Happy New Year and welcome back Mawazo Family!
As we launch our new call for applications today, and begin the search for our 2023 cohort of Fellows, I’m struck by the importance of Mawazo’s mission to wholly support African women researchers - technically, economically and emotionally - as they embark on their careers as change makers.
In November 2021, with a background in marine research and conservation, a wonderful person from my network encouraged me to apply for the Women for the Environment (WE) Africa programme. This did take some convincing as I felt underqualified or somehow not worthy of joining a network of incredible African women working to protect and conserve our environment. In hindsight, it was these conscious (and sometimes unconscious) narratives centred around “we are not enough”, that women, particularly women of colour, have on repeat in our heads that reinforce the need for programmes like WE Africa and the Mawazo Fellowship Programme.
Despite my lack of self-belief, I was one of 20 women from across the continent selected to join the 2022 cohort of WE Africa Fellows. My experience being a part of WE Africa was life-changing. It has increased my self-awareness and given me the courage to truly lead authentically with empathy and compassion; in a way that feels true to who I am rather than trying to fit a traditional leadership mould. The year-long journey has removed the invisible shackles of socialisation and cultural expectations, allowing my inner essence, endless thoughts and intuition to become boundless.
WE Africa has also allowed me to build a clearer picture of the impact I would like to have on the world - and I intrinsically believe that I am achieving my purpose through the work we do with Mawazo and feel truly blessed to be able to dedicate myself to something I am so passionate about.
It is with this in mind, that I return back to Mawazo’s next cohort of Fellows. Understanding that not only is technical and financial support crucial in research, but so is the need for complete support from a community, sisterhood, and the reinforcement and reinvigoration of purpose.
Below is a piece I wrote and presented during the WE Africa graduation ceremony. For all African women researchers, but especially our future Fellows: may we all be wholly and unapologetically ourselves, as we seek to create holistic and impactful change for our continent, and beyond.
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