The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) hosted a two-day capacity-building workshop for male employees to support government efforts in eliminating gender-based violence, fostering inclusive education, and promoting mental health in the workplace and broader society.

The workshop, held on March 14 and 15th , 2025, in Arusha, was facilitated by the Higher Education for Economic Transformation Project (HEET), which includes a capacity-building component for employees.

At the opening session, Prof. Suzana Augustino, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning, Finance, and Administration, spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor. She explained that the workshop aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of collaboration with people with disabilities, strengthen partnerships in the workplace, and promote positive interactions between men and women at work.

“I believe that by the end of these two days, our male employees will have gained valuable insights into how to work more effectively with people facing various challenges, enhance workplace partnerships, and foster respectful relationships between men and women in the professional environment,” said Prof. Suzana.

She further emphasized that the workshop would contribute to a unified approach among all NM-AIST employees, as female staff members had already received training to improve service delivery.

Dr. Rehema Horera, an expert on gender-based violence and sexual harassment from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, commended NM-AIST for its proactive approach to internal training. She noted that men play a key role in managing ethics and preventing gender-based violence and sexual harassment within both the institution and society at large.

“Workshops like this are crucial in reminding us of the importance of maintaining ethical standards and addressing gender-based violence and sexual harassment. Such initiatives enable us to perform our duties effectively and contribute to safer, more inclusive environments,” Dr. Rehema remarked.

Prof. Revocatus Machunda, one of the workshop participants, expressed that the training reinforced the importance of mental health, the right to equality, and the need for these principles to be reflected in work performance. He also highlighted the responsibility of NM-AIST employees to serve as ambassadors, educating surrounding communities on these critical issues.

Mr. Denis Nandi, Senior Marketing Officer at NM-AIST, emphasized that the workshop served as a catalyst for strengthening cooperation among employees, both within the institution and in society, ultimately enhancing overall productivity.

The workshop brought together over 120 male staff members, including leadership, lecturers, administrators, and technical personnel. Participants had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of key issues such as mental health, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, inclusive education, and stress management.