EAST LONDON- In a groundbreaking initiative the Walter Sisulu University(WSU) hosted a two-day writing retreat, EWIRA (Empowering Women in Research Affiliation) on 27th-28th March 2025 at Buffalo City Campus(BCC) in East London. The initiative aimed to empower women in research and academia. The retreat brought together a diverse group of women from various departments and faculties in the institution, including the built environment, engineering and social sciences.
According to Associate Professor and Head of Department for the Built Environment in WSU Dr. Nokulunga Xolile Mashwama, “EWIRA is all about women empowerment we empower each other and we’re trying to capacitate each other to reach a level that we have attained as academics.”
Lecturer in Applied Informatics and Mathematical Sciences Dr. Oluntunyi Olaitan emphasized the importance of collaboration and mentorship stating, “When women come together we can assist each other in writing, discussing barriers, equipping ourselves and mentoring.”
Furthermore, Information Technology(IT) Lecturer Swetha Vijayalakshmi praised the initiative, saying, “This writing retreat is generally empowering the women especially for the novice researchers. It’s a great opportunity for the women to explore.”
A final-year student and tutor in Building Technology Anathi Mnyanda expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, “I’m finding the retreat very insightful, it’s a good initiative that they’ve developed an affiliation where a woman can be empowered in research.”
In addition Lecturer in the Built Environment at Ibika campus Andisiwe Dumako highlighted the importance of research in academia, “I’m pleased and I’m grateful to whoever actually came up with the idea of empowering women in research.”
Additionally, the EWIRA initiative is a significant step towards promoting gender equality in research and academia providing a platform for women to share their experiences, challenges and successes.
As Dr. Mashwama put it, “EWIRA is open to everybody and it’s very good. It has got good programs that it is offering.”
With EWIRA, WSU is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable research environment where women can thrive and make meaningful contributions.
Photograph: WSU/Facebook
By: Ziphelele Nompula & Nontando Mbonwa
