Current Programmes
WAFIRA Flagship Programme
WAFIRA is uniquely designed by African women, drawing on the lived realities, strengths, and challenges of African women in STEM to radically shift their under-representation and enhance support structures for women in STEM across the continent. The programme equips participants with the skills, confidence, leadership drive, agency, and networks needed to advance their academic and professional progression trajectories across research, higher education, and industry.
Since its inception in 2014, the WAFIRA framework, in partnership with African universities, has been implemented in multiple African countries, benefiting over 1,800 women academics, scholars and researchers in STEM fields. In South Africa, WAFIRA is delivered jointly by AIMS South Africa and African Gong in collaboration with interested universities or research institutes. As part of the WAFIRA programme, three workshops have been held thus far, benefitting 105 young and emerging female scholars and researchers (Honours, MSc, PhD and Postdoctoral) in the mathematical sciences, with a strong focus on participants from Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDI’s).
Recent WAFIRA Workshops
- In 2023, young and emerging female scholars & researchers in the mathematical sciences at the University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- In 2025, young and emerging female scholars & researchers in the mathematical sciences from tertiary and research institutions across the Western Cape Province, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU); and the University of South Africa (UNISA). See Workshop report
Gender Equality in STEM Mentoring
The AIMS Gender in STEM (AIMSGIS) - AIMS Women in STEM (AIMSWIS), and Mentoring for Transformative Masculinity (MfM) programmes at AIMS South Africa empower female and male students by fostering positive role models, life skills, and self-confidence in a supportive, mentorship-driven, safe environment.
The sessions offer an informal and inspiring space for students to connect with mentors, role models, and fellow male Alumni. Mentors share valuable insights from their personal and professional experiences, covering key topics such as career advancement, achieving work-life balance, maintaining well-being, and overcoming gender-specific challenges in the workplace. This is normally followed by a Q&A and group discussion, which encourages deeper engagement and knowledge sharing
Women in STEM Advocacy
Because Science is Fun is a dynamic book that presents the stories of 25 emerging South African young female scientists to inspire young girls and women in South Africa, on the continent, and around the world. It tells stories of how these young women scientists have overcome a range of obstacles to obtain their PhD degrees, embarked on successful science-based careers, and their engagements in science for society work. Their personal stories tell of overcoming financial and personal challenges; dispelling misconceptions about science; and tackling societal pressures and beliefs to follow their dreams. The vivid recollections elicit emotion and provide sound inspiration to young people, and especially girls and young women in South Africa. The stories are told in the form of a motivational talk and do not reflect biographies of the young women scientists interviewed. It encourages girls and young women to follow their education and career dreams in science.
