The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) was established in 1989 to promote women’s participation in Science and Technology (S&T) in developing countries and to recognize their contributions and achievements.
The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) was established in 1989 to promote women's participation in Science and Technology (S&T) in developing countries and to recognize their contributions and achievements. The Organization consists of over 4,500 members and has a number of national chapters that implement the organizational program. Kuwait has a long history of supporting OWSD, from sponsoring that first GA in 1993, to organizing the “International Conference on Women in Science and Technology in the Arab Countries” from 21st-23rd April 2013 at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR).
The conference was sponsored by KISR, KFAS, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), The World Academy of Sciences for the Advancement of Science in the developing countries (TWAS), and the NACE- International, Kuwait Section. Over 120 abstracts were accepted and presented at the conference during the oral and poster sessions. Scientists from the Arab world, Asia and Africa participated in the conference to share experience, create networking and plan for future interactions. Invited speakers representing women in the Arab countries highlighted topics related to science and technology, health and the environment as well as gender issues and leadership. The participants also confirmed that the participation of women in international conferences, seminars and meetings in the Arab world and elsewhere should be supported to increase their interaction and to improve their skills.
Soroptimist Kuwait participated in this 3-day event to support the development and enforcement of the environmental laws especially those that affect women health and environment. We advocated for the natural, physical, built, and human environment. The goal was to develop strategies for the participation and leadership of women in national innovation systems. We plan on enhancing our participation as women and as members of society to save our environment one step at a time.