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< Our Work < Programs < African Women in Science Program < 2023

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African Women in Science (AWIS)

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2025 Program

The African Women in Science program is a transformative initiative for early-career African women scientists from the African Great Lakes region. The program aims to build capacity and offer mentorship opportunities for African women scientists who are actively engaged in African Great Lakes and freshwater research.

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Participants will be a part of a 11-month cohort of African women scientists and become the next generation of African women scientists catalyzing positive change in the African Great Lakes.

Cohort

2025 Cohort

RWANDA - LAKE KIVU

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MARIA NANCY CHIMANUKA AHANA

Assistant lecturer and researcher

Université Catholique de Bukavu

Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Nancy Chimanuka is a lecturer and researcher at the Catholic University of Bukavu, passionate about environmental conservation and community development. She combines her academic expertise with field experience to address critical environmental challenges in the Lake Kivu basin, particularly in managing risks related to landslides and hydric erosion. Her recent work in the Ngweshe chiefdom has highlighted the importance of integrated watershed management for the preservation of natural resources and the reduction of hydric erosion. By combining field data, remote sensing tools, and community surveys, she applied the RUSLE method to estimate soil loss in a portion of the Lake Kivu watershed. This research emphasizes the direct impacts of erosion on the aquatic ecosystem of Lake Kivu. Her innovative approach integrates rigorous scientific methods with participatory solutions centered on local communities. Committed to capacity building, Nancy plays a key role in training and mentoring youth and women in her region, organizing practical workshops and scientific field visits to inspire and support students in their academic and professional journeys.

UGANDA - LAKE VICTORIA

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REBECCA DUSHIMIMANA

Aquatic Biologist

National Fisheries Resources Research Institute

Jinja, Uganda

Sponsors

Rebecca Dushimimana is a dedicated Aquatic Biologist with a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Makerere University. She is affiliated with the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute, where she is actively engaged in fisheries and socio-economic studies on Lake Victoria and the River Nile. Her research focuses on vital role of women in the fish value chain, particularly in post-harvest activities. Rebecca advocates for the equitable inclusion of women in fisheries decision-making processes, emphasizing their significance in fostering sustainable resource management and community development. She aspires to be a stand out woman scientist, championing gender equity and inclusivity in the conservation and sustainable utilization of Africa’s Great Lakes. Through her dedication to empowering women and promoting resilient aquatic ecosystems, Rebecca strives to advance fisheries science and make a lasting impact on the sustainable management of aquatic resources.

MALAWI - LAKE MALAWI/NYASA/NIASSA

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SULLAMITHE MERCY MANDUWA

Research Scientist and MSc Student

University of Malawi

Blantyre, Malawi

Sullamithe Manduwa is a University of Malawi researcher and Biological Sciences postgraduate student (Master of Science by Research) under the University of Malawi - University of Cambridge Lake Malawi ecosystem research collaboration. Her current research explores the use of Environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool in the biomonitoring of Lake Malawi Fish Species. She ultimately aims to contribute in improving the research abilities of Malawians through the mastering of advanced and innovative technologies and skills while preserving all life through leading a multidisciplinary team of researchers towards sustainable development in Malawi and beyond. She has so far collaborated with renowned scientists from the University of Cambridge, University of Antwerp and other reputable universities around the world. She strives to be a part of greater collaborations that will build capacity for research in African Great Lakes.

MOZAMBIQUE - LAKE MALAWI/NYASA/NIASSA

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VANADIA RENATO MASSINGUE

Assistant Lecture and Aquatic Biologist

Eduardo Mondlane University-School of Marine and Coastal Science

Maputo, Mozambique

Vanadia Renato Massingue is an early-career researcher from Mozambique, currently pursuing a Master's degree in Aquatic Animal Health and Ecosystem Management at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Malawi. Her passion for aquatic life began during her undergraduate studies in Marine Biology, where she developed a strong commitment to the sustainable use and conservation of aquatic resources. Currently, Vanadia is focused on studying microplastic pollution in Lake Niassa in order to assess its impact on aquatic ecosystems, raise awareness about the environmental risks, and contribute to effective conservation strategies to mitigate pollution in freshwater environments.

ETHIOPIA

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ABREHET KAHSAY MEHARI

Freshwater Ecologist

Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB)

Berlin, Germany

Abrehet Kahsay is a freshwater ecologist specializing in the ecological dynamics of wetlands, rivers, and lakes. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries in Germany, her research focuses on the impacts of harmful algal blooms and environmental changes on plankton communities. She has extensive experience in teaching, research, and project management, having previously served as a lecturer at Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia. With a Ph.D. in Sciences from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, her work has advanced the understanding of tropical aquatic ecosystems affected by human activities. Passionate about empowering women in science, Abrehet advocates for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable stewardship of freshwater ecosystems, particularly in Africa.

KENYA - LAKE VICTORIA

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SHARON MINIGA

Environmentalist and Freshwater ecologist / MSc Student

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute / Maseno University

Kisumu, Kenya

Sharon Miniga is an environmental scientist with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science with IT and is pursuing a Master of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture at Maseno University. Her work focuses on freshwater ecology, emphasizing the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems. She has extensive experience in limnology, fisheries, and water quality research. She is currently working on a collaborative project between Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute and Cornell University to monitor Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms (cHABs) in Lake Victoria, Kenya with NSF funding. She is also working on ACARE-supported Lake Turkana limnological project, together with acoustic activities that aim to sustainably unlock the lake's economic potential. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, she addresses environmental issues such as water quality and biodiversity loss. An advocate for environmental education, Miniga strives to inspire global efforts for conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.

KENYA - LAKE VICTORIA

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HILDA NYABOKE MOGAKA

Aquatic Biologist

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute 

Kisumu, Kenya

Hilda is a research scientist working with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) with over 10 years long standing research experience in fisheries and ecology in Lake Victoria. Her research work covers diverse areas of freshwaters biodiversity, conservation, fish catch assessment, fish stock assessment and marine spatial planning. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Biology and is currently involved in assessment of fish responses to environmental stresses in the face of climate change and changing habitats. Some key contributions in Lake Victoria include: Development of a Marine Spatial Plan and zonation for Lake Victoria (www.sawa/explore.blue) to inform aquaculture carrying capacity for Lake Victoria. She has also served as a member of the regional working group on biodiversity under the EU-EAC project ‘TrueFish Farming Story in the Lake Victoria Basin (TRUEFISH). Future research prospects include development of an early warning system using modern approaches like modelling to inform fisheries management in African Great lakes while promoting sustainable utilization of the lake’s resources and building resilience across communities.

ZAMBIA - KAFUE RIVER

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CECILIA MUKUKA

Aquaculture Officer / District Fisheries Officer

Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock 

Kafue, Zambia

Cecilia Mukuka is a fisheries and aquaculture professional with extensive experience in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in Zambia, focused on sustainable aquatic resource management, conservation, and aquaculture development. She currently heads the Department of Fisheries in Kafue District under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, where she leads conservation initiatives for the Kafue River and promotes aquaculture development. Previously, she played a pivotal role in implementing the Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project in Kaoma District, contributing to strengthening the aquaculture sector, improving food security, and creating employment opportunities, with a special emphasis on empowering women and youth. Cecilia holds a BSc in Fisheries and Aquaculture from the Copperbelt University, Zambia, and a Master of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University. She is also an emerging researcher, with her work focusing on assessing the ichthyofaunal status and sustainability in the Kafue River to inform resource management and support conservation strategies.

BURUNDI - LAKES TANGANYIKA & RWERU

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EVELYNE NININAHAZWE

Aquatic Biologist

University of Burundi 

Bujumbura, Burundi

Evelyne is a graduate of the University of Burundi with a Masters Degree in Aquatic Science and Fisheries. She is a fisheries conservation researcher on Lakes Tanganyika and Rweru in the aquaculture sector. Passionate about conservation and sustainability, she aspires to make a significant impact in these areas. With a strong dedication to preserving natural resources and biodiversity. As a fisheries and aquaculture scientist, Evelyne aims to help find solutions for issues like aquatic pollution, the repercussions of climate change, over-exploitation, the use of illegal, unregulated, and unreported gear, habitat degradation, invasive species leading to the extinction of aquatic biodiversity, and deterioration of aquatic environments.

KENYA - LAKE VICTORIA

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HARRIET ATIENO OKEYO

Research Associate / MSc Student

Kenya Marine and Fisheries research institute / Maasai Mara University

Kisumu, Kenya

Harriet Okeyo, Masters student at Maasai Mara university and Research Associate in Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, specialized in environmental studies with a focus on sustainable development and innovation. Her research focuses on the value addition of fish wastes to products of economic importance, focusing on her passion for sustainable solutions and circular economy practices with a particular interest in freshwater ecosystems. She is currently working an a collaborative project with youths in sustainable aquaculture (YISA), where she works intently with local communities, policymakers, and stakeholders to bridge the gap between science and practice. Her efforts aim to inspire sustainable behaviors, create economic opportunities, and advocate for robust utilization of fish wastes. Through her research, she champions the untapped potential of fish waste as a resource for creating nutritious and eco-friendly products, addressing food security while minimizing environmental pollution. Her work continues to demonstrate the profound connection of science, sustainability, and socio-economic transformation.

TANZANIA - LAKE VICTORIA

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SOPHIA SHABAN SALUM

Fisheries Research Officer

Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute

Mwanza, Tanzania

Sophia is a Fisheries Research Officer, Fish Health Expert at the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute. She has been participating in different research activities especially in aquatic health, aquaculture, fish ecology, fish diseases and surveillance. Most of her research activities is located in freshwater particularly in Lake Victoria as she is based in TAFIRI Mwanza station. Ms. Sophia has been providing technical expertise to fish farmers on best aquaculture practices to avoid fish diseases outbreak in the farmed fish species in Lake Victoria, especially to cage fish farmers in Tanzania. She has been participating in research activities relating to fish ecology and evolution of cichlids fish species of Lake Victoria. Ms. Sophia has participated different international training programs to strengthen her career skills including fishbase and fish taxonomy, environmental DNA, Population genetic for conservation biology and many other technical skills for her career growth.

TANZANIA - LAKE VICTORIA

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ASILATU HAMISI SHECHONGE

Aquatic Biologist

Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Dr. Asilatu Hamisi Shechonge is a Research Officer at the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, specializing in Conservation Biology, Molecular Ecology, and Taxonomy. Her work focuses on the biodiversity of African freshwater fish, particularly cichlids and Oreochromis species. Dr. Shechonge employs advanced genetic techniques, including eDNA metabarcoding and molecular tools, to monitor and identify species, addressing threats such as invasive species and habitat degradation. She collaborates extensively with national and international researchers, contributing to the sustainable management of aquatic genetic resources. Dr. Shechonge has been actively involved in key projects like TRUEFISH, aimed at protecting aquatic biodiversity, and has authored over twenty publications in international journals. Her research plays a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and strategies for the conservation of freshwater ecosystems in Africa.

RWANDA - LAKE KIVU

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EUPHROSINE UJENEZA

Assistant Lecturer and Lab Analyst

Institute of Applied Sciences-Ruhengeri

Musanze, Rwanda

Ujeneza Euphrosine is a dedicated professional with a strong background in bio organic chemistry, industrial chemistry and pollution control. She is actively engaged in research and analysis to evaluate the environmental impact of human activities on the ecosystem of Lake Kivu, where she is currently working on projects. Her work focuses on water quality monitoring of Lake Kivu and its tributaries. These contributions will significantly impact the sustainable management and conservation of Lake Kivu. Her goal is to significantly impact policies and practices that sustainably preserve freshwater resources for now and future generations.

2025 AWIS Sponsors

The African Women in Science (AWIS) program is actively seeking partnerships. The success of AWIS relies on the support of donors who recognize what investing in the next generation of freshwater experts means for our global freshwater future. Together, we can answer the global call to enhance the participation of women in solving our most critical freshwater issues. To support the AWIS program please reach

Ted Lawrence, IISD-ACARE Executive Director:  ted@agl-acare.org 

The African Women in Science (AWIS) program is a joint program through the International Institute of Sustainable Development and the African Center for Aquatic Research and Education.

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