Empowering Female Innovators: Highlights from the EtD-FaM 5-Day In-Person Training of Trainers (ToT) Series
The Ethiopian Djibouti Females at Makerspace (EtD-FaM) project successfully concluded its five-day In-Person Training of Trainers (ToT) series, held from November 6–10, 2025, at the Makerspace, Dire Dawa University.
This in-person training served as a continuation of the previous five-day online ToT program, bringing together Makerspace managers and assistants from five partner universities across Ethiopia and one Makerspace from the University of Djibouti. The blended training approach aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity in leadership, digital fabrication, entrepreneurship, and project management building a sustainable network of skilled female trainers driving innovation in the region.
Day 1 – Leadership
The in-person sessions opened with a dynamic training on “Leadership”, led by Zebiba Musema. Participants explored leadership principles, self-awareness, and strategies for empowering women within academic and innovation spaces. Zebiba’s guidance and motivational insights set the stage for a week of learning, confidence-building, and collaboration.
Day 2 –Entrepreneurship & Workplace Safety
The second day focused on “Entrepreneurship”, also facilitated by Zebiba Musema, who guided participants through understanding entrepreneurship in the industrial sector, collaborating with SMEs, and identifying local opportunities for business growth and innovation.
In the afternoon, Amir Ahmed, Head of the Nursing Department at Dire Dawa University, led a practical session on Workplace Safety and First Aid. This important component ensured that participants understood the value of maintaining safe, inclusive, and prepared makerspace environments critical foundations for sustainable innovation.
Day 3 – Digital Fabrication: From Concept to Creation
Day 3 marked the transition from theory to practice, with participants engaging in hands-on sessions that transformed digital designs into physical prototypes through 3D printing. Guided by Yalew Mersha, from the Electrical Engineering Department and STEM Center at Dire Dawa University, participants explored essential digital fabrication tools, materials, and software, gaining confidence in prototyping and technical facilitation within makerspaces.
Day 4 – Advancing 3D Printing and Design Skills
Building on the previous day’s foundation, participants deepened their understanding of 3D printing technologies and digital design processes. Under the continued mentorship of Yalew Mersha, they refined their technical competencies, practiced machine operation, and developed prototypes demonstrating teamwork, creativity, and innovation in action.
Day 5 – Managing Makerspace Projects
The final day, facilitated by Dr. Mulugeta Girma, Associate Professor in Applied Management and ToT-certified trainer, focused on Managing Makerspace Projects. Participants explored effective project planning, implementation, and sustainability strategies tailored to innovation and makerspace environments. Discussions centered on leadership, collaboration, and community engagement equipping participants to design and lead impactful projects in their respective institutions.
Celebrating a Week of Empowerment, Innovation, and Collaboration
As the five-day in-person ToT program concluded, participants celebrated a transformative journey of learning, innovation, and empowerment. The training not only enhanced technical and leadership capacities but also fostered cross-institutional collaboration between universities in Ethiopia and Djibouti.
Together, these Makerspace managers and assistants are now better equipped to lead training programs, mentor emerging innovators, and advance the goals of the EtD-FaM project promoting inclusivity, creativity, and sustainable development through innovation.
The EtD-FaM project continues to strengthen the role of women in science, technology, engineering, and innovation building a vibrant network of empowered trainers shaping the future of Makerspaces across Ethiopia and Djibouti.