M.A.T.C.H. — CAWSTEM

Why M.A.T.C.H. Exists

A degree isn't enough
to build a career.

In 2018, Wamide and Temi built CAWSTEM as a community — a space for African women in STEM who were tired of navigating alone. Two stellar students who, despite thriving academically, had struggled to find their footing in STEM careers. Often the only women in the room, they built what they wished had existed.

Over time, one thing became clear: an open community wasn't enough. Across Africa, women are entering STEM in growing numbers — but most never build lasting careers in the field.

The barrier isn't access to education. It's what happens after: no mentor, no network, no bridge between the classroom and the workplace.

So in 2023, M.A.T.C.H. was born — designed directly around the lived experiences of early-career women navigating uncertainty in STEM careers.

Not built for them. Built with them.

How It Works

One program.
Four pillars.

M.A.T.C.H. was intentionally designed around the lived experiences of early-career African women navigating uncertainty in STEM. It's not just mentorship — it's a complete career support ecosystem.

🎯

1-on-1 Mentorship

Matched with a senior woman in your exact STEM domain — from the global African diaspora — for personalised, field-specific guidance.

📚

Career Workshops

Structured sessions on career navigation, salary negotiation, interview prep, and professional presence — skills no university teaches.

🤝

Peer Accountability

A buddy system, cohort community, and points-based engagement model that rewards showing up, reflecting, and growing together.

🌍

Industry Exposure

Real company connections, internship pathways, and portfolio development that opens doors beyond the classroom.

THIS IS WHAT WE'RE REALLY BUILDING

Beyond mentorship. The relationships that change what you believe is possible.

Elbethel and Rosalia were matched in Cohort 2 — a mentee from Ethiopia and a mentor from Namibia, the first female entomologist from her country, now completing her PhD at the University of Greenwich. Two years after the program ended, they ran into each other in person in the UK — still in each other's corner, still growing.

"Last week, I ran into my mentor from CAWSTEM's M.A.T.C.H Program. It was a gentle reminder that careers are never built alone. Mentors, role models, and community support quietly shape the risks we take, the doors we knock on, and the courage we bring into rooms where we might be the first."

— Elbethel Alemaw, Mentee Cohort 2 · Ethiopia 🇪🇹

Who It's For

Built for STEM women.
Powered by STEM women.

For Mentees

Female, of African heritage — can be living anywhere in the world
Studied STEM, or has less than 2 years working experience in STEM
Demonstrable experience through projects, internships, or volunteering
Clear on mentoring needs and has tangible career goals
Ready to commit to a 10-week structured program

Apply as a Mentee

For Mentors

Share your knowledge and empower the next wave of STEM professionals
Expand your network across diverse STEM backgrounds and geographies
Experience the fulfilment of guiding someone into their first STEM role
Join a global community of women invested in changing the narrative
Time commitment: ~2 hours per week over 10 weeks

Apply as a Mentor

Testimonials From the Program

What our beneficiaries say.

"My main goal was to gain direction on how best to approach my PM journey — and I've achieved this. I've gained confidence and can now speak confidently about my career goals."

Tabitha Ama

Mentee, Cohort 1 · Ghana 🇬🇭 · Product Manager

"The MATCH program was incredible. My mentor was relatable and awesome — I could ask questions and share ideas freely. The assignments meant I applied what I learned immediately, and the general sessions on networking, CVs and interview prep made it an enriching experience."

Esther Opone

Mentee, Cohort 1 · Nigeria 🇳🇬 · Public Health Researcher

"After studying Computer Science, I spent 4 years unemployed, surviving on small remote jobs. M.A.T.C.H completely changed my story — I got matched with a mentor who gave me clarity, confidence, and the courage to dream bigger. With that support, I applied for a role at one of Nigeria's top IT training and consulting firms — something I never thought possible — and I got it."

Deborah Akogun

Mentee, Cohort 3 · Nigeria 🇳🇬 · IT Professional

"Careers are never built alone. Mentors and community support shape the risks we take, the doors we knock on, and the courage we bring into rooms where we might be the first."

Elbethel Alemaw

Mentee, Cohort 2 · Ethiopia 🇪🇹 · Planetary Health Researcher

"M.A.T.C.H boosted my confidence by providing a supportive community of like-minded women in STEM across Africa. Professionally, the program expanded my network, exposed me to mentorship from accomplished experts, and gave me tools that improved my communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills."

Christine Wawira

Mentee, Cohort 3 · Kenya 🇰🇪 · Data Scientist

"I'd been bumbling my way through this journey in tech — trying everything without rhyme or reason. When I started M.A.T.C.H, I found direction and was finally able to build a concrete plan that I've already started implementing toward an amazing career in tech."

Chienyem Nzekwu

Mentee, Cohort 2 · Nigeria 🇳🇬 · Product Manager

Meet Some Of Our Mentors

The women guiding the next generation.

Our mentors are accomplished professionals across STEM fields — volunteering their time to empower early-career STEM women.

"Loved creating clarity for my mentee on what's expected as a backend engineer and creating a roadmap to get her started."

Wambui Kaburi

Software Engineer, Microsoft

"One highlight has been witnessing my mentee open up about her goals and struggles with surprising honesty. Her eagerness to learn and grow despite feeling unsure has been incredibly rewarding. Our first meeting felt like a genuine moment of connection - I saw just how much potential she has once given the right direction."

Florence Dairo

Lead Product Designer, SiSi

"Nothing speaks more to the effectiveness of a program than tangible results. They successfully facilitated my mentee's transition into a paid position with their sincere and dedicated approach. The level of personal warmth and encouragement was just the cherry on top."

Sikemi Tayo

CTO, Kitworks Innovations

"I enjoyed being a part of mentoring with CAWSTEM!"

Oge Udensi

EMEA Head Cyber, SMBC Group

"My mentees entered with determination and left with a clear path forward. The program's success was evident not only in increased confidence and clarity but also in the genuine connections forged during one-on-one mentorship. I was able to help them avoid costly career mistakes and map out concrete paths forward."

Seyi Bondefaiye-Owope

Data Analytics Manager, Canada Post

"My mentee's passion and determination are truly inspiring. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of maintaining our relationship beyond the mentorship program — I believe we can continue to learn from and support each other in impactful ways."

Rosalia Joseph

PhD Health Sciences, University of Greenwich

"My mentorship experience has been fulfilling. My mentee has been prompt and consistent in meeting her personal development goals."

Omobolanle Atobatele

Energy & Renewables Commercial Lead, Aradel Holdings

"One of the most rewarding moments as a mentor is when my mentee says they now feel like they have direction. They are not confused as they were before the mentorship."

Barbara Nerima

Biochemistry Lecturer, Makerere University

Build your
STEM Career.

A degree isn't enough
to build a career.