Knowledge Creation Pillar on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): Afretec Workshop

The University of Nairobi hosted a two-day Afretec workshop on the Knowledge Creation Pillar on Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) on November 26 and 27, 2024.

Present during the two-day workshop were representatives from University of the Witwatersrand, American University in Cairo, University of Rwanda, Carnegie Mellon University-Africa, Al Akhwan University, Cheikh Diop University- Senegal.

The workshop was characterized by insightful discussions on inclusivity and how it manifests in implementation at the different levels in different institutions. Presentations on success stories of inclusion were shared and challenges were shared too.

A highlight was a report that was shared on access to research opportunities, grants, and graduate opportunities by the different Genders within the afretec network so far. A call to action was to include communities from inception during research as one of the stakeholders.  Nancy Biwott, CMU-Africa kicked off by setting the workshop objectives. 

Pauline Gangla, Mastercard Foundation who delivered a keynote speech on Inclusion practices, policies, programs and procedures at a national and global level gave a detailed description of the marginalized groups inclusive of young women, PWDs, refugees, Francophone Africa and underserved groups. She sensitized the researchers to draw up their research plans inclusive of the marginalized groups.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Anyango Ochieng', from the Kenya National Gender and Equality Commission has highlighted the Government achievements on Inclusion, the legal frameworks for inclusivity at the work place and how the government agency runs research promoting STEM, Gender and Inclusion. During the different presentations, Dr. Anyango was categorical when she criticized the criteria used in inclusion and exclusion and challenged the participants to reconsider the African socialization.

On his part, the Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Brian Ouma, noted that, ‘Inclusion, diversity, and equity are the cornerstones of impactful innovation and transformative knowledge creation. These principles ensure that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the process of knowledge generation. By fostering inclusive environments, we create spaces where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to share their ideas, ultimately leading to broader and more meaningful insights.’

The two days were full of exchange of ideas, knowledge and African universities urging each other to do better, go as far back as they can to challenge communities and students in lower primary and secondary education to go after education and aim high because, education is for everyone.