We are excited to announce that 2021 Mawazo Fellow Dr. Elizabeth Wafula has been accepted as a reviewer for the seventh edition of UNEP’s Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7). This prestigious role highlights her expertise and commitment to environmental issues on a global scale.

In addition to that, Dr. Wafula serves as a co-investigator at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) for a Marie Curie EU-funded project called NMR-IMPROV. Currently, she is on secondment in Poland, where she works alongside her PhD and Master’s students to deepen their understanding of nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. This project is part of a larger consortium that includes eight institutions across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

“We hope to use nuclear magnetic resonance as a tool to improve the quality of dairy products,” she states.

We are proud of this remarkable woman and her significant contributions to food science and technology. Her work exemplifies dedication to research and innovation that benefits both local communities and the global environment.

The Mawazo Institute participated in the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Africa Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Week on October 7th - 8th at the YMCA central branch in Nairobi, Kenya. The event focused on ‘SDGs Progress in Kenya and Policy Engagement’ and featured two panel discussions.

The NEF Africa SDGs Week was an excellent platform for our alumni to share their research with young audiences and highlight contributions to SDGs 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), and 13 (Climate action). On October 7th, our alumni Jacinta Kinyunzu, Milcah Wambua, and Margaret Muriuki addressed the alignment of climate action, food security, and poverty with inclusive and sustainable policies.

“There should be a collaboration between the community, government, and researchers to develop context-based solutions to the challenges Kenya faces in achieving SDG 13.”- Margaret Muriuki

“The biggest challenge Kenya faces in achieving the SDGs is the implementation of the policies and mapping the issues taking place at the community level”-Jacinta Kinyunzu

“We have a gap between the research being conducted in the universities and our farmers. Kenyans need to understand that you can also grow and sell cassava for economic profit, it is not only maize” Milcah Wambua

On October 8th, Aisha Mugo, Research Officer, and Silvia Mwendia, Voices Programme Officer, discussed how Mawazo is promoting gender-responsive educational policies in higher education. One key takeaway was the need to create and implement inclusive policies which are essential to ensure that no one is left behind, particularly marginalised groups. By pursuing these strategies, Kenya can enhance its chances of achieving the SDGs.

On October 11th, the Mawazo Institute participated in the WomenLift Health East Africa Regional Dialogues 2024, themed “Empowered to Lead - Centering Allyship and Gender Equality to Transform Global Health Leadership.” This event brought together a diverse group of public and global health leaders, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to address the institutional barriers and systemic challenges that impede women’s leadership in the health sector.

The Dialogues focused on how allyship can promote gender parity within health institutions and emphasised the need for increased investment in tools that empower women to assume leadership roles. Notably, five of our alumni currently working in the health sector attended these dialogues. Their participation provided a valuable opportunity to learn from, network, and engage with influential leaders and experts dedicated to transforming global health leadership.

A key takeaway from the event was the recognition that women contribute not only their professional expertise but also their unique lived experiences. This insight underscores the importance of promoting women’s leadership in health, as it has the potential to strengthen institutions and enhance the quality of healthcare for all. The discussions held during this event are expected to yield practical and actionable solutions aimed at tackling these challenges and advancing gender equality within the health landscape.

Call for Applications  Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship 2025 (Deadline: 15 November)

The Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship 2025 is accepting applications from 30 women pursuing PhD/doctoral degrees in aerospace applied sciences or aerospace-applied engineering. Eligible applicants are women of any nationality pursuing a PhD/doctoral degree with a superior academic record conducting research applied to aerospace engineering or space science. Benefits include funding up to US$10,000.

You can help us shape the future of women researchers on the continent by making a donation. No amount is too small – or too big. Make a donation today via debit/credit card, Paypal, or MPESA.