“I learned to be intentional and to be committed to my own professional growth and more importantly to know the intrinsic and extrinsic enablers and to be able to differentiate, to be mindful to set clear career progression, to affirm myself in every milestone.”

“The group discussions were impactful. I learned a lot about other students & relationships with their supervisors. A good supervisor-student relationship has a major contribution to the outcome and progression of the research”

“This workshop has enhanced my personal growth, and self-awareness and gave me a sense of community and belonging.”

“This workshop has challenged me on how to navigate through my research and career progress. It has boosted my confidence and enlightened me on how to present myself.”

“This workshop has challenged me on how to navigate through my research and career progress. It has boosted my confidence and enlightened me on how to present myself.”

“I have not been to many workshops or had much interest in them, but this workshop was of such a high calibre, it increased interest and was very inspirational, motivating and uplifting.”

“Inadequate institutional support for women in STEM is one of the key challenges, yet an important factor for transforming women in STEM. I have learnt that resilience, commitment and drive can help in overcoming external challenges such as stereotypes, family and societal views on women pursuing a career in STEM.”

“I have learnt to become more aware of myself. “It is important to have ambition, but not to become a slave” This statement really stuck with me throughout the day. I noticed that most of the groups identified the lack of self-confidence, but Dr Rasekoala provided some interesting advice on how to counteract the lack of self-confidence.”

“Mentoring is a two-way process/relationship – I should have clear objectives or goals of what I want to achieve and what I bring. Trust is an essential feature and hence there must be mutual trust between me and my mentor.”

“The workshop was very mind-growing and enhancing, enabled one to push through the limits and beyond.”

“The WAFIRA capacity building workshop dealt with real issues on challenges, opportunities and strengths we women face on a daily basis. We were exposed to different financial resources that women can tackle and apply and progress. A mindset paradigm shift, networking with different women in STEM. I understand the different cultural, social and economic values of women. I improved my self-affirmation and confidence. I learned the power of representation and advocacy.”

“The content of the workshop covered all the problems, obstacles and challenges women face in their STEM career progression. We were able to get ideas on how we can advance ourselves in the field as African women. I got to understand that I am not the only woman in STEM facing challenges in pursuing my advancement in research and postgrad. It is common among women. Luckily I also learnt I can overcome these challenges and make it through.”