Piloting a research mentorship programme in a low-resource setting in Zimbabwe
Danai T Zhou1, Celia M J Matyanga2, Munyaradzi Madhombiro3
1Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Journal of Public Health in Africa
|June 5, 2025
Summary
The African Excellence in Research Initiative (AFRIESEARCHI) established a gender in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) mentorship program in Zimbabwe. This initiative successfully equipped 30 researchers, primarily women, with vital research skills, demonstrating the impact of formal mentorship.
Area of Science:
- STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine)
- African Research Landscape
- Gender Equity in Science
Background:
- Underrepresentation of women in STEMM fields globally, including Africa and Zimbabwe.
- Significant gender gap, lack of formal research mentorship, and male-dominated academic cultures hinder scientific growth for female researchers in low- and middle-income countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address challenges faced by female researchers in STEMM in Zimbabwe.
- Establish and pilot a formal research mentorship program to enhance scientific capacity.
Main Methods:
- Development of a research mentorship curriculum informed by stakeholder engagement and needs assessment.
- Pilot implementation of the mentorship program from October 2021 to December 2022.
- Targeting public universities and research institutions in Zimbabwe.
Main Results:
- The 12-month program successfully trained 30 participants (80% female) in research skills.
- Participants, with a mean age of 42.5 years and Master's degrees, showed significant progress, including doctoral registrations and visiting fellowships.
- Awarded five individual project grants totaling over $300,000.00, with the project shortlisted for a major award and participants selected for a competitive faculty development program.
- Achieved high participant satisfaction (almost 90%) despite noted needs for resources and time.
Conclusions:
- Formalized research mentorship is crucial for advancing scientific growth among women in STEMM in Zimbabwe.
- The program demonstrated the potential to enhance the scientific careers of all academic researchers.
