According to one of the coordinators Associate Professor Theresa Mkandawire, FemaleINSPIRES aims to bring together female STEM researchers from seven countries (UK, Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Indonesia, Egypt and Kazakstan) by providing an online platform and community of practice.

“It also supports female early career researchers by providing opportunities for personal and professional development. In Malawi it is represented by myself, Dr Esther Phiri and Dr Floney Kabaghe,” she said.

Later the Keynote speaker Acting Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Nancy Chitera gave a presentation on Career Progression and Development. She emphasized on the points that women need to stand out in what they do. They need to have confidence in themselves, work hard and aim high so that they should progress in life.

Members were given a platform to ask questions and comment on issues raised during the presentation.

The training progressed with presentations from different women on different topics such as: Harassment and bullying at work place by Chimwemwe Kwanjo Banda from KUHeS, Writing grant application proposals by Dr Christabel Kambala, Mental health by Dr Jere, Women and Research by Dr Linda Nyondo Mipando and also a group discussion on Female academics during COVID –19 facilitated by Doris Mtemang’ombe.

One of the participant Sophie Sinyeka Banya expressed gratitude and satisfaction for the training which she said has been insightful, knowledge imparting and requests for such trainings in future.