HERizons Dissemination Event
Theme: Bridging the Digital Gender Divide in Kenya
Co-hosted by: British Council (Funder), Open University (UK), and Eldo Hub
Event Overview:
The HERizons Dissemination Event marks a pivotal chapter in our mission to bridge the digital gender gap in Kenya. This initiative aspires to uplift and empower women in the technology sector, focusing on a future where enterprising female graduates thrive in Kenya’s burgeoning digital industry. Despite remarkable industry growth, women remain underrepresented in tech roles worldwide—a challenge that is especially prominent in developing regions, including Kenya, where only a third of tech positions are occupied by women (UN, 2023). This discrepancy signals the need for initiatives like HERizons, where tailored mentorship and skill-building programs aim to foster equity and representation in tech.
Esteemed Guests:
Dr. Miriam Mbah-Amanze, Lecturer in Law at The Open University Law School, brings her expertise in Business and Employment Law, EU Law, and Corporate Social Responsibility. A dedicated researcher, her work encompasses themes like modern slavery, gender inequality, and human rights. Her consultancy projects, funded by international institutions like the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, further demonstrate her commitment to addressing pressing social issues.
Prof. Michael Ngaosong, Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of York and a Visiting Professor at The Open University, shares his expertise in public leadership and social enterprise. His extensive experience at the Centre for Social and Sustainable Enterprise (CSSE) contributes invaluable insights into fostering sustainable, gender-inclusive pathways in entrepreneurship.
Purpose of the Event:
This Dissemination Event, scheduled for November 20th, 2024, at Riara University, will provide a comprehensive look at the HERizons journey, from inception through to impactful mentorship. Our goals for this event include:
1. Showcase Skill Empowerment: We aim to illustrate how the HERizons program equipped mentees with crucial industry skills, ensuring they’re prepared to adapt and excel in the tech sector.
2. Share the Project’s Evolution: The invited audience will gain insight into the HERizons journey, understanding how each stage built toward a shared vision of gender parity in technology.
3. Highlight Key Objectives Achieved: Attendees will see how HERizons fostered co-creation within a university-led ecosystem, built capacities, and established ongoing support mechanisms to embed knowledge into practice, ensuring the program’s legacy endures beyond the project. This event is more than a recap; it’s a celebration of progress, a call to continue bridging the divide, and a testament to the power of education and mentorship in transforming lives. Together, we aim to shape a more inclusive digital future, where women lead, innovate, and excel in the tech world.
