Women’s Research Leadership Debrief Margaret Khaitsa Professor, Epidemiology Department Pathobiology & Population Medicine College of Veterinary Medicine

Disclaimer This presentation is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID.) The contents of this presentation are the sole responsibility of project partners and do not reflect the views of Higher Education for Development, USAID or the United States government.

Moderators: 1. Consolata Kabonesa, Dean School of Women & Gender Studies, Mak 2. Naomi Lumutenga, Maidstone, UK, HERS Planning Committee 3. Margaret Khaitsa, MS-State, University, MS Session held 6 April 2014

1. Challenges/ Constraints to Professional Development and success in research 2. Best Practices for Professional Development, Resources, Networking, Leadership 3. Best Practices for Successful Mentorship as Mentor and Mentee Outline

1.Lack of self-confidence and self-belief – can I do it? 2.Balancing multiple roles –career development, family, and research 3. Research may not be a Priority 4. Lack of access to resources – money, laboratory equipment and transport for field research Challenges/ Constraints to Professional Development and success in research

5. Lack of research skills – identifying a researchable problem 6. Where research opportunity exists, women usually not fully integrated & are given a smaller role 7. Elimination from opportunities due to criteria – long experience and a partner in another country 8. Limited network – usually limited to social groups but not research oriented 9. Women not perceived to be competent enough to lead Challenges/ Constraints to Professional Development and success in research

10. Stereo typical practice – some topics are not ‘right’ for women, e.g. ‘atomic science’. 11. Lack of access to appropriate journals for publication 12. Not involved in high level policy and decision making therefore limited exposure to researchable problems 13. Ethical issues – women are more afraid of sensitive revelations Challenges/ Constraints to Professional Development and success in research

15. Lack of Grant writing skills 16. Lack of skills for self discovery and unlocking potential 17. Negative rivalry – putting each other down 18. Promotional prospects and processes are unclear & sometimes outright sabotage is practiced Challenges/ Constraints to Professional Development and success in research

1. Research students teaming up to synergize their research and critique each other, share access to publications. These networks may grow & lead to Women Networks in Research; Scientific Writing Network (Rwanda) 2. Multi-disciplinary teams working on a single issue from the point of view of their discipline, e.g. food security in Kenya– agriculture, law, microbiology, law, economics Best Practices for Professional Development

3.Identify relevant research areas through a combination of traditional practices, technology and innovation using participatory research methods Eg., Industrial chemistry, ecosystems, efficacy of traditional medicines 4.‘Mothering’ the team- by being inclusive, ‘transparent’ about challenges, being professional at all times – not displaying emotions, avoid gossip and address inapproriate comments and ‘passes’ from male colleagues Best Practices for Professional Development

5.Women learning how to communicate with men and how to lead – be productive, take credit for what has been rightly earned. 6.Take formal leadership course to gain some leadership and management skills – to boost self confidence

HERS-Higher Education Resource Services HERS-East Africa (in the Planning Phase) HERS Board Approved Concept Mak agreed to host (initially) Planning Meeting scheduled for July 2014 to brainstorm curriculum for HERS-EA Women encouraged to participate

Best Practices for Successful Mentorship as Mentor and Mentee AWARD (African Women in Agricultural Research & Development) Mentors and Mentees

Develop a work plan with clear deliverables and milestones adhere to it. Expose mentees to intimidating spaces such as presenting at scientific meetings. Encourage mentees to register in professional societies. Accept the fact that mentees will grow professionally & become better; also that when they fail, it’s not necessarily your fault. Best Practices for a Successful Mentor

Be a role model. Have regular networking meetings. Introduce the mentee to your professional networks Encourage mentees to be visible, speak up, volunteer, participate. Do it not for Monetory gain but to help others grow professionally; rewards come in various forms eg African Midwives Network. Best Practices for a Successful Mentor

Best Practices for Successful Mentee A mentee must be willing to be mentored Seek out other mentors that may not be “official” Ability to meet face to face if possible (geographically close) Disseminate and publish

Thank You Acknowledgements OHCEA and Participating Institutions