The AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science
About this program
The AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science is a customized learning experience for young African women in science under 35. The program will equip participants with the skills and confidence to lead and innovate in the scientific world.
The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles ultimately affects progress toward sustainable development and achieving global sustainable development goals. To ensure women’s effective participation in leadership, women must access learning opportunities to gain skills that will equip them to lead effectively.
The AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science is tailored to address some challenges that impede young women’s growth into leadership in science.
Program structure
The Program comprises highly interactive training sessions on leadership, mentoring, proposal writing, communication skills, and one-on-one coaching sessions. Participants will get a deeper understanding of:
– Effective leadership styles and developing their leadership potential
– How to define their career path and leverage networks to advance their careers
– How to develop personal brands to build confidence in pitching their research ideas to potential funding agencies and collaborators
– The necessary tools and skills to successfully manage teams, navigate organizational dynamics, build alliances, and take risks
Eligibility and participation
- The program is available to high-potential female applicants under 35 years old who work in science and agriculture and have at least five years of full-time sector experience.
- Education qualification: Applicants must have a minimum of a B.Sc. degree or equivalent in any agricultural science discipline from a recognized university.
- The program targets young African women scientists from Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and Malawi .
- Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to growth, clearly articulate their career goals, and demonstrate their ability to take on leadership responsibility.
- Applicants must reside in Africa and be currently actively engaged in agriculture-related professional work
- Applicants must not be a Fellow or Laureate of any other Fellowships offered by AWARD
The call for application is now open!
MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
Aber Stella
Uganda
Aber Stella
Uganda
Project Officer, Plant International - Aber Stella is an agriculturalist by education and practice who aspires to grow into a leadership role in agricultural-related programs. She is confident that this Leadership Program will bring out the leader in her.
Affoue Tatiana
Côte d'Ivoire
Affoue Tatiana
Côte d'Ivoire
PhD Student, Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé- Kouassi is researching the impact of cocoa-based agroforestry systems on the nutritional and sensory quality of cocoa beans. She also has an ambition of setting up a cocoa processing plant, hence believes that the training in this program will equip her with the necessary leadership skills to lead dynamic teams in the future.
Aghogho Kolawole-Daniels
Nigeria
Aghogho Kolawole-Daniels
Nigeria
Principal Research Officer, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research - Aghogho Kolawole-Daniels is a Marine Ecologist/ environmentalist who specializes in Marine Ecology/biology. Her main research focus is on the biology, ecology, distribution, biodiversity, and conservation of marine living resources. Aghogho desires to become a renowned and relevant research fellow and a mentor to upcoming research scientists.
Akachukwu Princess
Nigeria
Akachukwu Princess
Nigeria
Research Assistant, University of Port Harcourt- Akachukwu is researching the effect of a hybrid strain of cannabis on cognitive and memory learning skills, motor skills, reproductive hormones, and liver and kidney markers among youth in learning institutions. She hopes to gain resource mobilization skills that will help her understand the grant application process and develop persuasive proposals.
Aleyo Roseline
Kenya
Aleyo Roseline
Kenya
Chief Technical Officer, Ecodudu Ltd - Aleyo Roseline’s passion for research and entrepreneurship is unrivaled. She works on turning organic waste into animal protein and organic fertilizer using black soldier fly larvae. This process reduces carbon emissions and provides an alternative source of protein for animal feeds to farmers at a more affordable price. Her dream is to implement the solutions obtained from her research and work into real-life experiences for a better world.
Amadou Afoussatou
Benin
Amadou Afoussatou
Benin
Research Assistant, Research Unit in Microbiology and Pharmacology of natural substances (URMAPha) - Amadou Afoussatou is a doctoral student in nutrition and food security. She is in charge of the Network of Young Researchers of Benin and Secretary of the coordination office PTR Health (Africa)CAMES. She has received various awards, including the best communicator award at the CAMES Scientific Days and the best mobilizing country award at the Network of Young Researchers-PTR Health/CAMES days.
Andrialalao Sophie
Madagascar
Andrialalao Sophie
Madagascar
Research Assistant in Agronomy, Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice)- Sophie is assigned to a project co-implemented by AfricaRice and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) which aims to improve food and nutritional security by promoting improved varieties of selected crops with higher nutritional value. She looks forward to gaining clarity on her career path and boosting her confidence in pitching research ideas to potential funding agencies and collaborators.
Anna Sarrs
Senegal
Anna Sarrs
Senegal
Student Intern, Université de Thiès - Anna Sarr aims to be a researcher in the agricultural value chain and offer technical support to small family farms across the region for sustainable agriculture and more productivity and profit. She is a fifth-year student specializing in rural economies and sociology at the École Nationale Supérieure d'Agriculture in Senegal. Her current research project seeks to bridge the gap on cowpea production and its nutritional value by building a quantitative inventory on cowpea supply and demand in Mali and Senegal.
Apolline Bambara
Burkina Faso
Apolline Bambara
Burkina Faso
Rural Engineer, Ministry of Agriculture - Since 2014, Apolline Bambara has guided and validated technical studies in hydro-agricultural installations in Burkina Faso. She supervises the development of irrigated area projects and trains farmers to manage water resources and infrastructure efficiently. Apolline hopes to contribute to the installation and management of a water research and development center to enhance water management for agricultural production in Burkina Faso.
Asia Majid
Tanzania
Asia Majid
Tanzania
Assistant Lecturer, University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)- As an Assistant Lecturer, Asia supports her senior colleagues in providing students in applied sciences with high-quality academic experiences such as supporting their research projects. She has set herself a pragmatic target to nurture her teaching experience over the next two years. She anticipates that the program will expose her to industry experts, and other up-and-coming women scientists, broadening her network and developing possibilities for collaboration and professional growth.
Asisipho Khinkwayo
South Africa
Asisipho Khinkwayo
South Africa
MSc Student, Rhodes University- Asisipho works in deagrarianisation, a development discipline focused on the gradual transition of rural livelihoods from being mostly agricultural-dependent to increasing non-agrarian dependence with time. She aims to develop her communication skills given that this is a key competency in her line of work when engaging with rural communities.
Aya Diane Larissa
Côte d'Ivoire
Aya Diane Larissa
Côte d'Ivoire
PhD Student, Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé- Aya works to restore degraded ecosystems and is currently attached to the Office Ivoirien des Parcs et Réserves (OIPR), where she monitors the natural regeneration of former agricultural areas in the Taï National Park. Through the program, she expects to develop her self-confidence which she feels is an inhibiting factor in her taking initiative in projects.
Basheerat Temitope
Nigeria
Basheerat Temitope
Nigeria
Graduate Student, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)- Basheerat’s research focuses on exploring the potential of three agroforestry fodders as alternative or supplemental feed for ruminant animals during the dry season. She aims to enhance her decision-making ability through the program, as research often involves making critical decisions based on incomplete information or uncertainties.
Bouda Soutongnooma Caroline
Burkina Faso
Bouda Soutongnooma Caroline
Burkina Faso
Research Assistant, Molecular Biology, Epidemiology and Surveillance of Food-Transmitted Bacteria and Viruses Laboratory - Bouda Soutongnooma Caroline is working towards drawing up an inventory of biosecurity measures in poultry farming. She is concerned about the uncontrolled use of antibiotics in poultry production, raising major health concerns in her home country. Caroline is passionate about sharing her knowledge through teaching and supervising students.
Cecilia Mukuka
Zambia
Cecilia Mukuka
Zambia
District Aquaculture Business Development Officer, Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission- Cecilia is responsible for managing activities of the Aquaculture Seed Fund Project in the Kaoma district and coordinating the project team in the Western province. The project is aimed at stimulating a viable aquaculture subsector to promote economic diversification, food, and nutrition security as well as employment generation in targeted rural districts of the country with an emphasis on empowering more women and youth. She looks forward to the program's effective leadership skills that will help her in her role as a team leader to develop her team’s capacity.
Chisomo Mukoka
Malawi
Chisomo Mukoka
Malawi
Process Engineer-In-Training, Nchalo Mill-Illovo Sugar - Chisomo Mukoka, a Chemical Engineer and recent graduate, is goal-oriented and passionate about the environment. She has worked with Rice360 in Malawi and the USA, which has exposed her to the world of research and innovation. Chisomo looks forward to developing skills in leadership, management, presentation, and networking for career development. She believes that there is always a better way to do things if we are dedicated enough to find it.
Christiana Etuhu
Nigeria
Christiana Etuhu
Nigeria
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, LoftyInc Allied Partners Limited- As an Economist and Data Analyst, Christiana has so far developed and conducted surveys for three different projects requiring her to apply various tools to extract meaningful insights from more than 3,000 data sets. With an emphasis on data-led research, she anticipates gaining new insights in this program on how to develop gender-inclusive methodologies in her surveys.
Christine Musonda
Zambia
Christine Musonda
Zambia
Biomedical Scientist, Ministry of Health, Zambia- Christine studies infectious diseases in human beings with her current study focused on estimating the burden of HIV and Tuberculosis on persons engaging in same-sex sexual activities. She currently feels like she lacks the right skillset in presenting her findings hence sees the program as integral in developing her public speaking and presentation skills to elevate her career.
Dorothy Chisusu
Malawi
Dorothy Chisusu
Malawi
Research Analyst, WorldFish - Dorothy Chisusu is implementing research projects on fisheries and aquaculture, focusing on piloting inclusive business and entrepreneurial models for smallholder fish farmers in Zambia and Malawi. She looks forward to building institutional partnerships for the implementation of research-driven policies to achieve Agenda 2063. Through impactful research, Dorothy aspires to become part of Malawi and Africa’s home-grown solution to development challenges.
Dossou Laurence
Benin
Dossou Laurence
Benin
Ph.D. Student, The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) - Dossou Laurence’s research focuses on crop disease management techniques. She is researching the rice yellow mottle virus (RMYV), a viral plant disease endemic to Africa. She aspires to sensitize farmers with knowledge and methods of controlling plant diseases to ensure sustainable and prosperous agriculture in Africa.
Elisabeth Diatta
Senegal
Elisabeth Diatta
Senegal
Sorghum Breeder, Senegalese Agricultural Research Institute - Elisabeth Diatta is a plant breeder working on developing dual-purpose sorghum (grain and forage) for human and animal consumption in Senegal. Through her research, she wants to create genetic mechanisms that control protein digestibility in sorghum. This research will help alleviate the impact of food insecurity and malnutrition in Africa and other parts of the world
Emebet Ayele
Ethiopia
Emebet Ayele
Ethiopia
PhD Candidate and Researcher, Haramaya University- Emebet is a research associate at Haramaya University where she conducts academic research and delivers lectures and seminars to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She sees this program as an opportunity to learn how to plan and navigate her research career path strategically. This includes networking and promoting her research work to attract funding and collaboration opportunities that will advance her long-term goals.
Emmaculate Akinyi
Kenya
Emmaculate Akinyi
Kenya
PhD Student, Makerere University- Emmaculate currently participates in academic discussions and seminars presenting her research work and contributing to scholarly discourses. Despite not holding a leadership role, she is dedicated to advancing her research career and hence sees this program as an opportunity to provide guidance, insights, and connections to diverse research opportunities, enabling her to make informed decisions and access resources for career advancement.
Esther Wahabu
Ghana
Esther Wahabu
Ghana
Research Officer-Social Sciences, International Water Management Institute - Esther Wahabu is an expert researcher on gender and social inclusion, water governance, and inclusive rural development. She is part of a team of researchers working on a project that aims to mainstream gender inclusivity and sustainable economic growth policies and programming in Northern Ghana. Esther’s career aspiration is to lead a research project, from conceptualization to implementation in the field. She believes the Leadership Program will equip her with advanced leadership skills and knowledge to manage a team.
Faith Kehinde
Nigeria
Faith Kehinde
Nigeria
Volunteering Veterinarian, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)- Faith provides comprehensive medical care, treatment, and support to animals, to ensure their health and overall well-being. She also educates pet owners on essential aspects of responsible pet ownership. She sees this program as a catalyst for her career advancement by providing mentorship, networking, skill development, exposure, and access to resources. These outputs will elevate her pedigree as a young scientist in the field of public health epidemiology and surveillance.
Fatima Mohamed Suleman
Somalia
Fatima Mohamed Suleman
Somalia
Program Manager, Somali Organic Agriculture Development Organization- Fatima has successfully managed and implemented several projects related to agricultural-based livelihoods and climate-smart agriculture in Somalia. She anticipates that her responsibilities in the organization will steadily increase and with that, sees this program as an opportunity to gain foundational leadership skills to lead teams in the near future.
Georgina Chepkoech Rono
Kenya
Georgina Chepkoech Rono
Kenya
Livestock Extension Officer, Egerton University - Georgina Chepkoech Rono has over five year’s professional experience in farm and project management and agri-business consultancy. She has led different sustainability program training, which links farmers to the government’s agricultural plan. Raised around the Mau forest in Kenya, she has seen how uncontrolled grazing has led to forest encroachment. Through her research, Georgina endeavors to solve this historical problem by providing affordable and accessible alternatives to smallholder livestock farmers.
Grite Nelson Mwaijengo
Tanzania
Grite Nelson Mwaijengo
Tanzania
Lecturer and Researcher, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology - Grite Nelson Mwaijengo’s research focuses on freshwater ecology. Her research interests lie in applying eco-hydrology tools, GIS, and remote sensing to assess freshwater for its sustainable management. Grite is well-versed in designing freshwater ecological studies and data collection, analysis, and presentation. She has authored and co-authored scientific publications/papers in international peer-reviewed journals.
Happiness Charles Bupamba
Tanzania
Happiness Charles Bupamba
Tanzania
Tutorial Assistant, Sokoine University of Agriculture - Happiness Charles Bupamba aspires to travel the world and interact with different cultures in different nations to develop her experience and knowledge. Over the years, she has conducted field training with various institutions in natural sciences and tourism. Her research focuses on the impact that recreational infrastructure built inside protected areas has on small mammals. Her long-term plan is to be part of various institutions and organizations that will help expand her horizon while assisting the communities, starting with her’s.
Harriet Mbabazi
Uganda
Harriet Mbabazi
Uganda
Teaching Assistant, Gulu University- Harriet assists in the preparation of lecture material and conducts lectures to undergraduate students under the guidance of a senior lecturer in Agribusiness Management and Agricultural Marketing. She is enthusiastic about expanding her knowledge in areas such as effective proposal writing, proficient monitoring, and evaluation techniques. More importantly to her current role, Harriet looks to the program to acquire skills in improving her emotional intelligence so that her interactions with the students can be more impactful.
Hekima Boniface
Tanzania
Hekima Boniface
Tanzania
Assistant Lecturer, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)- An assistant lecturer, Hekima delivers lectures on allocated courses of annual crops, precision agriculture, principles of agronomy, and principles and practices of soil management. She aims to use this program as a platform to learn self-management and self-leadership skills which are foundational in academia.
Ibukunoluwa Ifedayo
Nigeria
Ibukunoluwa Ifedayo
Nigeria
PhD Candidate, Stellenbosch University- Balogun is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology researching insect pollinators in African cities. She also presented a paper at the Entomology Society of South Africa in 2023. She anticipates that the program will improve her science communication skills and learn how to package her research findings to multiple audiences.
Jenipher Alum
Uganda
Jenipher Alum
Uganda
Research Assistant, Jazi Agro Processing Solutions- Jenipher works in food technology research in her organization where she conducts research projects, product development, food analysis, data analysis, report writing, and research paper writing. With her career heavily reliant on producing research manuscripts, she is looking forward to this program to improve her research writing skills and have her articles published in peer-reviewed journals.
John Kalaundi
Malawi
John Kalaundi
Malawi
Nursing Officer, Ministry of Health, Nsanje District Hospital- As a member of the institution’s research committee, John has been instrumental in disease surveillance studying the trend and information on cervical cancer in Malawi. Working on the project has made it apparent to her the need for project design and management skills. With that, she sees this program as a platform to gain the skills and further build on her communication skills that will help her work efficiently in a multi-cultured environment.
Josephine Mwamba
Zambia
Josephine Mwamba
Zambia
Postgraduate Student, University of Zambia (UNZA)- Josephine is part of the Zambia Affricities Food Project under the Centre for Urban Research and Planning (CURP) of the University of Zambia and the Australian Government. She anticipates being an accomplished author and thought leader on food security in Africa. With that, she hopes that this program will enable her to create early-stage networks with her peers in science from across the African continent.
Kebatshabile Tefo
Botswana
Kebatshabile Tefo
Botswana
Compliance Officer, BDO Botswana- Diseko ensures her organization complies with the local rules and regulations in Botswana by developing anti-money laundering programs for the entire BDO network. Due to the nature of her job that necessitates her to interact with multiple stakeholders, she looks forward to gaining leadership and management skills, emotional intelligence, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Kezzy Besa
Zambia
Kezzy Besa
Zambia
Student, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR)- Kezzy is a full-time student pursuing a Master’s Degree in Aquatic Animal Health and Ecosystem Management. She envisions working in organizations focused on addressing hunger and food insecurity in Africa. She sees this program as a key stepping stone to achieving her career ambitions by impacting her with leadership and public speaking skills to present in seminars and conferences.
Kidist Girma Mamo
Ethiopia
Kidist Girma Mamo
Ethiopia
Vice Academic Dean, Seven Star Health Science and Business College - As a Vice Academic Dean, Kidist Girma Mamo provides leadership in establishing academic priorities and oversees the implementation of policies and guidelines governing educational programs, staff, and students. Through the AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science, she expects to acquire knowledge and skills on leadership and innovation.
Linda Coffie
Ghana
Linda Coffie
Ghana
Technical Officer, Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) - Linda Coffie is a technical officer at SARI, one of the 13 national research institutes under the Council for Scientific and Industrial. She assesses the quality of breeder and foundation seeds, seed multiplication, and establishment of field trials. Linda’s research focuses on understanding the women’s role in the groundnut seed value chain in Ghana and how to accelerate efforts to enhance the capacity of women in maintaining seed quality.
Loukaiya Zorobouragui
Benin
Loukaiya Zorobouragui
Benin
PhD student and research assistant, Université de Parakou- Loukaïya is a PhD student working on improving milk production and resilience to heat stress in Goudali cattle in West Africa. She is also a Research Assistant at the Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Health and Production (LESPA) at the University of Parakou (UP). She looks forward to the Scientific Writing skills course which she believes will equip her with the competencies to publish in high-impact journals.
Lydia Nyawira
Kenya
Lydia Nyawira
Kenya
Part-time Lecturer, Embu University College- As a part-time lecturer, Lydia teaches diploma and undergraduate students studying livestock and crop management programs. She envisions transitioning into a consultancy role on evidence policymaking and sees the program as a platform to gain valuable skills in presentation and communication skills, policy analysis skills, and stakeholder
Magdalene Namuswe
Uganda
Magdalene Namuswe
Uganda
Laboratory technologist, Central Public Health Laboratories- Magdalene is a volunteer lab technologist conducting HIV viral load testing. This key testing process plays a significant role in monitoring the viral load of individuals living with HIV and assessing the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). She is intrigued by the program's focus on leadership development which will equip her with essential skills such as effective communication, decision-making, and project management. These skills will be critical as she leads research teams and undertakes complex projects in the field of HIV drug resistance.
Marie Dieudonnee Laure
Cameroon
Marie Dieudonnee Laure
Cameroon
Doctor Student, University of Lorraine- Marie is working on a joint thesis in aquaculture between the University of Lorraine (France) and the University of Namur (Belgium). She believes that the management skills she will gain through this program will enable her to champion her project which focuses on empowering rural women through fish farming training. This project will ensure both their food and financial security.
Marie-Reine Houndjo
Benin
Marie-Reine Houndjo
Benin
Master’s student, Forest Study, and Research Laboratory (LEF) - Marie Reine Houndjo’s research objective is to contribute to better management of protected areas in Benin. She works towards the efficient management of woody trees in protected areas, specifically the Pterocarpus Erinaceus species. Her career goal is to be a researcher in an organization that works towards the efficient management of natural resources to ensure sustainable development.
Mercy Dolapo Oghenetega
Nigeria
Mercy Dolapo Oghenetega
Nigeria
Lecturer, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)- Mercy supervises undergraduate students’ projects, and seminar presentations, oversees departmental administrative tasks, and contributes to research, teaching, and preparation of teaching material. With a foundation in agricultural economics, she sees this program as an opportunity to improve her skills in leadership and management, emotional intelligence, proposal writing, and communication skills.
Meti Desalegn
Ethiopia
Meti Desalegn
Ethiopia
PhD Candidate, Adama Science and Technology University- Meti’s research focuses on nanocomposites to provide a solution for the growing demand for renewable energy sources. She believes that the program will offer a platform for networking and collaboration with fellow emerging scientists across Africa and empower her to address the unique challenges faced by women in science.
Nancy Barisoa
Madagascar
Nancy Barisoa
Madagascar
Regional Coordinator, Youth Opportunities- Nancy is the focal point for promoting the organization’s events and managing and coordinating the activities of the organization’s ambassadors from South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Kenya. With her current role requiring her to interact with multiple stakeholders, she looks forward to the leadership skills training to develop her collaborative and strategic thinking competencies.
Nguvan Mercy Agaigbe
Nigeria
Nguvan Mercy Agaigbe
Nigeria
Project Manager, Yankari Game Reserve - Nguvan Mercy Agaigbe seeks to provide new insight on how fire-created variability could affect species distribution and habitat selection; of ground-dwelling birds. This information will provide wildlife managers with the relevant tool for creating habitat features that increase native biodiversity in fire-dependent ecosystems. Mercy desires to mentor young professionals with a passion for nature conservation and contribute toward a community of young professionals promoting biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.
Nqobile Khoza
Swaziland
Nqobile Khoza
Swaziland
Master’s Student, University of Pretoria- Nqobile is working on her master’s degree research on vegetables to address food insecurity in low-income urban households. She is also a scholar representative in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria. She looks forward to the program equipping her with the leadership skills she needs to advance her career in the agricultural sector.
Ntokozo Happy
South Africa
Ntokozo Happy
South Africa
PhD Student, North-West University- Happy is a full-time PhD student investigating different forage legumes as protein supplements to low-quality grass in natural rangelands of semi-arid areas of South Africa. She believes that her enrolment in the program is a timely intervention to equip her with communication skills as she prepares to communicate and present her research findings on her study.
Oliviah Omwega
Kenya
Oliviah Omwega
Kenya
Research scientist, Kenya Forestry Research Institute- Olyvia is responsible for the identification, selection, and development of programs in tree breeding, mentoring junior staff and students on attachment in tree breeding, and compiling departmental quarterly and annual reports. Being an encompassing role, she anticipates that the program will create a pathway toward enabling her to take advanced leadership roles in my research center.
Olutayo Temilolu
Nigeria
Olutayo Temilolu
Nigeria
Project Associate, Nutrition, Agriculture and Health Initiative- In line with the vision to improve public health outcomes through implementation research, Olutayo contributed to a nationwide study sponsored by Sight and Life, focused on scaling up strategies for effective micronutrient supplementation interventions in Nigeria. She would like to pursue a career in policy and advocacy in nutrition and public health. She anticipates the program equipping her with the training and mentorship in leadership skills, which would enhance her ability to navigate the policy landscape, engage with stakeholders, and effectively advocate for evidence-based interventions to influence policy discussions and contribute to decision-making processes.
Olyvia Gwladys
Benin
Olyvia Gwladys
Benin
PhD Student, Université de Parakou- Olyvia is a research assistant, assisting her thesis supervisor on courses related to ethnomycological aspects, and food and medicinal uses of mushrooms in private and public universities. She looks forward to gaining relevant leadership skills through this program to address the constant challenges that arise in her research field.
Ouahid Safaa
South Africa
Ouahid Safaa
South Africa
PhD Student, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)- Ouahid works under the guidance of experienced research supervisors and collaborates with other key researchers to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in dryland agriculture. She anticipates growing her network over the next two years and hence sees the program as an opportunity to build new collaborations that could open new research opportunities in agriculture.
Perpetuar Wangari
Kenya
Perpetuar Wangari
Kenya
Project Research Assistant, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO)- Perpetuar is a Molecular Biologist currently evaluating optimum procedures to improve the rapid multiplication of genetically modified cassava. She looks forward to understanding the gender dynamics to be considered in a project cycle and how to write effective grant proposals.
Rawia Adam Abdelhakim
Sudan
Rawia Adam Abdelhakim
Sudan
Research Assistant, Agriculture Research Corporation- Adam supports the lead researcher in her organization in conducting experiments through activities such as land preparation for agriculture, creating a map for the experiment, and monitoring plant growth among other activities. She sees this program as an opportunity to engage with fellow women scientists, mentors, and experts in agricultural research, allowing her to build professional relationships and gain insights into emerging trends and challenges in the field.
Rebeccah Nenkai
Kenya
Rebeccah Nenkai
Kenya
Research Scientist, Kenya Forestry Research Institute- Rebeccah researches forestry and allied natural resources, identifying problems and gaps in their sustainable conservation and producing innovative biotechnology techniques to address the gaps. She anticipates acquiring insights on how to embed gender discourses in her natural resources research work.
Rejoice Adi
Nigeria
Rejoice Adi
Nigeria
Research Officer, National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI)- Rejoice is a Microbiologist whose research focuses on improving the quality, yields, and sustainability of roots and tuber crops to develop new varieties or improve existing ones. While she has experience in her area of research, she has yet to publish any scientific publication in a peer-reviewed journal. She is excited to leverage the program as a stepping stone to improve her scientific writing skills.
Rejoice Shumirai
Zimbabwe
Rejoice Shumirai
Zimbabwe
PhD Student, Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD)- Rejoice is currently conducting a study on the role of Climate Information Services in Zimbabwe to support smallholder farmers' transition to agroecological farming in Zimbabwe. She looks forward to gaining skills in proposal writing to enable her to apply for grants to support her future project interventions.
Rukayat Oluwadamilola
Nigeria
Rukayat Oluwadamilola
Nigeria
Extension Fellow, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)- Rukayat works to strengthen research, outreach, and program implementation at FUNAAB, to contribute to a more inclusive society that empowers youth, irrespective of their gender, to reach their full potential. She expects to gain skills in strategic planning, project management, and decision-making, which are crucial for leading research initiatives, implementing innovative programs, and collaborating with stakeholders in the nutrition and food industry. These skills will enable her to effectively guide and inspire teams towards achieving common goals.
Sally Mukami Kimathi
Kenya
Sally Mukami Kimathi
Kenya
Socio-economic Research Assistant, International Center of Insects Physiology and Ecology - Sally Kimathi is an economist with rich experience in agricultural research, particularly in agricultural technology adoption, impact assessment, climate change, international trade, agricultural financing, and gender analysis. She is involved in data modeling of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on Eastern African countries' food security. Her career aspiration is to be a renowned African economist and agricultural researcher in quality research that informs policymakers in Africa and beyond.
Sarah Kisakye
Uganda
Sarah Kisakye
Uganda
Research Assistant, National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO)- Sarah provides technical support to senior scientists in achieving the organization’s research goals and objectives. This involves conducting preference and descriptive sensory evaluation exercises on food products, data collection, and market surveys. Her ambition is to transition to a Research Officer role in a CGIAR centre organization. She, therefore, anticipates building her professional capacity in science writing skills and communication skills.
Selamawit Abebe
Ethiopia
Selamawit Abebe
Ethiopia
Lecturer and Researcher, Wachemo University- Selamawit’s doctoral research thesis focuses on evaluating the genotypes of sweet potatoes for adaptation to climate change. She hopes the program will help her understand how to supervise research teams, foster collaboration, and make informed judgments in a highly dynamic scientific setting.
Sharon Akinyi
Kenya
Sharon Akinyi
Kenya
Program Assistant, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)- Sharon offers comprehensive administrative support and manages data under her organization’s Programs Unit. She looks forward to taking up more responsibilities in her current line of work and, anticipates gaining problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking skills to catalyze her career progression.
Sharon Cherono
Kenya
Sharon Cherono
Kenya
Assistant Project Officer, Kenya National Farmers’ Federation- Sharon’s role is to support the planning, implementation, and management of reforestation and farm forestry projects initiated by the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation. Through this program, she anticipates honing her communication and presentation skills, mastering techniques to clearly articulate ideas, engage diverse audiences, and effectively convey research findings.
Sylvie Eponle Usoh
Cameroon
Sylvie Eponle Usoh
Cameroon
Research fellow, World Agroforestry Centre (CIFOR-ICRAF)- Sylvie works on Land Restoration for Post-COVID Rural and Indigenous Women Empowerment and Poverty Reduction project in Cameroon (LRIWEP). Her tasks involve conducting a literature review; defining research questions and objectives; and developing a detailed approach to methodology, data collection, and analysis from a gender perspective. She is keen to gain people skills through this program to complement her which requires an elevated level of empathy and sensitivity.
Tanyaradzwa Monicah
Zimbabwe
Tanyaradzwa Monicah
Zimbabwe
Research technician, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)- Tanyaradzwa assumes overall technical responsibility for the smooth running and management of the ICRISAT Eastern and Southern African Regional Genebank. Despite her professional progress so far, she sees this program as key to learning about different leadership styles to improve her capacity to be agile in leading her teams.
Tigist Kindie
Ethiopia
Tigist Kindie
Ethiopia
Lecturer, University of Gondar - Tigist Kindie’s role as a lecturer goes beyond teaching. She engages in student counseling and guidance. Since 2015, she conducts agricultural research in livestock development, rural transformation, and rural youth entrepreneurship. Tigist seeks to acquire further training in agricultural research and development.
Tumuhimbise Mellon
Uganda
Tumuhimbise Mellon
Uganda
Biology and Chemistry Teacher, St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School - Mellon Tumuhimbise, a secondary school teacher, is a role model to her female students due to her academic achievements and work in plant protection and environmental conservation. She is convinced that this Leadership Program will develop her capacity to encourage more young girls/women in science and technology for realized sustainable development.
Vera Nsoh
Cameroon
Vera Nsoh
Cameroon
Manager, Mushroom Production Training and Research Center, Bamenda- Vera’s organization conducts research and trains university students on mushrooms. She looks forward to this program to equip her with the requisite proposal writing and communication skills, essential in her work and as an emerging female scientist.
Winnie Chebet
Kenya
Winnie Chebet
Kenya
Part-time Lecturer, Egerton University- Winnie serves as a technician in the Crop, Horticulture, and Soils Department at Egerton University. She also supervises and assists students in actualizing their academic work. She sees this program as an opportunity to get a solid base on how to lead and motivate teams in the science field.
Winnie Kamau
Kenya
Winnie Kamau
Kenya
Graduate Research Assistant, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)- Winnie previously worked as a Research Graduate Assistant at icipe in the Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory to understand the bionomic traits of different mosquito vectors. She believes that this program will equip her with skills to catapult her into leadership roles, advocate for her research, and influence policy decisions in the infectious diseases field.
Zibanani Seletlo
Botswana
Zibanani Seletlo
Botswana
Academic instructor, University of Botswana- Zibanani’s role as an academic instructor in the Department of Animal Sciences is to tutor students at certificate, diploma, and degree levels in Animal Science. She also facilitates laboratory and field practical sessions for undergraduate students. Through this program, she anticipates improving her writing, being more analytical, and refining her presentation skills. Moreover, she sees the program as an opportunity to grow her network with other individuals from various backgrounds and leverage those networks for her professional growth.
Zulaiha Wohor
Ghana
Zulaiha Wohor
Ghana
Teaching assistant, University of Development Studies (UDS)- Zulaiha assists the university faculty in delivering lectures and tutorials to BSc. students studying food security and sustainable soil amendment techniques. She anticipates becoming a strong leader who will be able to navigate the agricultural challenges within her country at the end of the program.
Zuwena Jackson
Tanzania
Zuwena Jackson
Tanzania
Assistant Lecturer, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere University of Agriculture and Technology- Zuwena leads lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practicals in Undergraduate Programs in Agronomy and Soil Science. She also collaborates with smallholder farmers to assess the effect of pesticidal plants and soil quality management on controlling soil-borne insect pests and diseases. She believes that the program will give her a refined understanding of how to incorporate the importance of gender-responsive scientific innovations in agriculture.
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