Supervision and Mentorship Framework for Postgraduate Training and Careers in East Africa

Abstract

Given the global trend of limited participation of women in STEM fields, the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) in collaboration with the Inter-University Council for East Africa carried out a study to examine the participation and experiences of women in STEM postgraduate training and their subsequent recruitment, retention, and career progress in East Africa.

The study, which was carried out in five East African countries, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania, employed a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, including a scoping review, qualitative interviews, and quantitative analysis of secondary data. The findings of the study were validated through in-country stakeholders’ and co-creation engagement carried out in each of the East African Countries. The regional collaborative workshop was held in Kenya and brought together key stakeholders, including rectors and vice-chancellors of institutions offering STEM postgraduate program, government representatives from higher education and research sectors, faculty leaders, STEM doctoral students, and research regulatory bodies across East Africa. Validation was critical to foster further deliberations; capture additional insights into the supervision and mentorship of women in STEM postgraduate training; and ensure stakeholders’ ownership and commitment to adopting and adapting various strategies and the framework emanating from the study.