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As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026 with the theme “Give to gain”, the message resonates beyond celebration. It is a reminder that progress begins with intentional investment. When we give resources and opportunities, we gain transformation in our communities. For the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET)- Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif), this principle is more than a slogan but a strategy. By investing in African women pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), it is strengthening Africa’s capacity to solve its most pressing issues. Each scholarship awarded, each research project funded, and each woman scientist empowered adds to a growing force of innovators working to improve lives across Africa. And it is within the spirit of giving to gain that stories of impact emerge. Among them is Dr Tsion Amsalu Fode, whose journey reflects the transformative power of investing in women scientists. Dr Fode from Ethiopia is an Rsif alumna of Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tanzania, who pursued PhD in Minerals Mining and Materials Engineering. Her research focused on developing high-quality, low-energy cement for sustainable concrete, contributing to greener and more efficient construction practices. She is currently a lecturer at Wollega University, Nekempte, Ethiopia.

To hear more about it firsthand, here is an interview we did with her.

Q: What support systems within the Rsif programme helped you succeed and thrive during your academic journey?

A: Being part of the Rsif programme was transformative. The structured support system, including dedicated mentorship from both my African Host University (AHU) NM-AIST and my International Partner Institution, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in the USA, played a crucial role. Key moments included successfully publishing 12 articles in international Scopus-indexed journals on Elsevier, Nature, Taylor & Francis, and Wiley as the first author and having two patents in less than three years of PhD. This journey was made possible by the strong academic, technical, and financial backing of Rsif. The programme’s regular monitoring, mentorship webinars, and networking platforms helped me stay focused, motivated, and connected with a broader research community.

Q: In what ways do you believe Rsif is helping to bridge the gender gap in scientific capacity and innovation in Africa, especially for women in STEM?

A: Rsif is doing a remarkable job at bridging the gender gap in science by offering opportunities to support women in STEM. As a female researcher, I felt encouraged, represented, and supported throughout my journey. Rsif’s emphasis on excellence, innovation, and cross-continental collaboration empowers a new generation of African scientists—especially women—to lead ground-breaking research and contribute meaningful solutions to Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

Q: As we mark International Women’s Day, what message would you give to aspiring women researchers who are considering pursuing careers in scientific research, and what would you like to share with African girls who may doubt whether they belong in science or innovation spaces?

A: Believe in your potential, every minute of your life. Be self-motivated and start the PhD journey. If you’re passionate about solving real-world problems through research, Rsif provides the resources, mentorship, and international exposure needed to turn your vision into impact. Be bold, stay curious, and let your journey inspire others.

Q: How did receiving the Rsif scholarship shape your academic and research journey, particularly in pursuing your PhD in Structural Materials and Engineering?

A: The Rsif scholarship was the cornerstone of my PhD journey. It enabled me to fully focus on cutting-edge research in Structural Materials and Engineering without the burden of financial constraints. The opportunity to conduct part of my research at WPI through the Rsif sandwich programme was instrumental in expanding my technical expertise and international research outlook. The scholarship also allowed me to engage in high-quality research.

Q: Your research on low-energy cement contributes to sustainable construction—how do you see your work impacting local communities and broader environmental goals in Africa?

A: My research directly addresses the urgent need for sustainable construction materials in Africa. The patent on Portland pozzolana cement using activated bentonite reduces CO₂ emissions, cuts energy usage, and lowers cement production costs having high strength and durability. Also, the second innovation on sisal fiber treatment instead of using steel or plastic fiber in concrete potentially changes concrete production to be sustainable and eco-friendly. The innovation can be adopted by local industries, lowering the environmental footprint of construction projects and provide more affordable, durable materials for infrastructure development. Ultimately, this supports climate goals while also empowering communities through job creation and more resilient buildings.

Q: Can you share how your experience at WPI through the Rsif sandwich programme enriched your skills and perspective as a researcher?

A: More than 9 months of research at WPI was a defining period in my academic journey. It exposed me to advanced lab facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a global research environment. I gained hands-on experience in cutting-edge characterization techniques, honed my scientific communication skills, and broadened my research methodologies. This immersion not only elevated the quality of my work but also enhanced my confidence as a globally competitive researcher.

Q: What challenges did you face, and how did the Rsif programme support you in overcoming them?

A: Like many researchers, I faced challenges including lab equipment downtime, access to specialized materials, and balancing publication pressure with research integrity. Rsif’s flexible and responsive support structure was crucial in navigating these hurdles. Whether it was through research funds, administrative guidance, or facilitating access to international facilities, the programme consistently helped me find timely solutions to stay on track with my objectives.

Dr Fode’s journey is more than a personal milestone; it is evidence that structured support, sustained funding and institutional policies commitment can shift the narrative of gender balance in STEM. It is not just Ethiopia’s achievement but a signal of what Africa stands to gain when women thrive in sciences.