HERizons Dissemination Event Held on 20th November 2024 at Riara University

On 20th November 2024, the HERizons Dissemination Event was held to celebrate the remarkable milestones achieved by the HERizons Project, a transformative initiative focused on addressing gender inequality in the employment of women in technology. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the project’s achievements, while also showcasing the enthusiasm and pride of the mentors and mentees who had been part of this impactful journey. The success of the event is a testament to the positive change Project HERizons has made in the lives of its participants.

Celebration of Achievements

The event was marked by an inspiring series of panel discussions and speeches, featuring several of the project’s key stakeholders, including mentees, academic mentors, and role models. The mentees—Michelle Nyagechi, Abeer Bafagih, and Eva Akida—spoke passionately about their journey through the project, representing the voices of their peers. Their reflections were a powerful reminder of the positive impact the mentorship had on their lives, reinforcing the importance of women’s empowerment in the tech industry.

The academic mentors, Prof. Felix Musau, Dr. Joy Mueni, Ms. Charity Njimu, and Ms. Dorothy Mwakwida, also contributed valuable insights into the success of the project and the role of academia in fostering a more inclusive environment for women in technology. Their mentorship and guidance have been pivotal in shaping the professional trajectories of the mentees.

The role models—Stella Silantui, Cynthia Chepkemoi, Winfred Wamuyu, Winfred Mutinda, Ruth Kaveke, Sarah Chepwogen, Ann Salim, Nelly Nyadzua, and Natasha Kalinga—shared their own career experiences, offering invaluable advice to the mentees and inspiring them to pursue their goals with confidence. The role models’ involvement in the project provided the mentees with real-world examples of successful women in tech, further bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Addressing Gender Inequality in Technology

Project HERizons specifically addressed the persistent issue of gender inequality in women’s employment within the tech industry. The initiative strengthened the transitional pathway for women through knowledge development, capacity building, and role modelling. This approach empowered women graduates to confidently navigate the technology sector with both resilience and adaptability, equipping them with both technical and soft skills essential for leadership roles.

As part of the project’s broader goals, participants were provided with practical opportunities to build their professional networks, learn from successful women in the field, and gain direct exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities in the technology industry.

Acknowledgements and Gratitude

Project HERizons would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the British Council, the project’s funder, for believing in and supporting the execution of this initiative. Special thanks go to the Principal Investigators, Dr. Miriam Mbah-Amanze (Open University, UK), Prof. Michael Ngoasong (York University, UK), Florence Kimani (Principal Investigator, Kenya), and Nicholas Mwaura (Co-Principal Investigator, Kenya) for their vision and leadership throughout the project.

We also extend our appreciation to the Riara University Team for their unwavering support in making the project a success, particularly Prof. Robert Gateru (Vice Chancellor), Prof. Wanja Tenambergen (Deputy Vice Chancellor), and Dr. Evans Amata (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration). Additionally, a heartfelt thank you to the Eldo Hub, under the leadership of Magdaline Chepkemoi, as well as Khadija Ibrahim, for their instrumental role in providing a thriving ecosystem for the project.

We are also grateful to Ida Nganga, the President of Women in STEM Leaders and Senior Advisor at UNESCO, for delivering a powerful keynote address that inspired the mentees to step into leadership roles and excel in the tech sector.

Key Outcomes of the Project

The HERizons project successfully achieved the following four key objectives:

1. Co-creating HERizons: The project facilitated the creation of a supportive university-led ecosystem, combining action research with the involvement of students, academics, and industry practitioners to improve women’s employment in Kenya.
2. Capacity Building: The project enhanced the knowledge and skills of both female students and academics through targeted training, preparing students for employment pathways and equipping them with employability skills.
3. Role Modelling: The project supported students through role modelling by having them mirror the career trajectories of successful role models, creating case studies to inspire their career aspirations.
4. Long-Term Impact: The project laid the groundwork for future long-term success by focusing on resilience, adaptability, and leadership development, ensuring that mentees were equipped to thrive in the tech industry.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Project HERizons has made significant contributions toward achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

1. Gender Equality (SDG 5)
2. Quality Education (SDG 4)
3. No Poverty (SDG 1)
4. Reduced Inequality (SDG 10)
5. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

These accomplishments were made possible through the support of the British Council and other key stakeholders, ensuring that women in Kenya have access to the necessary tools and resources to succeed in the technology sector.

Conclusion

Project HERizons has successfully contributed to shaping a future where women in Kenya are empowered to lead and excel in the technology industry. The event on 20th November 2024 was a fitting celebration of the project’s achievements and a reflection of the transformative impact it has had on the lives of its mentees. With the continued support of our partners, mentors, and role models, we look forward to further empowering women in tech and ensuring long-term success for future generations.