Women in GREEN Series: Shining a Light on Female Innovators Since 2020

March 8, 2023

My experience in science has shown me that women have an immense potential in innovation. We need to share our individual talents and collaborate actively, not only for the advancement of technology, but more importantly towards the protection of the environment and conservation of resources.

Dr. Merlinda A. Palencia
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(Image: Getty images)

Climate friendly menstrual hygiene management, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, energy harnessed from the sun – the sky’s the limit when women innovate. However, statistics at WIPO reveal that only 16.5% of named patent applications come from women.  The Women in GREEN series was launched in 2020 to create a space to highlight female innovation related to climate change and food security. WIPO GREEN talks to female inventors about their inventions, the development of their businesses, and their experiences in eco-friendly technology and innovation.

My advice to young women is to believe in themselves and to believe that what they do matters for science and for society.

Sarika Kulkarni

The series takes us on a journey around the world. Bernice Dapaag, in Ghana, creates bikes from a locally available material – bamboo – and encourages a shift towards eco-mobility and integrated transport in Africa and beyond.  Monica Abraca addresses air pollution and is revolutionizing access to air quality information in Peru. Professor Merlina A. Palencia in the Philippines invented an organic process to turn wastewater into clean water that can be used for irrigation purposes. Sandra Pascoe Ortiz in Mexico developed eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. Sharika Kulkarni in India, is the inventor and design lead for a company creating climate-friendly menstrual hygiene management.

Many girls and women reading this will be working or aspiring to work in traditionally male dominated industries, which can be extremely daunting. Women and girls should recognize that they have a unique perspective, and this is their super-power.

Yvonne Power

Marta Cañada in Spain, led the development of the most cost effective hybrid solar panels ever created. Dr. Merve Senem Seven in Türkiye is the researcher behind SOYL-GEL – a product that retains water near the soil surface close to the roots of plans, minimizing irrigation and allowing for agriculture in arid regions. Yvonne Power in Australia, is co-founder and COO of Village Energy, a climate tech startup improving grid-edge electricity in developing and developed markets. 

I am witnessing a great door of opportunity opening to women, thanks to global efforts to promote gender mainstreaming in many business-support programs. It is particularly encouraging to know that attention is now turning to small-medium enterprises, which form the largest part of most economies. This means that women do not have to manage large multinational companies before they are heard or given the necessary support they need to shine.”

Bernice Dapaah

Get in touch

Are you a female entrepreneur with a story, or would you like to nominate a female inventor or green business founder you know to share their story? Get in touch and help us celebrate women who change the world through innovation!

World Intellectual Property Day - April 26, 2023

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Women bring new perspectives and talents to the table. In 2023, we celebrate the “can do” attitude of women inventors, creators and entrepreneurs around the world and their groundbreaking work! The 2023 World IP Day is dedicated to Women and IP, aiming to encourage women to use the IP system, accelerating innovation and creativity. Ahead of the day WIPO is organizing a video competition to share ideas for how an inclusive innovation ecosystem can unleash the creativity of girls and women to build a better tomorrow for the benefit of all.