International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Sudanese women in science .... walking a tightrope!

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I reflect on the extraordinary challenges and triumphs of my journey as a Sudanese woman in science—one filled with resilience, barriers, and breakthroughs. 

The journey of women in science is rarely straightforward. It is a journey that is marked by discoveries, resilience and the constant need to stay alert and to break through barriers. The barriers I am talking about are often rooted in societal norms and traditions, whether intentionally or unintentionally, they limit women’s impact in society. My journey to date is filled with both: challenges that I have overcome and opportunities to shape and re-shape the world through science. 

I am inspired by my late father, Dr. Mohamed Hassan Baleela, an innovative and brilliant nephrologist, and by his visionary views on life and the world. My father has been among the few who have revolutionized renal dialysis in Sudan. He was deeply passionate about his work and believed in the power of science and research to drive change, a belief that was rare among Sudanese physicians of his time. My father often shared with me stories of his team’s pioneering work, such as their research on gum Arabic as a supplement used to lower serum urea nitrogen concentration in patients with chronic renal failure or their local production of Marshall's solution needed for kidney preservation during the time when Sudan was facing sanctions. 

Since my childhood, I found myself captivated by science, the complex world of molecular biology and the delicate interplay between organisms. During my undergraduate years, I spent almost all my lunch breaks in the library, absorbed in old issues of the National Geographic magazine and becoming fascinated by their stories and polished photography. These early sparks of curiosity set me on a path that would eventually lead to a career in molecular biology, population genetics and the study of venomous organisms. 

Navigating expectations and barriers as a Sudanese woman in science has not been easy. Yet, my passion for science and discovery outweighed my fear of failure. Moreover, the unwavering support of my mentors, including my father, teachers, and colleagues, pushed me forward. Their guidance fueled my determination to break through limitations and contribute meaningfully to science.

Science demands persistence, resilience, and a questioning mind. Female scientists face additional challenges, including balancing family expectations, navigating societal norms, and managing professional aspirations. Nonetheless, I have found strength in my vision: to use science as a tool for understanding and improving lives "or to become the voice of the voiceless" in alignment with the sustainable developmental goals (SDGs). My research focuses on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as visceral leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, tuberculosis, and schistosomiasis. Later, I expanded my work to include snakes and the public health dimensions of scorpion stings, which are not yet recognized as an NTD. I am actively working to have them added to the WHO list. In Sudan, snakebites and scorpion stings are a neglected public health crisis. This research is not merely academic; it is a lifeline for vulnerable communities. 

My journey has been marked by challenges and recognition, but above all, by meaningful contributions. One of the most defining moments of my career came after the war erupted in Sudan. Forced to flee my home, I channeled my scientific expertise into practical solutions by creating the first identification kits for scorpions and snakes in Sudan—the only ones available in Arabic for Arabic speakers in the region. In addition, I founded a Facebook group called Scorpions and Snakes of Sudan, where experts, including taxonomists, biodiversity specialists, clinical toxicologists, and others help citizens, including internally displaced people (IDPs), identify venomous organisms and provide first-aid guidance when needed. I am also part of the team that founded a Telegram group aimed at medical professionals, designed to enhance their capacity to manage scorpion stings and snakebite envenomations, an area often overlooked in emergency medicine training in Sudan. 

Before the war erupted in Sudan in the 15th of April 2023, I led the establishment of the Toxic Organisms Research Centre in Sudan. This initiative allowed me to spearhead research on venomous species, raise awareness about envenomation, and collaborate with scientists worldwide. Since 2020, I have served as the Sudan Ambassador for the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. I have also served as the EIFL Sudan open access coordinator from 2012-2024 and have been a freelance open science advocate and trainer since 2011. These roles have allowed me to amplify the voices of underrepresented scientists and unite global efforts to tackle pressing challenges.

These achievements are not mine alone but a testament to mentorship, collaboration, and unwavering support from those who believed in me, even in moments of doubt. I would like to acknowledge the remarkable women who have profoundly influenced my journey: 

1. My mother, Fathya Madani, a nurse that specialized in psychiatric diseases medical care while raising us.
2. Professor Suad Sulaiman, my mentor and rock, who is also the Treasurer of the Sudanese National Academy of Sciences. 
3. Dr. Rasha Siddig Azrag, the scientist who introduced me to research in NTDs. 
4. Dr. Isabel Mauricio, my PhD supervisor, who taught me the principles of rigorous scientific research. 
5. Dr. Maysoon Dahab, a true friend who provided unwavering support when I was forced to flee my home due to the ongoing war.
6. Dr. Reem Mohamed Hassan Baleela and Dr. Amal Mohamed Hassan Baleela, my sisters and rocks. 

To all of them, I am deeply grateful. 

As the physicist Marie Curie once said, ‘One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.’ Like many women before me, I have faced challenges, but I choose to focus on what still needs to be achieved. For women in science, progress often feels like walking a tightrope. Challenges such as gender bias, inequalities between the Global South and North, limited opportunities, and under-representation in leadership roles continue to create barriers. As a mother, I have had to balance raising a family with the demands of academia and research. I want to take a moment to recognize my husband’s incredible support, without his unwavering help, I would never have been able to travel across the country to collect samples while leaving my young children at home. 

In the future, I envision a world where women in science are not the exception but the norm. A world where the next generation of female scientists can build their careers without having to break down the same barriers we faced. To make this vision a reality, we must actively advocate for policies that support women in STEM, invest in mentorship programs, and create networks that empower women to thrive. These efforts must go beyond written commitments—they must translate into real opportunities that drive change and create a more inclusive future in science. To truly make a difference, we must not only advocate but also act. Support mentorship programs for women in STEM. Create opportunities for girls in science. Celebrate the achievements of women scientists around the world. Together, we can build a future where every woman’s contribution to science is recognized and valued

To every young woman dreaming of a career in science: your journey will not always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Embrace your curiosity, pursue your passions relentlessly, and remember that your perspective is invaluable to the scientific community. Science needs diverse voices, and your voice has the power to drive change, solve problems, and inspire others. As women in science, we are not just observers of the world, we are active participants in shaping it. 

Science is more than a pursuit of knowledge; it is a force for change. As women in science, we are not just breaking barriers—we are shaping the future. Let us continue to lift each other, mentor the next generation, and build a world where women scientists are not the exception but the norm