DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SCIENCES HOSTS INAUGURAL EWIRA WORKSHOP AT POTSDAM SITE

The Department of Applied Sciences within the Faculty of Natural Sciences at WSU marked a historic milestone by hosting its first-ever Empower Women in Research Affiliation (EWIRA) workshop at the Potsdam Delivery Site from 29–30 October 2025.

The two-day workshop brought together female academics and postgraduate students for a focused engagement on research development, proposal writing, and the crafting of conceptual papers — with a special emphasis on strengthening the research capabilities of women in science. A key objective of the session was to develop a proposal for introducing a research module within the Advanced Diploma curriculum, ensuring that future cohorts of students are better equipped to undertake meaningful scientific inquiry.

EWIRA stands as a transformative initiative that inspires and empowers women in research through mentorship, peer support, collaboration, and capacity building. The programme promotes a culture of ethical, sustainable, and entrepreneurial scholarship, while nurturing women’s voices in spaces of scientific and academic innovation.

Opening the workshop, Professor R. Taziwa, Head of the Department of Applied Sciences, extended a warm welcome to all participants and expressed deep appreciation for the role of women in academia and research.

“It is my great honour to welcome you to the EWIRA Workshop — a platform dedicated to empowering women in research and innovation,” said Prof. Taziwa. “This initiative, hosted in collaboration with the Faculty of Natural Science, celebrates your potential, your voice, and your future in academia.”

He went on to describe the event as a historic and empowering moment for the department, one that symbolises WSU’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and gender equity in the sciences.

“Over the next two days, you will be guided by a dynamic mix of established and emerging researchers,” he continued. “These experts bring not only deep knowledge but also fresh perspectives that will enrich your understanding and inspire your growth.”

The workshop blended knowledge sharing with hands-on mentorship, creating a collaborative environment for researchers to exchange ideas, refine their academic writing skills, and build confidence in pursuing scholarly excellence.

By Sisipho Qwenga