World Intellectual Property Day |26 April 2023

‘Women's contributions to innovation and creativity should be recognised and valued’

“World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated on April 26 each year to raise awareness about the role of intellectual property (IP) rights in encouraging innovation and creativity. According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), ‘Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce’.

“This year's theme is ‘Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity’, highlighting the crucial contributions that women make in the field of intellectual property.

“Historically, women have been underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which are key areas of innovation and creativity. However, over the past few decades, women have made significant progress in these fields and have become innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs in their own right. Such great strides would undoubtedly make female trail blazers such as Dr Shirley Jackson and Marie Curie proud. Or even the lesser known Grace Hopper and Rosalind Franklin whose contributions in computer programming and DNA research work have forever altered the world, though history shows us, women’s achievements are often overlooked.

“Intellectual property rights, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights, play a vital role in protecting and promoting the innovation and creativity of women. They provide a legal framework for women to protect their intellectual creations and help to ensure that they receive recognition and financial benefits for their work.

“However, despite progress in recent years, significant challenges in the field of intellectual property remain. For example, women are less likely to file for patents than men. Additionally, women are underrepresented in leadership positions within the field of intellectual property.

“To address such challenges and accelerate the innovation and creativity of women, it is essential to increase representation, provide mentorship and support, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the field of intellectual property. By doing so, we can ensure that women's contributions to innovation and creativity are recognised and valued, and that they have the tools they need to succeed in the field.

“Climate Research and Innovation Institute Seychelles (CRIIS) has the core mission of creating an avenue to promote and empower individuals to conduct scientific research and innovative project implementation. It fully supports and celebrates the contributions of women in the field of intellectual property so that together we can create a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

“Happy World Intellectual Property Day from all of us at Climate Research Innovation Institute Seychelles (CRIIS).”

Contributed