Successful Second Steering Committee Meeting Enhances MMM Programme's Impact and Inclusivity

Brazzaville, Republic of Congo - The second Steering Committee meeting for the Mwele Malecela Mentorship (MMM) programme marked a significant stride in advancing leadership opportunities for women in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The meeting commenced on a poignant note, with the attendees observing a minute of silence in honor of the late Dr. Matissan Dembele, a dedicated member of the Selection Committee. Dr. Dembele's unwavering commitment to promoting excellence and representation within the MMM Programme left an indelible mark on the collective pursuit of advancing women in leadership roles in NTDs.

Chaired with the responsibility of overseeing and advocating for the MMM Programme, the Steering Committee underscored the pivotal role of mentees, envisioning them not just as mere participants but as active contributors in key roles during high-level meetings. This intentional representation is deemed essential for not only amplifying the voices of mentees but also for underscoring inclusivity and diversity, thereby ensuring a comprehensive and enriched dialogue focused on strengthening African female leadership in NTDs as a means to combat neglected tropical diseases on the continent.

The MMM Programme Secretariat shared noteworthy progress on the implementation of the first cohort of the MMM Programme, shedding light on the preparations for the upcoming launch of cohort II and efforts made to strengthen collaboration with key partners of the MMM Programme. The secretariat highlighted the development of the MMM Programme Mentorship Journey Plan, specifically designed to guide both mentees and mentors through this unique mentoring experience.

Key outcomes from the meeting included a renewed focus on inclusivity, both linguistically and geographically. The Committee issued a call for increased representation of Francophone members on the Selection Committee, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the program's future. Strategies for outreach were also discussed, with a commitment to leveraging high-level meetings to attract mentors and mentees. Additionally, the Committee explored ways to address potential overlaps in mentor and mentee representation, ensuring a balanced and effective mentorship experience.

Looking ahead, the MMM Programme Secretariat is poised to enact the recommendations shared to improve the program's efficiency. These enhancements will integrate valuable insights and suggestions gathered during the productive discussions of the Steering Committee meeting, ensuring the continued success and impact of the MMM Programme in advancing women's leadership in Neglected Tropical Diseases.