Mentorship can play an important role in supporting academic, professional, and personal growth. Effective mentoring relationships can provide guidance, knowledge sharing, encouragement, networks, feedback, and opportunities for development. However, meaningful mentorship requires intentionality, mutual trust, clear expectations, effective communication, and a shared commitment to growth. 

Kick-off on 23 September 2026 for the mentorship module – a live storytelling session
Time: 3.00–5.00 pm (CEST) | 4.00–6.00 pm (EAT) 

Register now to join this interactive session and be part of a growing international community of women in research.

As always, the session is open and free to everyone, with a particular welcome to women in academia and research, Danida fellows, Mawazo alumni, and friends and partners of Danida Fellowship Centre and the Mawazo Institute.

Why focus on mentorship?

For the More Women in Research community, mentorship has been part of the conversation from the very beginning. At our first seminar in Arusha, Tanzania, in March 2024, women researchers highlighted mentorship as an important part of the wider call for change developed through the More Women in Research Manifesto.

The conversation continued in Hanoi, Vietnam, in April 2025, where the critical role of mentorship came into even sharper focus, with participants calling for more structured mentorship opportunities that support women researchers in breaking the glass ceiling.  The importance of mentorship was underlined  again at YouLead Africa, in May 2026, where representatives for More Women in Research offered a Leadership Clinic, watch My mentorship journey by Dr Lanoi Maloiy, University of Nairobi.?

Now, we are taking the conversation further.

Module highlights
Following the launch of Module 3 – Mentorship: Learn, lead and mentor - on 23 September, you will be able to explore the self-paced course materials, designed to equip both mentors and mentees with the knowledge, skills and practical tools they need to build and sustain effective mentorship relationships. We will wrap up the module with a live session on 4 November 2026.

• 23 September 2026: Live kick off session
  
  
• 23 September – 4 November 2026: Self-paced lessons on Mawazo’s learning platform, the Mawazo Learning Exchange (MLEx)

• • Lesson 1 Understanding mentorship
  • Lesson 2 Building mentorship relationships
  • Lesson 3 Sustaining mentoring relationships

• 4 November 2026: Live learning exchange session to wrap up the module

What will you gain?
You will be capable of understanding different types of mentorship relationships and the roles and responsibilities of mentors and mentees.

• Ability to identify your mentorship goals, needs, and expectations
• Practical skills for initiating, building, and maintaining effective mentorship relationships
• Ability to navigate common mentorship challenges

Read more about Module 3. Learn, lead and mentor