For many young women, the path to a career in science and technology is filled with barriers such as systemic bias, limited resources, and a lack of access to opportunities. UVU Bio is actively dismantling these barriers by providing mentorship, training, and real-world experience that’s empowering young women to thrive.
Fortune Uwizeyimana from Rwanda and Nasiphi Yekelo from South Africa are shining examples of how access and support can unlock potential, allowing women in STEM to drive meaningful change and shape the future of innovation.
From Rwanda to South Africa: UVU Bio’s Impact on the Next Generation
Through UVU Bio’s support, these young professionals are living their childhood dreams, advancing their bioscience careers and inspiring future generations of women.
Growing up in Rwanda with a mother that worked as a nurse, Fortune saw firsthand how science and healthcare transforms lives. Despite societal norms that often steer women away from science, she was determined to learn how to use science to address global challenges. When she saw an opportunity to become a Lab Assistant at the Rwanda Bioeconomy Hub, she was excited because opportunities like this are rare.
Today, Fortune is actively advancing healthcare and biotechnology in Rwanda. “UVU BIO has been pivotal in breaking down barriers of entry for me through mentorship, training and providing a supportive and inclusive environment to help me thrive”, says Fortune. As she continues to grow her career, she’s driven by the knowledge that even the smallest contribution can lead to innovations that change lives.
From state-of-the-art labs in Rwanda to the innovative labs in South Africa, UVU Bio is upskilling and opening doors for a new generation of African scientists, proving that opportunity knows no borders.
In South Africa, after Nasiphi completed a degree in Information Systems, she wanted to explore the intersection of technology and biotechnology however she struggled to find an environment to nurture her vision. “The potential to combine these two fields and create innovative solutions that could improve people’s lives is truly exhilarating,” she explains.
UVU Bio’s incubation programme was the ideal opportunity for her to explore her passion through skills development and mentorship. Now that she works a Lab Intern at UVU Bio, she’s finally exploring her passion for bioinformatics.
At UVU Bio, Nasiphi is enhancing biomanufacturing processes and is working towards developing solutions that will improve healthcare accessibility across Africa.
A Call to Action for the Next Generation
Fortune and Nasiphi’s stories are more than just personal achievements; they represent a larger movement towards empowerment and change across the continent. Both women urge young girls to pursue careers in STEM with confidence, and to seek out mentors who can guide them along their journey. “Don’t be afraid to dream big and challenge the status quo,” Fortune says. Nasiphi adds, “STEM fields need women’s unique perspective and talents. I encourage young women like me to never give up on their dreams,”.
With UVU Bio’s strategic interventions, these young women are advancing their careers and inspiring future generations of women to follow in their footsteps. The work being done by Fortune, Nasiphi, and alumni in UVU Bio’s network is proof that diversity, mentorship, and determination can truly transform industries and communities across Africa.
