On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the stories, resilience, and achievements of women whose journeys continue to inspire the next generation. 

Today, we celebrate Dr Wende Safari, whose path into science was shaped by curiosity, encouragement, and the courage to embrace unexpected opportunities.

Growing up in a warm and loving home in Tanzania, Wende was surrounded by inspiration from an early age. Her mother, a dedicated science and biology teacher, and her father, a passionate mathematician, professor, and advocate for Special Educational Needs and Disability, created an environment where science felt welcoming and exciting. Their encouragement nurtured her curiosity and laid the foundation for a future in scientific discovery.

Like many young people navigating important life choices, Wende’s journey was not linear. She initially pursued A-levels in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, but later developed a strong interest in Accounting and Finance. Although she did not achieve the grades required for her preferred programme at Mzumbe University, this moment of disappointment became a turning point. With her mother’s support, she met a university professor who introduced her to the Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics, an option she had not previously considered. Drawn to the programme’s diversity and real-world impact, she enrolled and discovered a field that would shape the next sixteen years of her life.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Wende received a scholarship to study for a Master of Biostatistics at Hasselt University in Belgium. Moving from Tanzania to Belgium brought challenges, from adapting to a new academic system to being far from loved ones. Yet she embraced these experiences, growing both personally and professionally. She later worked as a biostatistician in Tanzania and South Africa before beginning a PhD in Statistics at the University of A Coruña in Spain, supported by mentors and supervisors who played a vital role in her development. 

Today, as a statistician at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Wende continues to build on this remarkable journey. Her most recent work, supported by a prestigious Wellcome Trust Early Career Fellowship, focuses on quantifying the burden of childhood cancer in Tanzania. Beyond leading impactful research, she is deeply committed to collaboration, mentorship, and nurturing the growth of young researchers in Tanzania and beyond, ensuring that opportunities in science continue to expand for future generations.

For Wende, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science carries profound meaning. She recognises how transformative encouragement and access to opportunity can be and reflects on the many girls from humble backgrounds whose scientific dreams were limited by a lack of resources or support. Her story is a powerful reminder of why inclusive environments and sustained investment in girls’ education remain essential.

Her advice to the next generation of women and girls in STEM, Wende said: “You do not need to have everything figured out from the start. It is okay to begin with questions rather than answers. What matters most is staying curious, observing the world closely, and remaining open to learning new experiences. Small steps, taken consistently, can shape extraordinary futures.”

As we mark this important day, Dr Wende Safari’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, mentorship, and the life changing power of opportunity in science. Her story not only celebrates achievement but also lights the way for the many girls who will follow.