[Wigsat-l] G&D News 80, 19 February 2009 - Comparative Evaluation of the G&D-Rockefeller and Borlaug Women in Science Fellowship Programs

[Sophia Huyer]

Special Issue
G&D News No 80, 19 February 2009

In this issue of G&D News, we are happy to share the findings of the  
‘Comparative Evaluation of the G&D-Rockefeller and Borlaug Women in  
Science Fellowship Programs’ funded by the US Agency for International  
Development (USAID) …

The only way to take stock of the successes and challenges of any  
program is through monitoring and evaluation.  This special issue  
documents the results of a unique evaluation that compared two  
brilliant programs with a shared vision of enhancing the careers of  
women in agricultural science.  Though they had overlapping  
strategies, the programs had different managers and donors.

The ongoing Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and  
Technology Fellows Program is based in Washington, DC while the G&D- 
Rockefeller Fellowship was based in Nairobi, Kenya. The G&D- 
Rockefeller fellowship was the pilot program that resulted in the  
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)  
fellowship. The program design included mentoring, leadership training  
and networking initiatives.  With additional support, elements of the  
G&D program were extended to the Borlaug fellows.  The Borlaug  
fellowship is funded by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and  
implemented by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).   
The G&D-Rockefeller fellowship was funded by the Rockefeller  
foundation and the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture.

The G&D-Rockefeller fellows received mentorship support throughout the  
two-year program from senior scientists.  The fellowship focused on  
the development of soft skills such as leadership and conflict  
management skills.  The Borlaug fellowship emphasizes developing  
scientific skills.  The fellows collaborate with senior scientists in  
the US over four to six weeks. These scientists also act as mentors  
during this period. Boosting participants’ self awareness and  
confidence, strengthening their networks and improving their ability  
to cope with difficult situations are some of the successes identified  
by the monitoring and evaluation experts.

The monitoring and evaluation experts analyzed program design,  
implementation and management to identify successes and challenges.   
To read the report on our website, go to:  http://www.genderdiversity.cgiar.org/publications/genderdiversity_WP49.pdf

The G&D working paper ‘Successful Women, Successful Science’ examines  
myth versus reality of issues surrounding the global debate on women  
in science, and concludes with a practical list of recommendations for  
bringing out more success within our organizations.   To read this  
working paper, go to:  http://www.genderdiversity.cgiar.org/publications/genderdiversityWP48.pdf
Recommended Resource

In ‘Geek Chic’ and Obama, New Hope for Lifting Women in Science
There’s good news in the world of ‘geek chic.’  The new Obama regime  
may represent hope for women in science. This article, published in  
the New York Times by Natalie Angier explains on what the Obama regime  
could do to support women in science.

Join our database!

If you are a woman scientist or professional with a Master’s or PhD,  
please register to receive the latest information on funding  
opportunities and targeted international job vacancies within and  
outside the CGIAR, in your area of expertise. We welcome you to  
register online at: http://www.genderdiversity.cgiar.org/cast_the_net/default.asp

To read G&D's previous newsletters, go to: http://www.genderdiversity.cgiar.org/newsletter/GD_news.asp

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I hope you find these resources helpful.  As usual, we warmly invite  
your feedback.

Sincerely,
Vicki

Vicki Wilde, Director
CGIAR Gender & Diversity Program
ICRAF, United Nations Avenue
P.O. Box 30677 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: 254-20-7224240 or 1-650-833-6645
Email: v.wilde at cgiar.org
Website:  www.genderdiversity.cgiar.org

  
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