The next AfriConEU Networking Academy workshop went to Tanzania!

Buni Hub and AfriConEU, under the umbrella of the AfriConEU Networking Academy, hosted a hybrid workshop on the 16th February about “Applying Gender Lens to Science, Technology & Innovation”. The workshop’s aim was to  stress the current state of gender perspectives, scrutinize opportunities for gender responsiveness and highlight best practices to retain women in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).

The session was full of discussion, strategies, comments and inputs. Dr. Hulda Gideon, Principal Research Coordination Officer, COSTECH, made an introduction of the gender lens innovation and how the government has started to make small steps to target these challenges.

Dr. Flora Tibazarwa from University of Dar es Salaam, elaborated on how gender plays a role and on the specific criteria that they are existing. The big question was “How can we bridge the gap?”. Then a brainstorming game followed. Through this game the participants explored the challenges and the problems that a woman might face in STEM and which tools can help to find solutions.

The discussion continued with Diana Niinsima, Country Director, DOT Tanzania and Jacklina Jackson from CRDB Bank Plc highlighting that gender lens is not only about women. Diana mentioned that “Men are equally important in the conversation of gender equality. Achieving gender equality requires the engagement of men and women”.

Overall, it was a great step to begin the discussions about gender lens and to understand that inclusion is not an ad on but a way of working and living.

For more information about the event, you can check out AfriConEU’s Twitter page.