WEmpower in Saudi Arabia: An Innovative Approach to Empowering Women in Research

الملخص

Background: With the appreciation of the challenges women face in academic research, we developed a concept for an innovative research accelerator program WEmpower. Methods: We aimed to proactively demonstrate the value of tailored training and mentoring to support and sustain productivity in research. We sought to design and pilot the initiative, review outcomes, and develop recommendations for improvement for further iterations and opportunities to increase the scope and impact of the initiative. Results: n=1220 female faculty and post-graduate students from four colleges from all university branches around The Kingdom participated in the 10-day virtual accelerator. N=60 sessions were conducted via a dedicated virtual platform; n=38 interactive webinars, n=18 individual coaching sessions, and n=4 masterclasses, with high levels of engagement, positive feedback and impact on faculty morale and drive to work on research. Conclusions: There is an imperative to continue to develop the research capabilities of female faculty members, postgraduate students, and researchers, developing their skills and research efficiency, raising their productivity in a practical and flexible way that aims to empower them and advance the research outputs of women in Saudi Arabia and achieve national targets and aspirations of Vision 2030.