Introduction
In a landscape often filled with promises of transformation, my journey with the Mawazo Fellowship Programme of the Mawazo Institute truly stands out. This program not only reshaped my PhD journey but also underscored the vital role that mentorship and capacity-building initiatives play for researchers in Africa.
About the Mawazo Fellowship
The program is designed to support African women PhD students across the continent who are addressing emerging development challenges.
It offers a 15-month programme consisting of:
1) Virtual training on a range of courses relevant to research, science communication and policy and community engagement.
2) A mentorship scheme that connects Fellows with experienced professionals, along with a peer network that fosters encouragement and accountability throughout the fellowship.
3) Access to a comprehensive Fellows Fund that finances research activities, conference travel, research translation, and cross-sector collaborations.
4) Welfare and wellness support to enhance the overall well-being of the Fellows.
My Journey with the Mawazo Fellowship
The beginning
When I first applied to the programme, it was designed to be a one-off funding opportunity providing research funds to 10 East African women to help them complete their PhDs.
I made the shortlist and was waiting to be interviewed in order to find out if I had received the funding or not. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the organization adapted to the changes by pivoting into a one-year capacity-building fellowship.
The best part is that under the new arrangement, they were able to take on all forty women who had been shortlisted.
This flexibility was crucial, highlighting how essential it is for programs to pivot in the face of unforeseen challenges. The ability to adapt not only preserved the fellowship’s value but also ensured that fellows continued to receive meaningful support.
Enhanced Skills
Through a series of short courses, I developed essential skills that have been instrumental in my academic growth.
Topics such as research design, budgeting, and science communication enriched my understanding and practice, enabling me to approach my work with renewed confidence.
The structured learning environment fostered a community where I could exchange ideas with peers, further enhancing the experience.
First Podcast Experience
One of the most exhilarating opportunities was my debut on the Mawazo Ideas podcast, where I discussed climate change and food security.
This experience was a leap outside my comfort zone but proved to be invaluable. It not only allowed me to voice my research but also taught me the importance of public engagement in academia.
Public Engagement Campaign
In partnership with Mawazo, I co-organized a public engagement campaign focused on the human impacts on planetary health alongside students from the University of Nairobi.
This event highlighted the intersection of various academic disciplines, showcasing innovative research and fostering collaboration among students.
It reinforced my belief that impactful research often occurs at the crossroads of diverse fields.
COP 27 Participation
Mawazo’s support enabled my attendance at COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, where I was honoured to speak on a panel about adaptation priorities in the Indo-Pacific and Africa.
Engaging with global leaders and sharing insights on pressing environmental issues was not just an academic milestone; it was a testament to the fellowship’s commitment to amplifying African voices in critical conversations.
International Conference Presentation
Another highlight was presenting my PhD research at an international conference on Ecology in Geneva, funded by the Mawazo Fellows Fund.
This experience not only enhanced my presentation skills but also expanded my network, connecting me with researchers and practitioners from around the globe.
Research Funding
Thanks to the Mawazo Connects Fund offered to alumni at the end of the capacity-building fellowship, I secured funding to cover article processing fees for my second scientific article.
This support illustrates the tangible impact that well-structured fellowship programs can have on a researcher’s output and visibility in the academic community.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my journey with the Mawazo Fellowship, it’s clear that such programs play a pivotal role in transforming the research landscape for African academics.
They not only provide funding but also foster a community of support and collaboration, equipping researchers with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive.
As the academic environment continues to evolve, the importance of adaptive programs like Mawazo cannot be overstated.
They remind us that transformation is not just about resources; it’s about creating resilient pathways for growth.
For researchers considering fellowships, I encourage you to embrace these opportunities—they can indeed change the course of your academic journey.
