SINOPSIS

This article examines the influence of the family on women's achievement in scientific careers in the sub-Saharan African and Caribbean regions. It is based on semistructured interviews with 20 doctoral-level African and Caribbean women scientists working in research and academic institutions in these societies. Given the diversity of structural conditions, and economic, geopolitical, and sociocultural experiences, it is argued that the road to success in the pursuance of a scientific career are not the same, although there are areas of common ground. The study shows that when compared with their North American and European counterparts, there are significant differences in the family experiences of African and Caribbean women scientists that must be made visible and pursued more rigorously in further studies.