Giving Tuesday is a global moment of generosity that brings people together to support the causes and communities that shape our world.  It’s a reminder of what becomes possible when we rally around African women researchers whose work is transforming the continent.

Across the 66 African universities that we represent, our Fellows and Alumni are leading research that strengthens public health, deepens digital futures, improves inclusion, influences policy, and shapes everyday solutions in their communities.

Why Your Support Matters

When you support Mawazo, you’re helping remove the barriers that make research harder than it needs to be for African women. You’re keeping a Mawazo Fellow connected, resourced, encouraged, and equipped even when unexpected challenges arise. And you’re helping ensure that African women researchers continue creating solutions for their communities and influencing policy where it matters most.

This year, we’re also celebrating the incredible work supported through our Connects Fund, which gives our alumni the flexibility to  collaboratively turn their big ideas into action.

Here are some of the projects that the support we received in 2025 helped bring to life:

1. 1. Mentorship to young African women by 7 Mawazo Alumni – inviting 45 emerging young women scientists from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe to participate in several months of in-person and virtual workshops, with dedicated mentors, designed to address the holistic development of young African women in STEM.  This Communities Of  Practice project  introduced the group to academic and professional tools as well as personal support and cross-continental connections.
   2. Strengthening Animal & Public Health in Isiolo : Enabled the purchase of sampling supplies for domestic animals, helping deepen research in Isiolo County in Kenya and strengthening community-centered animal health solutions.
   3. Helping Women Complete Their PhDs : A Kenyan alumni pursuing a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Cape Town, used the fund for professional proofreading and editing of her PhD thesis in , an essential step toward submitting high-quality research and completing her doctorate.
   4. Expanding Autism Support for Families & Caregivers : Facilitated the dissemination of PhD research and a training workshop on stress and nutrition management for caregivers of children with autism, ensuring that research directly benefits homes with Autistic children in Ghana.
   5. Scaling Inclusive Education in Tanzania : Through the Autism Inclusion Model (AIM), 30 teachers across 10 public schools in the Iringa Region in Tanzania are receiving tools that help children with autism learn, participate, and thrive.
   6. Building AI & Digital Health Capacity for Young Women : Equipped young women with skills in AI and Digital Health so they can support vulnerable youth  including GBV survivors  through tools like the HIV Chatbot.
   7. Driving Policy Dialogue on Antimicrobial Resistance : A policy workshop in Isiolo brought camel owners, veterinarians, researchers, processors, county officials, and private sector partners together to address antibiotic use in camel milk using a One Health approach.

Where Your #2025GivingTuesday Contribution Goes

Here’s how your Giving Tuesday support helps power this work:

• $25 Keeps a fellow in a rural or conflict-affected area online for a full month, ensuring she can access mentorship, submit assignments, and stay connected to her research community.
• $50 Supports the Fellows’ Wellness Fund, which helps researchers navigate unexpected personal or domestic emergencies and caregiving needs.
•  $100 Covers essentials like data bundles, transcription, printing, publishing fees, or basic lab supplies.
•  $250 Supports data collection and fieldwork by covering transport to communities where research takes place.
• $500 Supports data analysis and helps French-speaking researchers access translation for policy briefs and global publications.
• $1,000 Kickstarts community engagement or pilot projects such as STEM workshops led by fellows for girls in Ethiopia.
•  $2,500 Contributes to a fellow’s full development package; workshops, coaching, and visibility opportunities for fellows from francophone regions.
•  $5,000 Expands the Mawazo Learning & Exchange platform by helping build new courses and extend our reach into francophone, Arabic-speaking, and Lusophone communities.

Beyond Giving Tuesday

Your support through contributing, sharing, or spreading the word strengthens this community of women who are shaping Africa’s research landscape. Every action widens the circle. Every gesture moves the work forward. Every share gives their work visibility and invites someone new into the movement.

We invite you to journey with us! Donate now https://mawazoinstitute.org/donate/