02 Nov Mentoring Women in STEM
Dr. Damaris Matoke-Muhia, principal research scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, discusses her dedication to empowering women in STEM through her groundbreaking work in combating vector-borne diseases. Through global mentoring initiatives and community-based programs, Dr. Matoke-Muhia champions gender equality, leadership opportunities, and improved health outcomes across Africa.
The Journey to Combat Vector-Borne Diseases
Born in Kenya, Dr. Matoke-Muhia witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the disease on her family and community. These experiences shaped her career in molecular biology and motivated her to become a leader in the fight against vector-borne diseases.
- Early Motivation
- Experiencing the loss of a loved one to malaria instilled a commitment to eradicate the disease.
- Educational Path
- She pursued studies in molecular medicine and biotechnology to develop scientific solutions for vector control.
Empowering Women in STEM
Dr. Matoke-Muhia’s work includes establishing pathways for women in STEM, particularly in vector control—a field historically dominated by men. She is passionate about reducing barriers and enhancing career opportunities for women across Africa.
Mentorship and Community Programs
Her approach emphasizes the importance of inclusive decision-making and community engagement, particularly for women directly affected by malaria.
- Professional Mentorship
- She mentors women by fostering relationships, providing professional guidance, and encouraging them to pursue leadership roles.
- Community Involvement
- Dr. Matoke-Muhia engages local women in malaria prevention efforts, from monitoring mosquito breeding areas to advocating for health policy changes at the community level.
- Capacity Building
- She organizes training and mentorship sessions, linking women with resources and professional networks that help advance their careers.
Addressing Gender Disparities in STEM and Policy
Through her roles, she works to address the challenges women face in scientific and leadership roles due to cultural biases and limited support structures.
- Representation in Leadership
- She advocates for greater female representation in decision-making, highlighting the imbalance between women in fieldwork and their visibility in policy discussions.
- Awards and Recognition
- Dr. Matoke-Muhia established the Women in Vector Control Excellence Awards, celebrating women’s achievements in vector control and incentivizing reinvestment in community health initiatives.
Overcoming Systemic Challenges and Changing Cultural Norms
Dr. Matoke-Muhia believes in shifting cultural norms that restrict women from leadership roles in African STEM fields. Her initiatives aim to create an empowering environment where women can confidently pursue high-level careers in vector control.
- Training and Visibility
- By organizing programs that elevate women’s contributions, she enables them to lead and influence public health policies.
- Male Allies
- Dr. Matoke-Muhia also emphasizes collaboration with male colleagues, fostering a balanced approach to leadership in vector-borne disease management.
Future Vision: A Malaria-Free Africa
Her ultimate goal is to eliminate malaria from Africa, motivated by the belief that the continent has the resources and resilience needed to achieve this vision.
- A Unified Effort
- Dr. Matoke-Muhia underscores the importance of a collective approach, incorporating both men and women in every stage of disease management and elimination.
- Sustainable Solutions
- She envisions a future where African countries no longer need to allocate resources to preventable diseases, allowing them to focus on sustainable development.
Empowering Women’s Leadership in STEM and Global Health
Dr. Matoke-Muhia’s work is transforming both the field of vector control and the role of women in STEM. By supporting women through mentorship in partnership with Menttium, training, and visibility, she creates a legacy of resilience and empowerment that will continue to shape health outcomes in Africa.
For more inspiration, watch Dr. Matoke-Muhia “Hero in the Field” from Gates Foundation.
About Dr. Damaris Matoke-Muhia
Dr. Damaris Matoke-Muhia is a Principal Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute and the director of capacity building, gender mainstreaming, and career progression at the Pan African Mosquito Control Association. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine and a Master’s in Biotechnology. Dr. Matoke-Muhia is a renowned expert in vector-borne disease research, focusing on the prevention and control of malaria across Africa.