

The African Network for Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) is an initiative that aims to connect women working in astronomy and related fields in Africa. It was established in September 2020 as one of the committees under AfAS. With AfNWA we would like to guarantee future participation of girls and women at all levels in astronomy and science developments in Africa. Our main objectives are improving the status of women in science in Africa, and using astronomy to inspire more girls to do STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Latest News
- The AfNWA-ISP 2024 Prof. Carolina Odman-Govender Early-Career Award for Women in Astronomy in AfricaDr. Jamila Chouqar Dr. Jamila Chouqar is an assistant professor at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Morocco, specializing in exoplanetary science. She earned her PhD in astrophysics from Cadi Ayyad University, focusing on the characterization of exoplanetary atmospheres. She later joined the ExoTIC Research Group at Liège University as a postdoctoral fellow, where she contributed …
- Nominations for the Women in Astronomy in Africa Award 2024The African Network of Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) is inviting nominations for the 2024 Women in Astronomy in Africa awards. AfNWA is a sub-committee of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) and is collaborating with the International Science Programme (ISP), Uppsala University, Sweden. The awards aim to recognize and support the scientific achievements and contributions of …
- Postdoctoral Fellowships The Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) project will fund up to 12 post-doctoral Fellowship positions in universities and institutions located in the African SKA Partner Countries (APCs). The APCs are Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Madagascar, Mozambique and Mauritius. Research programmes in astrophysics relevant to radio astronomy will be prioritized, but complementary multi-wavelength …
- AfNWA-ISP 2023 awards recognise outstanding early career and senior women in astronomy in Africa12 April 2024 The African Network for Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) is delighted to announce Dr Brenda Namumba as the winner of the “Prof. Carolina Ödman-Govender Early Career Award” and Prof. Hasnaa Chennaoui Aoudjehane as the winner of the “Senior Award” for Women in Astronomy in Africa. The nomination acknowledges Dr Namumba’s and Prof. Chennaoui …
- AfNWA Women in Astronomy in Africa BookIn preparation for the International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly (GA) 2024, the first GA to be held in Africa (6-15 August 2024, Cape Town, South Africa), the African Network of Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) is planning to design an attractive storytelling book on professional female astronomers in Africa. The aim of this book is, …
- AfNWA Call for Board MembersThe African Network of Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) aims to improve the status of women in science in Africa and to use astronomy to inspire more girls to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). With AfNWA we want to ensure the future participation of girls and women at all levels in the advancement of …
- AfNWA call for seed grants in support of projects focusing on empowering girls from disadvantaged communitiesThe African Network of Women in Astronomy (AfNWA), a sub-committee of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), in collaboration with the AfAS Education and Outreach Committee is opening a call for seed funding to support outreach activities carried out in Africa focused on the use of astronomy and STEM to empower girls living in disadvantaged communities …
- 2023 WOMEN IN ASTRONOMY AWARDSThe African Network for Women in Astronomy (AfNWA), a sub-committee of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), in collaboration with the International Science Programme (ISP), Uppsala University, Sweden is delighted to invite nominations for the 2023 Women in Astronomy in Africa awards. The aim of the awards is to recognise and support the scientific achievements and …
- AfNWA Board: Terms of ReferenceThe Terms of Reference between the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) and the African Network for Women in Astronomy (AfNWA) are now available here. It has been approved by the AfNWA Board and AfAS Executive Committee members on October 19, 2023. For your convenience, the Terms of Reference are now available here, and you can download …