Thank you and Happy Holidays! |
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And so… just like that we come to the close of yet another remarkable year! As we reflect on 2023 and plan ahead for 2024, we are deeply thankful to you - our ever-growing network of champions and cheerleaders!
Your support has seen Mawazo grow in courage and confidence in the impact our work is making on the lives of Africa’s women researchers and on the wider research ecosystem.
None of what we have achieved in the year 2023 would have been possible without your belief in our vision of creating positive change for Africa through strengthening its research ecosystem and emboldening the women making waves within it. Cannot wait to see what 2024 brings!
Finally, as we welcome the holiday season, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May this festive time be filled with laughter, love, and the company of those who matter most.
On behalf of the entire Mawazo Team, I thank you!
Dr. Fiona Moejes - CEO, Mawazo Institute
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Publishing & Grants Writing CoreCourse Live Event |
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The Publishing & Grants Writing CoreCourse kicked off on Monday 18th September 2023 and ended on Friday, November 10th, 2023.
The Publishing and Grants Writing course comprises three lessons: 1) e-Resources for Researchers, a foundational lesson that focuses on navigating electronic resources critical for researchers, Academic Writing and Publishing; 2) Building on Lesson 1, a module for honing students' academic writing and publishing skills; and 3) Grant Writing & Management, the final lesson that delves into the critical aspects of grant writing and management.
Dr. Marilyn Ronoh and Dr. Teresiah Njihia took the fellows through the course. The two are former Fellows, now Alumni in the Connects Network and already giving back to the current Fellows by supporting them through the platform. “ The Grants Course is one of my favourites, as it opens the world of opportunities to young researchers who may be blinded by the misconception that these opportunities are only reserved for seasoned researchers,” Dr. Ronoh says. On her part, Dr. Njihia describes the course as “comprehensive, relevant and well summarised course material.”
Thirty nine out of the forty Fellows completed the course, a completion rate of 96%.
A live webinar on the Course was held on the 28th of November 2023 hosted by Dr. Joyce Omwoha, of the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) and Dr Carli Coetzee, President of the African Studies Association of the UK (ASAUK).
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Mawazo Fellows at a Leaders Capacity Development Workshop |
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Two 2023 Mawazo Fellows, Esther Rehema Matendo and Marie Chantal Zaninka, were among the participants at a “Facilitating Foresight for Food Systems Change in Africa A Leaders Capacity Development Workshop” held in Naivasha, Kenya, between 13th and 17th November 2023.
Three organisations, Foresight4Food, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the African Food Fellowship Programme (AFF) collaborated in organizing the five- day leaders capacity development workshop with support from the Mastercard Foundation.
Though the workshop largely focused on transforming agri-food systems, it was also relevant to those working on wider development issues seeking to build a cohort and network of leaders capable of applying foresight in their work contexts, with a view to bringing about transformative change for equity and sustainability in Africa.
Participants discussed the Kenyan horticultural sector with groups visiting four different sites where they engaged farmers, processors, and exporters, and brainstormed on future scenarios for the local Naivasha horticulture sector.
In their post-workshop comments, the two Fellows nominated by Mawazo were full of praise for the organisation and reported they had been inspired to apply the foresight approach in their own work environment. “I look forward to more similar workshops in 2024,” Ms. Matendo concluded.
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Research for Development Futures Workshop |
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A two-day in-person workshop on Research for Development Futures took place in Nairobi, Kenya in October. The workshop was the brainchild of the Centre for Sustainability Transitions (CST) at Stellenbosch University, the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at University of Sussex Business School and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). What does this actually mean, you ask?
For the past year, the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at University of Sussex Business School, CST has been collaborating with IDRC to deliver an important foresight initiative around disruptors and enablers of research for development: exploring futures. Among other things, this project aims to: (1) use a strategic foresight approach to expand the thinking and perceptions around persistent research and science systems challenges, and (2) produce knowledge and foresight analysis of R4D futures that can contribute to strategy adaptation, greater organisational resilience, agility and clarity about the challenges and opportunities that could populate the unfolding future contextual environment of R4D.
The hands-on strategising workshop was attended by three women experts from Mawazo’s Connects Network: Sahra Koshin (2021 Mawazo Policy Fellow), Margaret Muriuki (2021 cohort) and Dr Janet Surum (2021 cohort all agreed the workshop “was an eye-opener for the future of research funding and development in Africa”.
The workshop allowed them to apply strategic foresight and share their lived and research experience in helping them to devise new ways of thinking especially with regard to the persistent challenge of funding and funding mechanisms for African research and science systems.
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Mawazo Alumni Using Media to Influence Policy |
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On 30th November, 2018 Mawazo Alumni Dr. Marilyn Ronoh and Dr. Victoria Mukami were interviewed on KTN News at 10 am about their HIV Chatbot. There are many affected by HIV & AIDS, and their brainchild looks to ease the burden by making information on the disease, preventative measures and solutions more available to anyone with an internet connection. Their project aims at developing a multi-lingual chatbot and will seek to reduce new HIV infections among adolescents and young adults.
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We are happy to announce that Dr. Janet Surum, a 2021 Mawazo Fellow has published a perspective piece on Life Sciences in Africa journal titled Building Responsible Life Sciences in Africa: Observations from an Early Career Female Scientist. Dr. Surum is full of praise for Mawazo for the opportunity to work with Professor Joy Zhang and the University of Kent where she learnt a lot about Africa, expanding her knowledge on Life Sciences as well as putting into practice her scientific writing and publishing skills. This, she says, has built her research gate account visibility immensely, not to mention an addition to her publications.
“This would not have been possible without generous responses/interviews from some of the Mawazo alumni, especially Dr. Mutono who is severally mentioned in this piece. I also used a couple of resources from the Mawazo Institute’s publications,” she states.
Congratulations Dr. Surum!
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Graduation news for our 2018 Fellows! |
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2021 Mawazo Fellow Pauline Orondo has graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) with a PhD in molecular biology and Bioinformatics. Her thesis title was the “Effects of irrigation on Anopheles vector larval ecology and insecticide resistance status and mechanisms in mixed crop irrigation in Homa Bay county, Western Kenya.”
Congratulations Dr. Pauline!
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Mawazo CEO at Unearthodox event |
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On 31st October 2023, Mawazo’s CEO Dr. Fiona Moejes participated in a panel discussion themed “implementing inclusion, equity and diversity for conversation” as part of the many events organised by Unearthodox during its Learning Festival.
During this session, the panellists explored the implementation of diversity and inclusion from various perspectives with a focus on how the conservation industry can advance in terms of its understanding and implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion practices in the conservation sector.
Dr. Moejes highlighted Mawazo’s strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace not only in the HR policy implementation but also as part of the core of our work culture. Among the achievements she mentioned included Mawazo being among the first organisations in Kenya to implement a 4-day workweek and provision of a wellness kitty for staff, thus allowing team members to thrive and feel comfortable in the workspace. She also mentioned how our leadership style and organisational structure allows team members to participate in decision making.
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Workshop on Tailoring Your Knowledge Translation Strategies |
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I was privileged to attend a three-day virtual knowledge conference organised by the Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (KTDRR) between 6th and 9th November. The theme of the workshop was “Tailoring Your Knowledge Translation Strategies for Your Intended Users” and it brought together participants from across the world.
Presenters shared their experiences, and more more importantly, particular strategies that have helped them to plan and implement effective and efficient Knowledge Translation (KT) approaches.
The major takeaways from the workshop was that any KT approach calls for careful thinking about who can benefit from the information you will share and developing your research, product or program in close collaboration with your intended users. That way, you will know how best to reach them. I believe this information will assist me and the communications team to translate the research findings into compelling stories and disseminate the same to the intended audience.
Every year, KTDRR in collaboration with several national and international partners, conducts integrated training, dissemination, utilisation, and technical assistance activities to not only increase the use of valid and relevant evidence-based research findings that inform decision-making but also increase the understanding and application of knowledge translation principles.
I look forward to the next workshop!
Carolyne Tunnen - Communicaions Lead, Mawazo Institute
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Mawazo participates in the Falling Walls Event in Germany |
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The 2023 Falling Walls Science Summit took place in Berlin, Germany between 7th and 9th November. I was among participants from various fields including scientists, public engagement experts and other actors in science, politics, business, and media spaces who graced the Summit. The goal of the event was to bring together experts from different scientific fields, to foster collaborative solutions to address the nuanced problems of the times that we live in.
The three-day event was highlighted by pitching of ideas and solutions to various challenges in emerging talents “Falling Walls Lab”, startups “Falling Walls Venture”, and science engagement “Falling Walls Engage.” The winning pitch in “Falling Walls Engage” was called STEM from Dance by Yamileé Toussaint from the USA, aimed to inspire girls to get involved in STEM through dance. It was an eye opening approach to incorporate culture in science engagement.
The other two days saw more panel discussions and events centred around positive development of science engagement in society. There was also a meeting of the Engagers where all the Country Hub forum engagers, including myself, held our monthly get together and exchange of ideas.
A key highlight for me was the wealth and variety of ideas on how to translate science for different audiences, especially communities that don’t typically have access to that information. It was exciting to put Mawazo’s name out there as a resource to connect people with women African researchers.
Silvia Mwendia, Voices Programme Associate
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Mawazo Joins African Researchers to Celebrate CARGF’s success |
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On 23rd and 24th October 2023, the Mawazo Institute joined other stakeholders in the Science ecosystem in Africa, at the National Research Fund Corporate Offices, Pretoria, South Africa to celebrate and showcase the Covid-19 Africa Rapid Grant Fund (CARGF) and ORTARChI initiatives. The event provided a space for peer-learning, networking, and the exploration of avenues of collaboration among the participants. The participants included researchers and the participating councils of the Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI).
Participants had an opportunity to interact with various NRF’s grant recipients, providing other key stakeholders time to engage with grant-holders and their projects. In addition, participants engaged in distilling the learnings from the CARGF process and developing forward-looking policy guidelines to contribute to strengthening the resilience, flexibility and adaptability of African science systems in initiating, designing, implementing, adjusting and evaluating rapid, coordinated, multilateral responses to future global or regional crises.
Mawazo, a recipient of the fund, was represented by Elizabeth Ngala, the director of finance and Kari Mugo, a public engagement consultant who participated as an expert panel on strengthening African science systems for future emergency crises. The two also facilitated the discussion and presented a CARGF-funded project poster, alongside those of other grantees.
Recommendations from the two-day event will go a long way in harnessing partnerships with critical stakeholders in the science ecosystem in Africa.
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Mawazo has reshaped my Career |
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Working at Mawazo has profoundly reshaped my career allowing me to utilise data for tailor-made interventions and share the narratives of the African woman. This experience has broadened my perspectives, defined my voice and amplified my impact. In a time where the quality of life is emerging as an alternative indicator for transformative change, Mawazo stands out as a pace-setter in Africa.
Mawazo is deliberate in planning and implementing interventions aimed at enhancing various facets of the fellows’ experience, contributing to improved well-being. This comprehensive approach has nurtured a sustained commitment to the program. Achieving a work-life balance poses a challenge for African women, and it is empowering to collaborate with an organisation that acknowledges the interplay of different dimensions and factors.
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My Mother's Story Drove me to Mawazo's Board |
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Why did you join the Mawazo Institute Board? |
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I became part of the Mawazo Institute’s Board, driven by a deeply personal motivation rooted in my mother's story. She, like many remarkable women, couldn't complete her PhD because of societal hurdles, such as the challenges she faced when she became pregnant. Witnessing the personal to financial barriers women encounter in their pursuit of a PhD, struck a chord with me. Mawazo's commitment to dismantling these barriers and offering comprehensive support to women resonated powerfully. Besides, PhDs are more than just fancy titles! They are the engines powering policy change and for these policies to really have impact, we need women in the driver's seat! It’s the secret sauce to a brighter fairer future: when it's women at the research wheel, policies don't just shift, they evolve towards a brighter horizon.
Christina Nduba-Banja - Mawazo Institute Board Member
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If Mawazo Institute was to be on the cover of your favourite newspaper or magazine in five years, what would the story be about? |
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The cover would be on the Mawazo Impact. It would feature an ingenious diagram depicting a constellation of countries positively influenced by Mawazo scholars. Picture an infographic sparkling with all the cool statistics like the number of scholars empowered, policies adopted by governments inspired by Mawazo initiatives, and a multitude of programs facilitated worldwide. It would be a vibrant tapestry illustrating the reach and influence of Mawazo's global footprint in reshaping academia, all in a format so visually compelling, it could make even the most complex impact feel like a dazzling work of art!
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Support Africa's Next Generation of Change-makers |
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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.
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Spread the word |
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