In previous years UbuntuNet Alliance’s partner organization through the AfricaConnect3 project, GÉANT, has championed women in the research and education community with a focus on women in STEM fields. Various interviews and spotlight articles are published in their CONNECT magazine to showcase their contributions and encourage young women to get involved in STEM fields to bridge the gender gap in these fields. This year, a different approach was taken: Opting to bring to the forefront women who are typically perceived as working “behind the scenes” to facilitate the activities carried out in the research and education community. By the nature of their jobs, women in finance, communications, project management, procurement and partner relations form the foundation on which the research and education community operates and therefore deserve to be recognized for their contributions.
Amongst the six women who were featured in this year’s CONNECT magazine, UbuntuNet Alliance’ very own acting Finance and Admin Manager, Beatrice Ng’ambi was included. Beatrice joined UbuntuNet Alliance from its very early stages of the organization and has since contributed greatly to its success. In her current role as the Acting Finance and Administration Manager. she is in charge of the financial management and administration for not only the regional network of Eastern and Southern Africa, but also for the AfricaConnect3 project. This project is co-funded by the European Union and is utilizing a fund of up to €37.5 million. Managing this is no small feet. Beatrice’s role involves providing in-depth financial information to facilitate the delivery and monitoring of the project’s objectives and costs. Her day-to-day activities cover management and administration of financial reporting, manpower reporting, timesheets and other regular tracking of costs and finance progress, as well as providing support for the project governance for the project and organization.
In here feature piece, she highlights what a privilege it has been to witness the UbuntuNet Alliance grow From its humble beginnings as a project at the University of Malawi-Kamuzu College of Nursing, into a robust force driving research and education networking across Africa. She proceeds to point out how rewarding it is that her job greatly involves maintaining a comprehensive overview of all organizational activities, ensuring meticulous recording and accounting for costs and progress. She also extends a a vote of recognition to the various women who she has had the privilege of connecting with through her role at UbuntuNet Alliance. Sighting women such as Margaret Ngwira, Dr Iman Abdelrahman and Cathrin Stӧver, just mentioning a few, who have enriched and motivated her over the years.
UbuntuNet Alliance extends its congratulations to Beatrice Ng’ambi for featuring in the 45th issue of the magazine for the GEANT community, CONNECT. You can read the entire magazine and her feature article here. UbuntuNet Alliance also thanks GÉANT for honoring our Acting Finance and Admin Manger through this year’s issue of the CONNECT magazine.