Mzuzu University Hosts JustGESI Presentation on Advancing Inclusive Energy Transitions
JustGESI team members with university leadership and stakeholders at Mzuzu University. Photo credit: Mzuni Marketing team
On Thursday, 5 February 2026, JustGESI Research Associate Dr Serena Saligari from Loughborough University (UK) and Dr Chrispin Gogoda from Mzuzu University (Malawi) delivered a presentation on the Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion for a Just Energy Transition (JustGESI) project at Mzuzu University. The event brought together university leadership, academics, and key stakeholders with a shared interest in advancing inclusive and equitable energy transitions.
Dr Chrispin Gogoda, Head of the Energy Systems Department at Mzuzu University, opened the meeting by emphasising the importance of integrating gender equality and social inclusion into energy systems research, policy, and practice. Chrispin outlined the role Mzuzu University, and specifically the Energy System Department, is playing in exploring the opportunities and challenges of promoting electric cooking among Malawian households. Chrispin also highlighted the work led by Mzuzu University through the JustGESI’s Work Package 3 (WP3) in developing tailored curricula to enhance capacity building and train women and marginalised groups to take leading roles in the energy transition.
Dr Serena Saligari, who was on a one-month visit to Mzuzu University, introduced the JustGESI project, outlining its objectives, key activities, and expected impact. Serena talked about the challenge JustGESI is set to address, specifically the persistent gender and inclusion gap in the energy transition, the lack of participation in the sustainable energy labour force and the limited knowledge of how gender relations and intersecting forms of social discrimination reproduce energy injustices in the energy transition. Serena also outlined JustGESI’s commitment to leading research that is co-created and co-delivered with interested parties and that builds capacity through equitable partnerships. Serena dedicated specific attention to discuss the activities under Work Package (WP1), on which she is collaborating with Dr Gogoda and with Mzuzu university colleague Christopher Hara. Serena outlined plans for implementing seed funding initiatives to promote electric cooking in vulnerable communities by harnessing the skills and knowledge of women and vulnerable groups.
Dr Serena Saligari, JustGESI Research Associate, presenting at Mzuzu University. Photo Credit: Mzuni Marketing team
JustGESI Team members (from left to right): Dr Chrispin Gogoda, Dr Serena Saligari, and Christopher Hara. Photo Credit: Mzuni Marketing team
The team was also honoured to welcome Professor Fanuel Kapute, Director of Research of Mzuzu University, as our Guest of Honour. In his remarks, Professor Kapute reaffirmed Mzuzu University’s commitment to research partnerships that promote sustainability, equity, and social justice. He commended the JustGESI initiative for its relevance to both national development priorities and the University’s strategic focus on impactful research.
The presentation was followed by a Q&A and networking session, during which participants engaged in insightful discussions on inclusive energy policy, stakeholder participation, and opportunities for collaboration. The exchange of perspectives underscored strong interest in translating research into practice and ensuring that energy transitions benefit all members of society.
