On 16 September, the House of Science kicked off the 2024/25 AIMS Women in STEM (AIMSWIS) programme with a meet-and-greet session. The programme is part of AIMS South Africa’s continuous efforts to support and guide female students during their time at AIMS and their future career progression, contributing to addressing the gender gap in STEM.

The session was organised to welcome our new female students and enable them to connect with senior students and researchers. It provided a supportive environment for sharing advice on navigating academic life at AIMS, building confidence, and establishing a support system among peers.

As one participant mentioned, “The advice from the bigger sisters matched my expectations,” reflecting the spirit of the mentorship provided during the event.

Key takeaways from the session emphasised the importance of work-life balance, perseverance, and community building. In addition to mentoring, the event allowed students to build their network and gain insights into their new academic journey. As one attendee said,

“For my expectation, the meeting was a moment for learning, sharing, and encouraging each other,” showcasing the session’s impact in fostering a nurturing and collaborative environment.

One participant even suggested, “We should meet often to help release stress,” a reminder of the value of regular mentoring sessions.

The event was coordinated by Ingrid Kabinde (structured Master’s student & House of Science volunteer) and Noluthando Sithole, a House of Science Intern.