Women in science in contemporary Africa from historical and cultural perspectives

Women’s contributions to science in Africa have long been marginalized, not due to absence but because of historical, cultural, and structural erasure. Across centuries, African women have played vital roles as healers, agricultural innovators, environmental stewards, and knowledge holders, yet colonial systems and patriarchal norms devalued their contributions and excluded them from formal institutions. Drawing on insights from three papers published in the ASFIRJ special issue on women in science in contemporary Africa, this editorial highlights how African women’s scientific engagement is deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge systems that predate colonialism. Figures such as Peseshet, Fatima al-Fihri, and Wangari Maathai exemplify enduring scientific leadership across time and context. Culture, often miscast as a barrier, is reframed as a source of epistemic strength, with women’s everyday practices embodying experimentation, innovation, and ethical responsibility. Despite persistent barriers—such as limited access to resources, mentorship gaps, and gendered expectations—African women continue to drive transformative research. Advancing science in Africa therefore requires recognizing indigenous knowledge, supporting women’s full participation, and nurturing inclusive, pluralistic scientific ecosystems essential for innovation, equity, and sustainable development.