On October 1st, 2024, Prof. Lydia Mosi, Deputy Director for Administration at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), was honoured at the premiere of 'Think Outside the Box' at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) Conference Hall.
The documentary, produced by ANESVAD, pays tribute to the remarkable contributions of African women researchers like Prof. Mosi, who are at the forefront of global health efforts. Focused on their work in combating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), the film highlights their resilience and unwavering commitment to advancing health equity in Africa. Prof. Mosi’s feature in the documentary reflects her pivotal role in empowering the next generation of female scientists and her determination to break barriers in scientific research.
The premiere event was graced by key figures from the scientific and diplomatic communities. The Director of NMIMR, Prof. Yeboah Manu, welcomed attendees with opening remarks. His Excellency Angel Lossada, the Spanish Ambassador to Ghana also spoke, commending the documentary's focus on gender equality and its celebration of African women researchers. His remarks reinforced the importance of supporting initiatives that amplify the voices of women in global health.
Guests the premiere of the documentary.
During the premiere, Prof. Mosi shared her personal journey, offering profound insights into her growth as a researcher. She spoke about the invaluable support of her mentors, recalling how one, in particular, stepped into her life as a maternal figure after her mother's passing. Prof. Mosi also highlighted the challenges she has faced as a woman in science, reflecting on her persistence in securing grants to fund her work and her passion for empowering younger researchers. Her story resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the power of mentorship and the importance of determination in overcoming obstacles.
Prof Lydia Mosi speaking at the Anesvad Documentary Premiere.
The documentary also highlighted other prominent researchers featured in the documentary, including Prof. Dorothy Yeboah Manu, Director of NMIMR, and Prof. Rose Gana Fomban Leke from Cameroon, a leader in training women in science and research. These women shared their personal stories of resilience, discussing the hurdles they faced as women in science and how they have persisted to make a lasting impact in their fields. Their stories reflect the broader theme of the documentary—breaking gender stereotypes and carving out space for women in scientific research.
Following the screening, Prof. Mosi and Prof. Yeboah Manu engaged in a lively Q&A session, fielding questions about balancing their professional and personal lives while urging the next generation of female researchers to continue the hard work. The event concluded with promises from various NGOs to support the widespread distribution of the documentary, ensuring it reaches schools and girls in less privileged communities, inspiring the next generation of African women in science.
Photo Highlights from the event.
