International Day Of Women in Statistics and Data Science: Full Schedule

Registration opens August 15th at www.idwsds.org.

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

14:00 UTC

S116 - Data, Equity and Power: Institutional Frameworks for Embedding Young African Women in Decision-Making

Tuesday October 6, 2026 14:00 - 14:30 UTC

Despite advances in data science and statistical training across Africa, a structural disconnect persists between the development of technical talent and its integration into national and regional policy processes. It is particularly pronounced for early-career African women statisticians, who face intersecting institutional barriers,UN Women and PARIS21 shows that women occupy only 15% of chief statistician positions in Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting patriarchal institutional cultures, limited senior-level mentorship and rigid career progression pathways.

This abstract proposes an actionable policy framework to transition young African women statisticians from technical implementers to strategic policy influencers. Using a comparative case-study methodology through the Young African Statisticians Association network, we examine institutional barriers and entry pathways across selected National Statistical Offices in East and West Africa.

The framework advances three strategic pillars: institutional quotas and fast-track leadership pathways for young women in state-led data initiatives; coordinated mentorship systems linking global statisticians with local networks to institutionalize peer and senior sponsorship and gender-responsive data governance through dedicated advisory positions for young women statisticians in ministerial policy processes.

Embedding young women statisticians in Africa's governance is vital for equitable, evidence-based development.

Speakers

Sarah Nzioka

MEL Manager, RefugePoint

A results-oriented MEL Management professional with 8+ years of progressive multi-sector experience in monitoring, evaluation, and managing complex project lifecycles from inception to completion. Possessing proven expertise in designing and implementing tailored M&E & research frameworks... Read More →

Organizers

Sarah Nzioka

MEL Manager, RefugePoint

Tuesday October 6, 2026 14:00 - 14:30 UTC
Zoom Room #1

Plenary Talk, Career or Professional Development Session

Country South Africa
Session ID 116

International Day Of Women in Statistics and Data Science

14:00 UTC

Sarah Nzioka

Sarah Nzioka

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