African Women In Science (AWIS)
Mentorship Portal

AWIS Mentorship Program (AWIS-MP) is a dynamic and vibrant 6-month journey for early career women scientists working in the African Great Lakes.

The AWIS-MP aspires to:

• Passing on skills to the next generation
• Interactions and Networking
• Similar background and research interests
• Mentees doing interesting work that deserves recognition
• Mentors giving back to the community

Key features of AWIS-MP includes:

• Networking Opportunities:
  • Participants can network with various potential mentors through conferences, workshops, and other engagements.
  • Networking events enable mentees to identify and connect with potential mentors.
• Mentorship Process:
  • Following the programme guidelines, mentees can contact identified mentors and request mentorship.
  • This approach facilitates meaningful mentor-mentee relationships.
• Global Reach:
  • Mentors come from diverse regions, including the African Great Lakes and the American Great Lakes, bringing a wide range of expertise and perspectives

Program structure and guidelines

• Duration: June to December annually
• June: Launching: Aim to bring together mentors and mentees to talk about expectations
• October: Evaluation Surveys to inform us about how the mentorship program is going and how you think it could be improved.
• December: Feedback meeting to share the experience, benefits and challenges through the program
• Mentors recognition and appreciation

Guidelines

• Meet with each other at least 3 times (more is encouraged) between June and December for 30-60 minutes each time
• Get to know and learn from each other
• Have uplifting conversations
• Set mentee goals and work toward them
• Offer guidance and advice to your mentee
• Help your mentee overcome barriers
• Support each other in building networks
• Build and maintain respectful relationships