. Intisar Al-Hatlani – A professor of chemistry at Kuwait University and director of the Master's program in Forensic Science, recognized for advancing chemical analysis techniques in forensic medicine. Dr. Fatema Al-Rashed – A researcher at the Dasman Diabetes Institute specializing in lipid metabolism and developing treatments to prevent diabetes. Dr. Sherine Al-Subaie – A researcher at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research who has developed innovative techniques for shrimp aquaculture in desert areas using low-salinity water, thereby enhancing food security in Kuwait. Saja Fakhraldeen – An expert in environmental metagenomics and cancer research, exploring natural substances for the development of new cancer therapies. Dr. Nawal Al-Hamad – An authority in health and nutrition, instrumental in formulating a national food and nutrition strategy to improve public health. Dr. Farida Al-Habib – A consultant in cardiovascular diseases and founder of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Heart Center, noted for her contributions to treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Engineer Sharifa Al-Shalfan – A municipal council member and advocate for urban redesign to promote sustainable city living. Dr. Asil Al-Raqam – An assistant professor at the College of Architecture, Kuwait University, who fosters critical thinking in the design of public spaces. Dr. Reem Ameen – An assistant professor at Kuwait University, credited with helping establish the National Stem Cell Registry to boost the success of stem cell transplants. Dr. Dalal Al-Saeed – The Clinical Operations Director at the Dasman Diabetes Institute, who conducted a groundbreaking study on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare providers. Dr. Fattouh Al-Raqam – The Director of the Energy Efficiency Technologies Program, a trailblazer in renewable energy research and sustainability projects utilizing green hydrogen. Dr. Ebaa Al Ozairi – Chief Medical Officer at the Dasman Diabetes Institute and the first woman from the Middle East to serve as Vice President of the World Obesity Federation, with over 100 scientific publications in her field. A Continued Commitment to Excellence This initiative reflects Ooredoo Kuwait's steadfast commitment to empowering Kuwaiti women in scientific research and technology, reinforcing the notion that innovation and progress are intrinsically linked to their contributions. By honoring these trailblazing scientists, Ooredoo Kuwait not only upholds the values of equality and excellence but also fulfills its social responsibility to promote sustainable development and celebrate the achievements of Kuwaiti women in science, engineering, and technology.
