On March 10, 2026, female scientists, leaders, and students from MUST took part in a fascinating panel discussion organised by and aired on Zodiak Broadcasting Station’s (ZBS) radio, TV and social media platforms.

Dubbed "From vision to impact: Refining STEM by closing the gender gap,” the event, moderated by Chisomo Nyirenda, was hosted MUST’s campus in Thyolo and included lively discussions about experiences, opportunities, challenges, and ways to enhance women's participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Malawi's advancements in STEM promotion were praised by MUST Vice Chancellor Professor Address Malata, who was one of the panellists. 

"Technical colleges and universities are working to increase female enrolment. Female enrolment at MUST is around 40 percent for both regular and technical disciplines. Although better than how we started, it is way below our aspirations," she said.

She said these females are enrolled on the strength of their good grades, and not just to make the numbers. 

Professor Malata also shared her personal experience as a female STEM graduate currently in charge of MUST, along with other successful women in leadership roles, saying this was a demonstration that girls can also excel in STEM.

“Much as our experiences and positions are enough to inspire and motivate girls, let us also find time to mentor our girls. This is a challenge I give to all my colleagues by asking them to identify some girls and mentor them. We need to be intentional on this,” she said. 

"Despite the gaps, seeing those few girls in science classes and women like us holding big roles, there is real progress."

Another panellist, Dr Linda Chokotho, a medical doctor, senior lecturer and leadership representative, emphasized the importance of inclusivity, saying women should be included in everything since as they are the most vulnerable. 

"Do not allow doubt to limit your dreams," she advised ladies.

To emphasise the importance of women in modern technologies, Dr Priscilla Maliwichi, an ICT expert and lecturer at MUST, said women need to understand AI to improve their surroundings. 

"Collaboration is key. Work hand in hand with men and even those in non-STEM fields like arts,” she advised.

Esther Mabedi, an earth science expert and lecturer at MUST, highlighted the importance of including women in environmental projects as they are the most affected through challenges they face on daily resource management, implications on family health, and vulnerabilities at community level like water scarcity or climate change.

In response to the lack of exposure to computer science, Omega Misomali, a student, described it as "an exciting programme" that allows her to use her imagination to create a variety of products including websites. 

Regarding cyberbullying, she said if women truly understood data, they wouldn't back bullying their fellow women.

Shalom Amilusi, another student, said there is a significant STEM divide in Malawi because there are relatively few girls enrolled in STEM programmes such as Medical Imaging. However, she was pleased to see other female STEM leaders and role models.

To close gaps, the panel urged exposure, mentoring, teamwork, and inspiration.