Daily Nation - Do More To Help African Women In Research - March 2025

On March 20th, 2025 - Kenyan publication the Daily Nation published an OpEd written by Mawazo's Communications Lead, Carolyne Tunnen, following the launch of the Status Of African Women In Research report. The report highlighted the systemic challenges faced by African women in research.
Despite making up 33% of researchers on the continent, African women struggle with limited funding, mentorship gaps, and caregiving responsibilities that hinder their progress. The report revealed that only 34% of surveyed women secured research funding, with 60% relying on personal savings.

Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between funders, policymakers, and institutions to create a more inclusive research ecosystem. Investing in flexible funding, mentorship programs, and supportive policies can unlock the full potential of African women researchers, driving innovation and sustainable development across the continent. Read more here.

Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund : Dr.Rogia Saïdath Adéline Gomez's Research On BioSecurity In Farming

On March 7th 2025; 2021 Mawazo Fellow Dr.Rogia Saïdath Adéline Gomez from Benin was featured by the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund for her work on biosecurity in poultry farms whose research was carried out in Tanzania. Dr.Rogia's research study sheds light on the existing flaws in health management (biosecurity) within farming systems on the continent. 

Her research aimed to identify the different biosecurity routines/measures implemented on poultry farms, the reasons why each farmer chooses certain measures over others and the impact of these measures on the productivity of their farming activities and the final quality of the products from these farms. Her findings proposed cost-effective solutions to improve farm resilience and efficiency. Read more here.

Africa Research Hub - A highlight on Dr. Yvonne Githiora's journey with the Mawazo Fellowship

In March 2025, 2021 Mawazo Fellow - Dr. Yvonne Githiora published a post on Africa Research Hub; a continental resource for African students and researchers that she founded. She shared about her transformative journey with the Mawazo Fellowship, highlighting how the program reshaped her PhD experience and strengthened her academic path. Through funding, mentorship, and a supportive research community, Mawazo played a pivotal role in equipping Dr. Yvonne with the skills and opportunities she needed to thrive. Her story emphasizes the importance of capacity-building initiatives in fostering resilience and growth for African researchers. Read more on the link.

IMAGINABLE FUTURES: Powering Progress: How Mawazo is elevating Women in African Research - March 2025

In March 2025, to mark International Women's Day, Mawazo's donor Imaginable Futures published a blog post on their website spotlighting the work that Mawazo does in supporting African women researchers, and how their support for our work has influenced the lives of several women. Included in the blog is a highlight of the impact Mawazo's programmes have had in the lives of some of our alumni, including Dr. Marilyn Ronoh, the co-creator of a HIV awareness AI chatbot. Read more at the link.