Dr Effie Chipeta: Co-PI and Director of the Centre for Reproductive Health at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Malawi.
The NIHR affirms the importance of breaking gender bias in health and social care research, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. At our research group, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued, regardless of gender.
“At the Global Health Research Group on Improving Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Malawi, we’re proud to champion gender balance and inclusivity in research, with a keen interest in our early career researchers from all our partner institutions -investing in women and accelerating progress!.”
— NIHR Funded GHRG AHW in Malawi
Velia Manyonga
“My research will benefit women by helping to generate evidence of what adolescents understand by wellbeing and type of interventions they would desire to support their wellbeing. As the world is celebrating the Women’s international day, let’s all show love to promote and safeguard the adolescents”.
Velia Manyonga – PhD Candidate (University of Strathclyde)
Velia’s research is focusing on exploring young people’s understanding of adolescent wellbeing. Velia chose a career in research because she believes that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can only be achieved if legislations, policies, interventions and strategies are informed by evidence generated from the same population for whom they are meant. Women should work in research to champion evidence informed legislations, policies, interventions and strategies.
Our research recognizes the significant impact of adverse gender norms, particularly on girls and young women, within the interdisciplinary strands we investigate. We’re committed to examining gendered, regional, and rural-urban differences, aiming to address the significant causes of gender inequalities, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 5.
It is stated by UN Women that investing in women accelerates the transition toward a healthier, safer, and more equal world. We believe that achieving gender equality and women’s well-being in all aspects of life is paramount for creating prosperous economies and a healthy planet, as also emphasized by the UN.
On International Women’s Day, we are reminded of the words of the International Women’s Day Organization: “when we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. By empowering women to be included, we foster a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment”.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, we renew our commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in research and beyond. Together, we can create a more just, equitable, and inclusive world particularly for the adolescents girls who will become the future women.
#InspiredInclusion – Our Shining Early Career Researchers!
Monica P. Malata
Monica has six years experience in health research. With a Master of Arts and Bachelor’s in Economics, her interests are in health policy and systems research, and evaluations of health interventions. She is also a PhD student in Public Health and Policy where she is evaluating healthcare priority setting and resource allocation processes in Malawi.
A research enthusiast who is eager to contribute more in filling the existing knowledge gaps & identifying solutions to the health-related challenges in Malawi and beyond. Water Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), adolescent & child health and youth empowerment are my research areas of interest. I am a Research Associate for the Centre for Water Sanitation Health & Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED) and a PhD student in Environmental Health with Malawi University of Business & Applied Sciences (MUBAS) under the NIHR funded Global Health Research Group on Improving Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Malawi Studentship. Evidence of investing in women, right? Yes, it is and it’s for the Global benefit. From a research career journey which started in 2014 with diversity of roles & focus along the way; I can attest to the need for women inclusion and investing in women. As I look forward to become a lead researcher, I will inspire inclusion. All women have talents, skills & experiences to support in the development of any nation.
Rosannie Daudi-Malolo
Felistas Mpachika
A PHD fellow at the Centre for Reproductive Health (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences), Malawi. I am a registered nurse/midwife and a reproductive health specialist. My PHD is going to focus on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing. I intend to develop acceptable interventions that address sexual and reproductive health challenges facing adolescents with adverse childhood experiences.
A PhD Candidate in Health Economics with the University of Strathclyde. She holds a Master of Arts in Economics University of Malawi which focused on the Impact of Development Assistance for Health on Mortality in the SADC region.
