On June 24th, the Oxygen Alliance proudly participated in the Women in Biomedical Engineering Day Conference (WIBEK) 2024, held in conjunction with International Women in Engineering Day. This June 23rd global celebration, themed “Enhanced by Engineering,” was a day to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of female engineers in improving communities and advancing technological innovation.
In collaboration with key partners, the event was organized by the Association of Medical Engineering of Kenya (AMEK) with this year’s conference providing a platform for women to share their professional journeys and insights as well as network with peers in the biomedical engineering field. 1Despite global underrepresentation in STEM, with women constituting less than 20% of the workforce in Africa, the event showcased the potential for significant change and growth in this sector.
The conference featured a storytelling session where distinguished speakers, including Elizabeth Olwande from GE Healthcare, Victoria Chausiku from National Labs, and many more, shared their experiences navigating a predominantly male field. Their stories accentuated the resilience and innovation of women in biomedical engineering, inspiring attendees to pursue excellence despite challenges.
A panel discussion at the conference addressed key themes such as leadership, mentorship, and career growth. Panelists like Dr. Terry Kigondu from Women Lift Health, Dr. Aysha Edwards, CEO of AAR, and Phoebe Khagame, Director of Oxygen Alliance, provided valuable insights into the importance of mentorship and peer support as a necessity for fostering confidence and authenticity in professional settings, and how it all ties into our collective vision of enhanced healthcare outcomes. Later in the day, a discussion on the challenges faced by women in biomedical engineering later in the day, and solutions, seamlessly weaved together conversations from the storytelling session and the subsequent panel, culminating in an actionable list of WIBEK initiatives going forward.
Recognition of excellence was a highlight of the event, with awards presented by Symon Mbaka, Chairman of AMEK. Notable awards included the WIBEK Mentorship Award which was awarded to Elizabeth Mutio of Machakos Level 5, the WIBEK Green Initiative Award which went to Stella Juma from Bungoma and the WIBEK Mentorship Award, which was awarded to Eng. Millicent Alooh for her outstanding work in the field. These accolades celebrated the impactful work of women driving innovation and sustainability in biomedical engineering.
Discussions around mental health, led by Amisa Rashid, founder of the Nivishe Foundation, were not left out, and this added another layer of depth to the conference. Through an engaging session focused on strategies for personal and professional growth, stress management, and conflict resolution approaches both with oneself and others, the session was integral in emphasizing the importance of mental well-being in achieving long-term success.
The WIBEK 2024 conference not only celebrated the achievements of women in biomedical engineering but also served as a reminder of the unbounded potential held within the grasp of women in engineering and the transformative impact of their contributions on society and industry. It urged continued efforts to break down barriers, promote gender diversity, mentor, and support the next generation of female engineers.
Join us in recognising and supporting the incredible women in biomedical engineering as we continue to advocate for paying it forward, mentorship, and overall greater representation and equity in STEM fields.
Here’s to a more inclusive and innovative future. #WomenInEngineering #WIBEK #EnhancedByEngineering