BUILDING CAPACITY OF WOMEN

Visit by Kate Ewart-Biggs, OBE Deputy Global Chief Executive, British Council 

On Monday, 23rd September 2024, Riara University had the honor of hosting three esteemed guests from the British Council: Kate Ewart-Biggs, the Deputy Global Chief Executive, and Lucy Pearson, the SSA Regional Director.
The purpose of their visit was to review the progress of the British Council-funded project, HERizons, which aims to promote gender equality in technology education. HERizons integrates a gender lens into tech studies to nurture enterprising female graduates who can confidently enter Kenya’s rapidly growing digital technology industry.
The visit included an interactive session between the students and the guests, where participants of the HERizons project shared their personal experiences, challenges, and the impact the program has had on their lives. They discussed the realities of competing in a technology space often marked by gender inequality. Despite these challenges, students expressed optimism about their future in the tech industry, thanks to the skills and confidence they are gaining through the HERizons program.
Although the project is still ongoing, the students are hopeful that upon its completion, they will emerge as well-rounded individuals, fully prepared to secure employment in the tech industry. The visit reinforced the commitment to empowering women and bridging the gender gap in technology, and Riara University remains dedicated to supporting this vital initiative.