It was a fun-filled moment at the Mawazo Connects event when 32 fellows representing 8 countries met in person for the first time having mostly interacted for 15 months remotely. Just as important, if not more, than the professional achievements they had gained, were the friendships and bonds across borders, cultures, disciplines and languages that have been forged along the way.

The Fellows engaged in a variety of activities (both indoor and outdoor) and got to know each other on a deeper level. A deepened understanding of themselves and each other on a personal level created an environment that allowed them to open up and be vulnerable with each other. It also created an environment for ideation and fostering connections that will one day culminate in fruitful collaborations across disciplines and across the continent.

The activities further allowed them to foster team cohesion and teamwork as every activity was uniquely designed to bring awareness and thought provoking moments to team members about the importance of collaboration in research. The activities also encouraged them to collaborate to boost productivity and performance. With the fellows having their own unique strengths and weaknesses, social preferences, and technical knowledge, being able to understand these aspects proved to be extremely helpful to learn more from each other.

From the 3-days team building activities, the stereotypes about scientists as reserved, socially clumsy people, workaholics and without family, hobbies and interests – all characteristics that strips them of their humanity, were debunked. 

“We are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The exercise helped me to understand that there is more than work and study." Evelyne Sang, MLEx Fellow. 

In addition, the exercise provided a networking platform, while stimulating collaborations within their diverse network of researchers, professionals and raising awareness regarding the importance of research to inspire the next generation of women researchers.

The Fellows also interacted with Mawazo's team and were able to express appreciation for the role that each played to bring women researchers to the forefront. This includes, but is not limited to, enhancing their visibility, expanding their networks and partnerships, and building a movement of women scientists pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and seeking solutions to complex global challenges every day.

In today's unsustainable work culture that rewards workaholism, people hardly find time for themselves, directly influencing the efficiency and quality of the work they do. For researchers to conduct truly innovative work we must provide the right environment to nurture their creativity. The Mawazo Connects event provided a well-deserved break for our Fellows from their day-to-day commitments juggling work and family responsibilities whilst completing their PhDs, to connect with themselves and each other. Many left the event feeling re-energised and supported to continue on their research journeys.

On Tuesday November 1st, Nairobians were treated to a night of mind-boggling brain teasers to test their knowledge and understanding on how African researchers (and other experts) are responding to the needs of Africa’s growing cities.

The event whose theme was The Future of African Cities; A Science Quiz, was hosted under the Mawazo Voices programme and is part of the Mawazo Institute’s ‘African Futures’ campaign. It came a day after the world marked World Cities Day on October 31st.

Over 100 participants including young professional adults, university students and researchers, science enthusiasts, science engagement practitioners and policy-wonks attended the event, which was aimed at widening the public understanding of science.

The event saw two local celebrities put to the test against an expert who is innovating to create Africa's future cities. The competitors were Mutono Nyamai - Data Scientist, Post-doctoral researcher at University of Nairobi and 2021 Mawazo Learning Exchange (MLEx) Fellow, Georgie Ndirangu, the reigning quiz night champion and trained broadcaster and global moderator and Ivy Mugo (Just Ivy Africa), the newest entrant to the game, and Pulse Influencer Award Winner in the Most Innovative and Business categories.

“Through this campaign, we hope to encourage the recognition of Africa’s researchers as an engine for the big ideas that our future needs.” Kari Mugo, Mawazo Institute Public Engagement Lead, and the Moderator of the event.

The Mawazo graduating Fellows also had an opportunity to participate in the event, where conversations around the challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s cities were discussed, through three rounds of questions with thematic areas on Nairobi City, climate adaptation and built environment.

The quiz night took place at K1 Klub House, where participants had a chance to talk to each other, share drinks, and eat together. It also allowed competitors to talk to the audience to get the answers, capturing the audience interest while conveying knowledge about science and research.

The night culminated with George Ndirangu being crowned the winner, defending his unbeaten record.

You can help us shape the female future of science 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.