Meet the team
Meet the team
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A/Prof. Elena Moore
University of Cape Town, Principal Investigator
I am an Associate Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology at the University of Cape Town. I am the author of Generation, Gender and Negotiating Custom in South Africa (Routledge, 2022), Divorce, Families and Emotion Work (Palgrave, 2017) and (with Chuma Himonga) Reform of Customary Marriage, Divorce and Succession in South Africa (Juta & Co. 2015). My work has appeared in the Journal of Family Issues; Gender & Society; Critical Social Policy; Current Sociology, Feminist Economics, Families, Relationships and Societies; and the Journal of Southern African Studies. I am a recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award 2021, University of Cape Town. I am co-editor for the journal Families, Relationships and Societies and I am on the editorial board for Sociology. My current research focuses primarily on family caregiving and intergenerational relationships of support in Southern Africa.
Dr. Gwen Lesetedi
University of Botswana, Country Lead Botswana
Dr Lesetedi holds a PhD (Sociology) from University of Cape Town, South Africa; MA (Demography) from Georgetown University, Washington DC., USA; Post-graduate Diploma, Regional Institute of Population Studies, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; and BA (Sociology and Public Administration) University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia. She started her working career as a demographer at the then Central Statistics Office. She was responsible for compiling social statistics on the general population and participated in a couple of population and housing censuses as well as demographic surveys. She worked for the CSO for ten years and left to join the University of Botswana. Her research interests are in Gender and Development; Urban Development and Poverty and Social Inequalities. She has conducted extensive research in the area of gender; gender based violence and HIV and most of which have culminated in co-authored publications. Dr Lesetedi is a staunch gender activist and after over three decades of activism she still remains passionate about gender issues. She served as a part time research associate with Women and the Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) from 1994, an action-oriented research organization focusing on socio-legal research with the to bring about legal reforms in the region.
Dr. Jesman Chintsanya
University of Malawi, Country Lead Malawi
Dr Jesman Chintsanya is a senior lecturer at University of Malawi. As a Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Scholar (CSC–UK), he earned his PhD in Demography and Social Statistics from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. His research focuses on ageing and older persons, sexual and reproductive health issues. Jesman was involved in Evidence and Data Gaps Assessment on Older Persons in Malawi. Subsequently, this led to the Multiple Indicator Survey on Ageing (MISA) in Malawi, which the Government of Malawi with support from the UNDESA launched as MISA project with the objective to develop a standard methodology to produce, analyze and deliver a database of harmonized indicators on the situation of older persons in Africa during the implementation phase of the new Post-2015 Development Agenda.
Prof Dolly Ntseane
University of Botswana, Country Lead Botswana
Prof Dolly Ntseane is currently serving as Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Botswana. She completed her undergraduate degree majoring in Sociology & Political Science in 1981. She then obtained MSc Social Policy from Columbia University, New York (1985-1987) and in 1997 she graduated with PhD in Social Policy from Brandeis University. In 2018, she obtained post graduate Certificate in Bio-Ethics from Johns Hopkins University, Maryland. In the area of research, Prof Ntseane has published numerous journal articles, book chapters, and monographs. Key among these is the Botswana Social Protection Framework which has now been adopted by government as a road map for social protection system in Botswana. Other evaluation studies include: Evaluation of UNDP Country Programme, Evaluation of Socio-Economic Programmes, Review of Social Safety Nets, Impact evaluation of HIV and AIDS to mention a few. Prof Ntseane is member of the University of Botswana Institutional Review Board (IRB). She also serves as one of Board of Directors in the Southern African Social Protection Experts Network (SASPEN). Finally, Prof Ntseane brings to this project expertise in qualitative research. She has worked closely with government and Non-State-Actors in the area of social protection for older persons in Botswana.
Vayda Megannon
UCT, Project Manager
Vayda Megannon is a doctoral candidate at The University of Cape Town, her research focuses on social protection, specifically cash transfers and the Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD) in South Africa. From multidisciplinary approach, her doctorate investigates the SRD grant, highlighting the experiences of potential beneficiaries within family and household settings. Within the field of social protection, her broader areas of interest include transformative justice, women’s rights (improved access to and realisation of socio, economic and cultural rights), and household interdependencies. Vayda has extensive experience working with various institutes and multi-country projects as a research communications coordinator and media manager. The convergence of her research, communications and public engagement skill set afforded Vayda the Quote This Women+ Voice of Year 2022 award for politics and law in South Africa.
Dr Janet Ananias
University of Namibia, Country Lead Namibia
Janet Ananias is teaching in the social work programme in the School of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Namibia (UNAM) She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work from the North West University, Potchefstroom campus, South Africa. Her research interest includes social gerontology, mental health, intergenerational care, child neglect/child fosterage, substance abuse, social welfare law and social work groups. Janet was a co-editor for the 2018 Symposium Proceedings of the International Association for Social Work with Groups 40th International Symposium. She serves as a member of the editorial board of the Southern African Journal of Social Work and Social Development. She served as the President of the Namibia Social Workers Association (NASWA) from 2008 to 2010, and was the Head of Department of Social Work from 2015 to 2021. She is a member of the African Research on Aging Network (AFRAN), a member of the Care for Older Persons in Southern African Network (COPSAN).
Zeenat Samodien graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Gender Studies, Religious Studies, and Sociology. Her academic journey continued with a Master’s degree, which she earned with distinction.
Her postgraduate research has focused on the experiences of South African Muslim women, particularly in the context of Islamic divorce and the non-recognition of Muslim marriages in South Africa. Currently, Zeenat applies her skills and knowledge as the data officer for the Family Caregiving Programme, contributing to impactful projects and initiatives.
Lindeka Mrengqwa completed her BA degree majoring in Linguistics, Psychology and Social Science. She proceeded to do her Honours degree in Anthropology at the University of the Western Cape. The honours thesis investigated infertility among black married women living in Khayelitsha. In addition to that ,she completed a data analysis course at the University of Cape Town. She is currently working as a research associate at the Samson Institute for Ageing Research, for the past 4 years. Lindeka has a wealth of knowledge and experience in research design as well as implementation. Some of her work has been published in BMC geriatrics and community newspapers across Cape Town. She is passionate about health issues affecting under-privileged groups ,specifically black women. Prior to joining SIFAR she worked at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) based in Johannesburg and for the Anthropology department at the University of the Western Cape.
SIMAMKELE SIDZIYA
Research Assistant, University of Cape Town
I am Simamkele Sidziya recently completed Bachelor of Social Science honours in Sociology from the North West University. Currently pursuing a MPhil in theories of justice and inequality (specialisation qualification in the sociology department) at UCT. I am passionate about research and academia, always willing to learn more. My current research interest is in the area of care and older men especially the experiences of care-receiving amongst older men. I believe that through research and education societies can be transformed and more informed. Passionate on working towards being the next generation of change makers through actively engaging in research that offers evidence based solutions and recommendations that will drive policy changes.
Charis Sass
UCT, Researcher South Africa
Charis Sass studied Anthropology, Sociology and Organisational Psychology and then continued and specialised in Industrial Sociology during her honours at the University of Cape Town. She is currently completing her Masters degree in Sociology. She is passionate about community development and working towards upskilling individuals to enable a sustainable and enriching environment. She is also passionate about marketing, content creation and creative initiatives that align and improve organisations.
Peterwise Gowoka
Research Assistant, Malawi
Peterwise Gowoka has vast experience in working with national and international organisations. His past work with various projects investigated on perception and best care for the people infected and affected with HIV/AIDs; assessing the level of HIV/AIDS awareness among the youths from the churches and whether these churches/parents/guardians give instructions to their youths on matters of sex, sexuality, marriage and family. He possesses extensive fieldwork data collection experience including interviewing, setting up focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and other participatory methods.
Nonzuzo Mbokazi holds a PhD in sociology from the University of Cape Town (UCT). In the befallen year she completed her postdoctoral fellowship which focused on two qualitative studies on improving the care and support for diabetes patients and HIV-positive patients who have comorbidities in South Africa; with the Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine at UCT. Nonzuzo has a strong interest in social and public policy; and she is of the view that the social sciences can help to better understand how institutional inertia affects policy initiatives, which is pertinent to a developing country such as South Africa.
Annastasia Tuyereke Mulimina
Researcher, Namibia
Annastasia is on retirement for four years now after 36 years of employment in the government, Annastasia worked in other regions like the Zambezi region and Oshana regions. Her responsibilities were planning, budgeting, developing and implementation of activities, projects and programs at district and regional level in order reach the desired goals. Some of the programmes and projects spearheaded for economic development and self-reliance , capacity building on projects management and sustainability thereof for women groups at Andara, mile 30(now Ncamagoro) constituency Kavango region, Candle making for the coalition on responsible drinking (CORD, committee groups) , Peer Educators for the young people especially TADAH, Older people committee, care givers of mentally ill clients, suicide prevention groups from the suicide survivors clients and leprosy victims representatives and caregivers in order to address and attend to their problems and needs. She was also a field supervisor for social work students and new appointed social workers during the last years of her employments. Observations, monitoring and evaluating on the trends of programs and activities for affective future planning and implementation were also part of her responsibility. Annastasia participated in various older people meetings and the drafting of older people’s Policy in Namibia in 2022. Annastasia is passionate about the welfare of the vulnerable and needy persons in the communities especially the orphans, the sick (leprosy, disabilities, etc….). Annastasia studied and obtained certificates in Social Work at the academy for Tertiary Education Windhoek and advanced certificate at the University of Namibia. With some of the many relevant short courses obtained throughout the years of her working career for professional growth.
Cecilia Kasiku Maruta
Researcher, Namibia
Cecilia Kasiku Maruta is a Section Head for Social Welfare at the City of Windhoek, Namibia for 18 years now. Her responsibilities include planning, managing, developing, implementing projects/programmes to address the needs of vulnerable community and oversee the operation of the section. She supervise 32 multi-disciplinary staff members responsible for various activities with professional, technical and administrative and general service backgrounds among others. In addition she also oversee the management of Katutura Old Age Home accommodating 25 vulnerable older persons in Namibia and initiated older people support programme to promote active aging among older persons in the community. From 2010-2018 ,she accompanied her husband on diplomat missions to Switzerland and Austria respectively. During this time she managed to mobilize funding (N$ 500,000.00) to address issues affecting the community in Namibia including HIV/AIDS,OVC, Food Security and Early Childhood Development projects. In her career , she also initiated and participated in needs assessment survey and urban agriculture survey to determine the challenges facing the community. The reports of the surveys have directed the planning and implementation of projects in the section. Cecilia is passionate about the well-being of vulnerable people and older persons in particular. Apart from serving the older persons in the city, she also organize Christmas Lunch for older people and established a community garden to provide food security to the people in the village. Cecilia holds a BA Degree in Social Work from the University of Namibia, Master Degree in Education from the Open University, UK and Post Graduate e Certificate in Development Management from the University of Open University, UK
Dr Immaculate Mogotsi
Researcher, Namibia
Dr. Immaculate Mogotsi, is a senior research fellow at the Multidisciplinary Research Services at the University of Namibia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work and Community Development and a Masters of Arts Degree in Women and Development Studies. She completed her Doctoral Studies in Sociology. Her current academic work in both teaching and research cover gender mainstreaming, prevention of gender-based violence, women’s empowerment, sexual and reproductive health and right and feminist theorizing, gender and climate change and decolonizing academia. She has a keen interest in advocacy. She serves in the Ministry of Gender Equality Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare in the Gender Based Violence and Human Rights Cluster. She is a member of the Environmental Investment Fund, Project Steering Committee for the Eco-System based Adaptation Project and the Community Based Natural Resource Management for the Empower to Adapt Project. Dr Mogotsi, collaborates with several universities in Southern Africa, amongst others the University of Cape Town, the African Gender Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Botswana, National University of Lesotho, Eduardo Mondlane University on areas of HIV and women’s health, Young Women’s Leadership, Gender and Climate Change. Dr Mogotsi, also published in journals, wrote and co-edited books. She also hold a track record of commissioned work.
Paulus Mwetulundila
Researcher, Namibia
Mr. Paulus Mwetulundila is currently working as a Researcher in the Social Science Division of the Multidisciplinary Research Services at the University of Namibia (UNAM). His main responsibilities are to undertake research particularly in gender-related matters and other social contemporary issues, community work and coordination of research projects in the division and Centre at large. His primary research orientation focuses on the Namibian informal economy and gender dynamics in the workforce. His research interests are guided by Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which advocate for providing women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes which will fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large. He is also a reviewer in the Decentralized Research Ethic Committee of UNAM and has published scholarly articles in international journals. Mr. Mwetulundila is presently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology.
Dr. Elizabeth Shino
Researcher, Namibia
I’m a senior lecturer of Psychology at the University of Namibia (Department of Psychology & Social Work). In recent years, undergraduate-level courses that I presented include Introduction to Psychology, Psychopathology, Personality Theories and Interviewing & Counselling Skills; and Psychopathology at postgraduate level. With regards to research interests, I am currently engaged in a longitudinal multi-nation research project on emerging adulthood (including aspects such as markers of adulthood, mental health, personality). The psychological aspects of cancer (Psycho-oncology/Psychosocial Oncology) at all stages of the cancer continuum is of particular research interest to me. This includes at diagnosis, during treatment, recurrence, palliative care, and end-of-life in the context of cancer, and at different developmental stages.
Tabita Tuwilika Kalunduka
Researcher, Namibia
Social Worker with 31 years of experience employed by Ministry of Health and social Services at Intermediate Hospital Oshakati. Born on 11 May 1964 in Ondobe village, Ohangwena Region. She completed primary education at Ondobe, went through Secondary education and finished Matric (Standard 12) on 01 January 1984 at Ongwediva High School. Continued with Tertiary education at University of Namibia and completed Diploma in Social Work, obtained on 10 March 1989. Her first employment started at the Roman Catholic Church: Keetmanshoop where she worked until October 1989. Tabita joined Ministry of Health and Social Services: Katutura Jntermediate Hospital on 13 September 1989, worked at Cape Provincial Administration: Kuisebmond Walvisbay, joined Oshakati District Social Services Office and was transferred to Intermediate Hospital Oshakati on 1 May 2001. Tabita obtained the following Qualifications after first Undergraduate Diploma: Post – Graduate Certificates: Managing in Health and Social Care on 20 June 2003 (De Montfort University), Post – Graduate Diploma in Health Care and Social Welfare Management on 19 April 2005 (university of the Free State) and Master Degree in Social Work on 23 April 2015 (University of Namibia).Today, she occupy a position of Chief Social Worker, managing Social Work Section at Intermediate Hospital Oshakati.
Evelina Uahengo
Researcher, Namibia
Evelina is a Social Worker with immense and extensive knowledge in Social Work namely in community work and case work. She has experience of 14 years in the field of Social Work. She is a holder of Bachelor Degree of Social Work and Postgraduate in Management.In 2017 she was appointed as a field supervisor for the National Study on the Prevalence of and Interventions in Relation to Suicide Survey in Namibia that was done by the Ministry of Health in Conjunction with Debmarine Namibia. Evelina updates her knowledge base from time to time by doing short online courses specifically with the University of Washington, Edx and attends online webinars held by institutions like: ISSUP (International Society of Substance Use Professionals) and others. She have picked up a habit of reading books of which she reads at least one book in two weeks some of the remarkable books that she has read and motivates her to do her work everyday, independently and diligence are: The Atomic Habits by J. Clear: ,7habits of highly effective people by R. Covey and Beating Procrastination by N. Salzgeber. All in all Evelina is a humanist and always wants to be aligned with anything that has do to with the promotion of people welfare.
Imelda Hoebes
Researcher, Namibia
Sociology Ph.D. candidate at the University of Namibia and part time lecturer. Her research area is in gender and adolescent sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR). She is the coordinator for the UNAM Action Research Team (U-ART). She is passionate about Namibian Society issues. She serves and coordinates various community development projects focused on girls and women empowerment in urban low socio-economic areas and rural areas.
Esther Chalira
Research Assistant, Malawi
Esther Chalira is a dedicated professional with a passion for data analysis and research. She has a keen eye for detail and commitment to a thorough investigation, and this has made her excel in the roles of enumeration expert and research assistant among others. Esther possesses a Certificate in Front Office and Administration obtained in 2007 at Blantyre Centre for Management. She has also a Malawi School Certificate of Education attained in 2004. In her previous role as an enumerator in a 2022 study that covered Nsanje, Chikwawa, Kasungu, Dowa, and Lilongwe with the University of Malawi, Centre for Social Research, she participated in data collection on Youth Landscape analysis in Malawi. Her meticulous approach ensured the accuracy and reliability of the gathered information. Esther’s journey further includes working as a Research Assistant from 2015 to 2017 with Innovations for Poverty Action under the project Deferred Wages and Poor Effects
Associate Professor Odireleng Shehu
Researcher, Botswana
Odireleng Mildred Shehu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Botswana. She is currently the Head of Department. She graduated from the University of Utah, USA with a PhD in Social Work. She is currently based in Botswana and teaching courses in the clinical stream at the University of Botswana. She has participated in several research studies including; coping strategies of informal caregivers in Botswana, children as victims of violence, parenting of adolescence, counseling of students, evaluation of disability programmes in Botswana, linking alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS in Botswana, assessing the magnitude of disability, teenage pregnancy as well as substance use and abuse, and the evaluation of District multi-sectoral AIDS Committee (DMSAC). She has published extensively on issues pertaining to social protection, care giving of HIV /AIDS patients, caregiving of older adults, family, health, gender based violence and intimate femicide, She has experience with working with NGO’s, FBO’s and communities.
Dr Poloko Ntshwarang
Researcher, Botswana
Dr. Ntshwarang is a social worker, senior lecturer and coordinator of fieldwork practice in the department of social work at the University of Botswana. Her responsibilities within the University include research, teaching, leadership responsibilities and service. She has a PhD in Social Work from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and a Masters of Social Work degree (Health) from the University of Utah, U. S.A, as well as a Bachelors of Social Work from the University of Botswana. Dr. Ntshwarang has worked in the health services before joining the University. She served as the secretary of Botswana Hospice and Palliative Care Association (BHPCA) for three years. She has served in several University of Botswana Research teams and national technical working groups such as the Healthy Active Aging Team, Older Adults Policy Team, and Development of a Parenting Model that supports the Prevention and Response to Sexual, Physical and Emotional Abuse of children in Botswana Working Team. She has presented in local, regional and international conferences. She has published several articles pertaining to social work issues, especially on health, families and children.
Dr Israel Blackie
Researcher, Botswana
Dr. Israel R. Blackie is the first Motswana PhD (Sociology) graduate from the University of Botswana in 2021. He spent over a decade (2009 -2019) of his career in central government, in the Ministry of Environment Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism where he progressed to the position of Assistant Director (Strategy Management). He then joined the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA), a Research and Policy Analysis Think Tank, as a Research Fellow. Dr. Blackie is currently a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the University of Botswana. His research interest is in areas of community based natural resources management (CBNRM), rural livelihoods, intersection of state and local people and their institutions on resource conservation and management. As a pro-poor development researcher, he has researched and published journal articles in peer reviewed journals. Notably, in 2020, Dr. Blackie conducted the first national tracer study titled ‘The Social Impact Analysis of the Human Wildlife Conflict on Victims and their Families in Botswana. This gave him further exposure and first-hand experience in working with surviving victims of human wildlife conflict and other family members in Botswana. Dr. Blackie has led and participated in several research, programmes and policy reviews as well as other consultancy projects some of which have resulted in policy changes.
Pearl Kgaogano
Researcher, Botswana
I am Pearl Segomotso Kgaogano. I graduated from the University of Botswana with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2021. I carried out a study on “Perceptions of health care workers towards COVID-19 in Nkoyaphiri Clinic in Botswana” in 2021.The research article is yet to be published. I am very passionate about research and always keen on learning more. Currently I am working as an intern in Kweneng District Council under Social Welfare and community Development Department. My main role is to provide social services to my community. I am a patient, diligent, compassionate, kind, humble and working with people is my passion. I am currently part of a caregiving support group in Botswana (Molepolole) which focuses on equipping members of the group on positive parenting. I aspire to do a Master’s Degree in social work and PHD. My goal is to advance my research skills and work in an organization where I will be able to utilize the skills. I had the honor to be invited to the University of Botswana in August 2022 to share my experience on research and practical advice on Literature review and theory. In my spare time, I enjoy reading watching TV and spending time with friends and family.
Moitshepisi Kgosietsile
Research Assistant, Botswana
Moitshepisi Kgosietsile has recently finished her Bachelor of Social Work General Programme in the University of Botswana and is awaiting graduation ceremony which will be held in October 2023. Moitshepisi has served as a volunteer for Mentoring and Tutoring Alumni Association, a project which envisions to unleash the potential in students by helping them to develop a self-drive life and excellence in a well supportive learning environment. She also has been an active member of the University of Botswana Social Work Society where she volunteered as a mentor to stimulate first year students’ desire for learning and purpose discovery. Moitshepisi has also served as a volunteer in Botswana Red Cross Society as a mobilizer and a recorder for the polio vaccine campaign. She also has served as a member of Lerala Children’s Protection Committee to promote the safety and wellbeing of young people and ensuring that their rights are respected. She has experience in designing and reviewing social work treatment manuals. Moitshepisi also has experience in reviewing literature for academic research data collection.
Dr Tiroyaone MH. Brombacher
Researcher, Botswana
Tiroyaone MH. Brombacher studied General Psychology (BSc.) with a double major in pre-medicine at Ashland University – USA, Behavioural Neuroscience (MSc.) at Texas Christian University – USA, and Clinical Sciences & Immunology (PhD) at the University of Cape Town – RSA. Her cognitive research and publications include investigating how stress, disease, and gene-deficiency influence our ability to learn and/or remember information. In 2021 she unveiled a pathway in the brain that determines how learning is spared while reference memory is impaired is some disease and genedeficient models. Aone has served as a member of the executive committee (EXCO) of the Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences at UCT Medical School, and as EXCO member of the Southern African Neuroscience Society. She encourages students to excel in their academics and to interact with like minds globally – better positioning them to compete internationally. As a well published researcher, academic, and public speaker on the effects of stress and disease in cognitive function she enjoys community outreaches that include holiday reading clubs and science camps or outreaches. She also reaches out to young learners through an organisation called The Neurites Kids Science Labs found at www.gathato.com
Agnes Gogo Wizi-Kambala
Researcher, Malawi
Agnes Wizi-Kambala is a lecturer in Social Work at the University of Malawi. She comes from a versatile career background as an experienced educator, qualitative social researcher and social worker. A holder of a Master of Arts in Social Work from Durham University (UK) and a Bachelor of Education degree from University of Malawi, Agnes has over 12 years’ experience in higher education, where she has gained extraordinary qualitative research skills using participatory approaches, having undertaken research both individually as well as cooperatively. Her knowledge and skills in research are strong across the whole spectrum from the point of proposal development (including extensive review of literature), training of field researchers, data collection using participatory research methods, qualitative analysis using Nvivo, to the point of report writing (for both non-academic and academic audiences). Her research interests include Social Work pedagogy, as well as the nexus between disability and social justice in the lives of children, women and older persons.
Fiskani Msutu
Research Assistant, Malawi
I am an outgoing person who is always willing to learn something new from peers and experts, learned or not depending on the subject matter which needs a deeper understanding. I am open to constructive criticism and get motivated when such brings a positive outcome. I hold a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Malawi. I have worked in various portfolios including teaching and research. Over the past years I have acquired vast experience in research work covering different fields like health, education, agriculture, politics, and other aspects using quantitative and qualitative methodologies such as focus group discussions, in depth interviews, key informants and photo voice. Through my work I have interacted with people from various backgrounds and successfully got the desired interview results from the ensuing discussions without prejudice or bias. I exude respect and therefore I beget respect.
Jean Kendie
Research Assistant, Malawi
Jean Kendie is a Businesswoman, researcher, and a freelancer who believes in herself and confident enough to earn the trust and respect of her colleagues and clients in the power of hardworking and being honest to her clients. Jean Kendie lives in Mzuzu and she enjoys and has passion for research leadership, reading, learning and personal development. She has a Certificate of attendance in Esoko field agent. Enumeration Methodology skills (USAID, Esoko Network 2011). As a freelancer she has a better experience with interacting with people due to her participation with different organisations for instance she has ever worked with the Empowerment of Women in WASH study. Conducted by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), USAID Funded project 2023-Jan-March in Phalombe, Mzimba, Kasungu and Balaka Position ; Research Supervisor (2023) ,Elimination of Child Labor in Tobacco Growing areas- Maendeleo Research and Development Consulting(MRDC) 2022-May-August in Angonia-Mozambique Position; Research Supervisor (2022), Baseline for the Action for Teen Mothers project-UNIMA-Demography Department, UNFPA-KOICA Supported project Position; Research Assistant (2021), LUANAR-Nutrition Department. (2015 and 2016)-National wide survey; Malawi vulnerability Assessment Committee. (MVAC) Research Supervisor and many more.
Robson Malichi
Research Assistant, Malawi
I am a community-based expert with extensive experience living in and working for rural communities. I served as an Agriculture Field Assistant with the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. I played a pivotal role as an Agriculture Development Facilitator with the Christian Service Committee (CSC) in the Department of Agriculture and Food Security. I engaged with rural communities on diverse fronts, including Food Security, Human Rights Advocacy, Gender Equality, HIV/AIDS, Water Hygiene and Sanitation, Forestry and Agroforestry, Irrigation, and Community Mobilization using PRA Tools. I conducted an in-depth study on Malawi Land Tenure and Social Capital, an integral component of the Malawi National Census of Agriculture and Livestock, in collaboration with the Centre for Social Research at the University of Malawi. My dedication to research and development led me to participate in several crucial studies, including those related to HIV/AIDS, older persons, children’s rights, gender violence, and adolescent girls’ needs. My journey has made me proficient in community mobilization, training skills using participatory approaches, working closely with rural communities, and data collection using various tools such as Focused Group Discussions (FGD), Semi-Structured Interviews (SSI), and Key Informant Interviews (KII).
Bessie Chirwa
Research Assistant, Malawi
Bessie has a diploma in Community Development. In my research work, as a research supervisor, I was assigned to collect data; holding daily meetings(debriefing); sampling the respondents. Translation and transcribing the data beforehand. I have been involved in various studies on comprehensive sexuality education. Sexual reproductive health and gender-based violence Capacity building on child rights. Households listing Women participation in politics. Early Child Development policy and strategic plan for mobile health study; costing of health program for prompting of uptake and retention of PMCT services. Midterm evaluation of the girls’ and boy’s empowerment project and on women and child rights. I am good at working using my own initiative and I am flexible in my approach to work duties.