This year, for May 12, 2025, the African Women in Mathematics Association (AWMA) is organizing an online event under the theme "Sisterhood in Mathematics: Connecting, Empowering, Achieving"
Date: Thursday 12th June, 2025 and Friday 13th June, 2025
Venue: Virtual
Website: https://africanwomeninmath.org/
The International Women in Mathematics Day, celebrated annually on 12th May, honors the achievements and contributions of women in mathematics worldwide. This global initiative not only commemorates the birthday of the late Iranian mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani—the first woman to win the Fields Medal—but also serves as a platform to inspire, recognize, and connect women in the mathematical sciences. In alignment with this global celebration, the African Women in Mathematics Association (AWMA) organized a two days online workshop held from 26th − 27th June, 2025. This workshop was spear headed by Prof. Marie Francoise Ouedraogo Ouagadougou (AWMA president), with the help of Dr. Angela Tabiri (Academic Director at African Institute for Mathematical Sciences-Ghana) and Dr. Olivia Nabawanda (Mbarara University of Science and Technology).
The workshop attracted participants from various regions and specifically from regional universities in:
1. Uganda,
2. Ghana,
3. Burundi,
4. Nigeria
5. Kenya
6. Cameroon
7. Burkina Faso
8. Ivory Coast
The workshop followed a two days schedule, with each day starting from 4:00 PM (EAT) and running for approximately two hours on Zoom. The design of the event intentionally blended academic enrichment, professional development, networking, and celebration to reflect the spirit of the theme: “Sisterhood in Mathematics: Connecting, Empowering, Achieving.”
Day 1:
• Professional Development and Networking: The event began with a professional development talk aimed at equipping participants with practical skills. One of the key topics was how to create a personal academic or professional website, an essential tool for visibility and engagement in the mathematics community.
• Following the talk, there were interactive networking sessions through Zoom breakout rooms. These sessions provided participants with the opportunity to introduce themselves, share their work or interests, and explore possible collaborations. The aim was to build meaningful connections among African mathematicians across borders and disciplines.
Day 2:
• Showcasing Achievements and Celebrations: The second started off with short research and experience-sharing presentations, each lasting 5 minutes, to allow for diverse voices and topics to be heard.
• After the presentations, the event featured a celebratory segment that highlighted the achievements of African mathematicians, particularly women. This included a cultural photo exhibition showcasing mathematical journeys, institutional milestones, and community impact.
• To foster engagement and recognize excellence, participants were invited to vote for the best presenters through an online poll. Winners were recognized and celebrated, adding a fun and appreciative touch to the event.
Throughout the two days, the programme emphasized interactive participation, visibility, and empowerment, ensuring that both emerging and established mathematicians felt seen, heard, and celebrated.