Some days stay with you. This was one of them. 💛 🦋This day gave us a moment that asked us all to pause, reflect, and look ahead. We were invited to imagine our futures - our end goals, to trace a path forward, and to name what it takes to get there. The room was full of vision, vulnerability, and quiet determination. 🦋What truly took our breath away was what happened after. The 2025 #MawazoFellows — new to this city, just getting their bearings — surprised each member of our team with a personal gift. Thoughtful, intentional, and completely unexpected. 🦋It was a gesture that reminded us why we do this work. We feel seen. Honoured. And so, so grateful. (fb)

🦋 Research isn’t just academic — it’s personal, it’s powerful, and it’s ours. We stepped into our spotlight. We shared challenges, held space for each other, and remembered that as African women researchers, we are not alone. We explored our research through art — seeing not just data, but stories. We made promises to ourselves and to future generations: 💡 To communicate our work clearly 🎤 To honour our journeys 🪞 To recognize that our stories matter As Dr. Fiona said: “When you feel like asking, ‘Why me?’ — remember, it’s not about you. It’s about the story you carry. The African women’s voice you are representing.” #MawazoFellows2025 #WomenInResearch #AfricanResearchers #OurStoriesMatter (fb)