Mzuzu University publish new report on training female engineers

Our Malawian CESET colleagues Chris Hara and Chrispin Gogoda have recently published a new report "Female technician and Engineers Training" funded as part of the CESET project. This was the second cohort of trainees that Mzuzu University trained over 4 weeks earlier in the year delivered by the Test and Training Center for Renewable Energy Technologies. 

With women engineers or technicians in sub-Saharan Africa accounting for only 20% of trainees and Malawian women’s participation in the energy sector being very low despite women appearing to be the most significant energy users, it was decided to run a training course specifically targeted at women to try and combat this imbalance.

27 female participants were selected to attend the training course which consisted of 2 weeks online and 2 weeks in-person. It focussed on planning, design, installation, maintenance, and management of renewable energy systems. 

The course was a great success, with the evaluation identifying that the majority of participants reported being satisfied with the overall training experience, with positive feedback received from approximately 90% of total attendees. Participants received certificates that can serve as a basic requirement for obtaining an installation permit from the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority.

The report recommendations include:

• There is a need to expand the program to better accommodate female participants from non-engineering or technical fields.
• Additional funding to allow for the procurement of more materials and equipment needed to enhance the practical training sessions.
• Further consideration should also be given to hosting a future training in Lilongwe. 

You can download the full report via the link below.