*This AMA chat has now ended. You can access the answers by clicking here.*

 

Traditionally, women tend to have been denied access to positions in many areas of scientific endeavour, including limnology (or freshwater science).

 

Sadly, this means their unique perspectives are missing from critical solutions to environmental problems.

 

But there is a bright side; just look at us!

 

We are four female scientists taking part in an exciting new program to encourage and champion women in freshwater science working on Africa’s Great Lakes.

 

We are currently travelling and working in Canada to discover how researchers are doing things here, and to share experience and knowledge with other scientists across the pond.

 

That’s why on Wednesday October 5, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (CDT), we are taking to Reddit to answer your burning questions on the role of women in science in Africa, tell you about our experiences and hopes for the future, and offer up any advice for any burgeoning female scientists anywhere in the world.

 

Go on and ask us anything.

 

We dare you…

 

We are Catherine Fridolin, an M.Sc. candidate at the University of Dar es Salaam, focused on fisheries and aquaculture; Gladys Chigamba, a research scientist at Lilongwe University working on an economic valuation of river ecosystems in Malawi; Donnata Alupot, with a background in Meteorology, and working on a Master’s in Climate adaptation in Algeria; and Margret Sinda, with a focus on Aquaculture in Malawi.

 

You can learn more about our program here…