Immediately after attending the ASSAf Annual Young Scientist Conference (AYSC) 2026 at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, where the importance of community engagement as a pathway to impactful research was strongly emphasised, Dr Fenji Materechera-Mitochi had the privilege of being invited to the launch of the Xesibe Traditional Women and Girls Development Forum at Ngqwara Great Place, Mqanduli, in the OR Tambo District on the 16th of September.