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Original Research
Piloting a research mentorship programme in a low-resource setting in Zimbabwe
Submitted: 01 November 2024 | Published: 12 May 2025
About the author(s)
Danai T. Zhou, Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, ZimbabweCelia M.J. Matyanga, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Munyaradzi Madhombiro, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Vinie Kouamou, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Precious K. Hove, Department of Business, Faculty of Arts, Marondera University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe
Sarudzai Muyambo, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe
Elizabeth Gori, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Fortunate Farirai, Organisation of Women in Science for the Developing World, Zimbabwe National Chapter, Harare, Zimbabwe
Betty Mukuwapasi, Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Taona E. Mudhluli, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Getrude D. Gwenzi, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Enetia D. Bobo, Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe
Jenipher Chigerwe, Department of Fuels and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Justin Chirima, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Ratidzo Chirimo, Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tonny P. Tauro, Department of Soil Science and Productivity, Faculty of Agriculture, Marondera University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe
Mellisa B. Sagandira, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Winnie Y. Mozirandi, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
Natsayi Chiwaye, Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Hardlife Rambwawasvika, Department of Soil Science, Zimbabwe Sugar Association Experiment Station, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe
Violet P. Dudu, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe
Winnet E. Chipato, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Harare Institute of Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe
Yvonne O. Nyararai, Department of Biology/Biochemistry, Faculty of Applied Science, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Faith W. Kadzviti, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Nomagugu Ndlovu, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Science, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Upenyu N. Mupfiga, Department of Enviromental Sciences, Faculty of Geography, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Hardlife Muhoyi, Department of Geography Geospatial Sciences and Earth Observation, Faculty of Geography, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Runyararo Mano, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Veterinary Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
Abstract
Background: Women continue to be underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), globally including in Africa and, indeed in Zimbabwe. The gender gap, absence of formal research mentorship and the male-dominated academic culture common among low- and middle-income countries makes scientific growth dire for Africa- and Zimbabwe-based female science researchers.
Aim: To address some of these challenges, a group of researchers (90% female) created the African Excellence in Research Initiative (AFRIESEARCHI) Zimbabwe Gender in STEMM Mentorship Programme.
Setting: Public universities and research institutions in Zimbabwe.
Methods: The team crafted a research mentorship curriculum, informed by stakeholder engagement and needs assessment, and piloted it from October 2021 to December 2022.
Results: The inaugural 12-month programme capacitated 30 members (80% female) with skills for research. The participants’ mean age was 42.5 (6.9) years, with minimum qualifications of Master’s degrees. Specifically, 5 (17%) members either registered for or graduated with doctoral degrees, 14 (50%) members completed visiting fellowships. Five individual projects were awarded grants all totalling over $300 000.00, while this mentorship project was shortlisted for the Free STEM Fund award (€50 000.00) for the 2022–2023 cycle. Half of shortlisted team members were selected for the competitive Zimbabwean Emerging Faculty Development Program. Almost 90% of participants were satisfied with their mentorship experience, although resources and time were needed.
Conclusion: Despite challenges, the team resolved the need to prioritise formalised research mentorship, within the Zimbabwe setting.
Contribution: Such efforts will enhance scientific growth for women (and indeed all academic researchers) in the sciences.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
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