Embedding gender transfomation in science, technology and innovation

Gender inequalities in science, technology, and innovation (STI) remain a global challenge and women’s representation dwindles as they proceed through the ‘leaky’ STI pipeline (Huyer, 2019).

Addressing gender equality and inclusion (GEI) in STI is an issue of social justice and socio-economic advancement on a national scale. Gender transformation is a UNESCO priority and is embedded across the Sustainable Development Goals, compelling governments to advance gender equality across all aspects of the STI landscape.

As central role players in national innovation systems, Science Granting Councils (SGCs) can play a pivotal role in addressing gender disparities in STI human capital development and stimulating gender integration in knowledge production and innovation, ultimately ensuring science investments benefit all.

This Brief shares insights and recommendations from the first phase of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) Gender and Inclusivity Project. This innovative three-year intervention used a participatory action learning approach to collaborate with 13 African SGCs to develop and implement key actions advancing GEI in STI. Participating councils are based in Botswana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.