A cohort of sixteen female Mathematics and Applied Mathematics lecturers and postgraduate students from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) recently participated in the WAFIRA-SA3 2025 Workshop, hosted by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Muizenberg, Cape Town, from 30 October to 1 November 2025. The three-day programme, themed “Advancing Women in Mathematical Sciences,” brought together women from across Africa to strengthen leadership, research, and mentorship capacity within STEM disciplines.
WAFIRA—short for Women’s Advancement Forum: International Exchanges, Research & Academia—is a continental initiative launched in 2014 by AIMS in partnership with African Gong. The programme equips women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with leadership tools and professional networks to help them thrive in academia and industry. Since its inception, WAFIRA has empowered more than 1,500 women across Africa through workshops and mentorship programmes. The name “Wafira”, derived from Arabic, signifies abundance—a fitting reflection of the initiative’s goal to cultivate an abundance of women leaders in STEM.
The SMU lecturers and postgraduate students joined other African academics for an intensive programme combining leadership training, personal development, and collaborative reflection. The opening day focused on empowering women for growth, exploring both intrinsic enablers—such as confidence, resilience, and lifelong learning—and extrinsic ones, including institutional support and inclusive environments. “Empowerment starts from within, but it flourishes in spaces that value women’s voices,” said Dr Rejoyce Gavhi-Molefe, one of the workshop facilitators.
The afternoon sessions centred on mentorship and work-life integration, underscoring the importance of balance and intentional engagement between mentors and mentees. Participants reflected on strategies for effective communication, professional boundaries, and mutual accountability. SMU participant and Junior Lecturer Kelebogile Medupe noted, “The session helped me see mentorship not just as guidance, but as a partnership built on trust and shared growth.”
Day Two placed emphasis on leadership and international collaboration, highlighting the transformative power of global partnerships in advancing research and visibility. Dr Elizabeth Rasekoala, Founder of WAFIRA, urged participants to lead boldly and intentionally: “Leadership is not bestowed—it’s cultivated through competence, confidence, and courage. Women must position themselves to access global opportunities that match their ambitions.”
A lively panel discussion followed, featuring voices from academia, research, and industry. Panellist Dr Juliet Nagawa, a WAFIRA alumna, shared, “Mentorship changed the trajectory of my career. It opened doors I didn’t even know existed.” The discussion underscored that institutions must formalise mentorship frameworks to ensure sustainability and equitable access to leadership pathways.
The final day of the workshop encouraged participants to design career progression roadmaps and reflect on their leadership journeys. Guided by facilitators, they crafted personal strategies for self-management and long-term success. “I leave this workshop with clarity, confidence, and a community of women who inspire me to dream bigger,” said Sindiswa Mnguni, participant and Junior Lecturer at SMU.
The workshop concluded with a certificate ceremony, celebrating each woman’s growth and commitment to leadership. In her closing remarks, Dr Rasekoala reminded participants that “the WAFIRA network is more than a programme—it’s a movement. We are building a legacy of abundance, where women in STEM lead, innovate, and transform Africa.”
The sixteen SMU lecturers and postgraduate students returned home inspired to champion mentorship, gender equity, and innovation within their departments—embodying WAFIRA’s vision of empowering African women to lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.
By Tumelo Moila
