News and Events

• International  Women’s Day on 8^th March 2024

•  Webinar on 5^th March 2024 as a pre-event towards the International Women’s Day of March 8^th 2024.

• Training of University Management on the Digital GBV Reporting Application.

•  Research on the prevention of GBV and Safe Spaces  at Kenyatta University 

On Saturday 11^th February 2023, the Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment, in collaboration with the Kenyatta University Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Club, observed the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated annually on February 11^th, by holding a science exhibition for high school students at Kenyatta University to advocate for STEM courses and careers.

The Kenyatta University team led by Prof. Judith Waudo, Director Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment, welcomed students from the invited high schools; Gitothua Secondary School, Kiwanja Secondary School, Devki Ruiru Township and Kahawa Garrison Secondary School.

The two main speakers of the day were;

1.  Prof. Michael Gicheru Executive Dean School of Pure and Sciences
2.  Prof. Ruth Wanjau,  Department of Chemistry

The exhibits presented were from various departments of Kenyatta University;

1. Department of Chemistry
2. Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Biotechnology
3. KU National Phytotherapeutics Research Centre (NPRC)
4. Department of Biomedical Engineering
5. Department of zoological sciences

The main aim of the exhibit and talks was to demonstrate to high school students that science works in real life and to encourage girls and boys to look beyond the gender stereotypes, embrace STEM careers and end the gender imbalance in Science to further enhance gender equity and women empowerment in Kenya.

Apart from the motivational talks, the University donated sanitary towels and pens to the schools. The donations were presented by Prof. Judith Waudo, Director Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment, Ms Mary Mwangi, Prof. Michael Gicheru Executive Dean School of Pure and Sciences and Prof. Ruth Wanjau.

Prof. Michael Gicheru Executive Dean School of Pure and Sciences and Prof. Ruth Wanjau present sanitary towels donated to the schools that attended the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations on Saturday 11^th February 2023.

KU National Phytotherapeutics Research Centre (NPRC) showcases their exhibit during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations on 11^th February 2023.

KU Student, Mr. Abraham Mwaura Ngugi, BSc. Biomedical Engineering speaking to students of Kahawa Garrison Secondary School during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations.

Department of Zoological Sciences showcase their exhibit to students of Kahawa Garrison Secondary School during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations on Saturday 11^th February 2023.

Prof. Michael Gicheru Executive Dean School of Pure and Sciences, addressing high students during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations on Saturday 11^th February 2023.

Prof. Ruth Wanjau, Lecturer Department of Chemistry speaking during International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations on Saturday 11^th February 2023.

The Kenyatta University team led by Prof. Judith Waudo, Director Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment, poses with the teachers and students from Gitothua Secondary School, Kiwanja Secondary School, Devki Ruiru Township and Kahawa Garrison Secondary School

Patron and chairperson, Department of Mathematics Dr. Winfred Mutuku with KU STEM club students during International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations on Saturday 11^th February 2023.

Prof. Judith Waudo, Director Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment addressing students during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations at KU Amphitheatre grounds on Saturday 11^th February 2023.

“Digital generation our generation”.

International day of the girl child is celebrated every year on 11^th October with the aim of identifying the issues facing girls internationally and looking out for ways to address these challenges. Some of the issues which tend to be focussed on are; existing inequalities, child marriages, malnutrition and issues about gender based violence. It also aims at helping girls get education so they can be of more importance in the society, empowering girls and raising awareness on their rights and responsibilities as upcoming young women. Every year has its own theme and 2021 theme is “digital generation our generation”.

The centre for gender and Equity empowerment together with students from Kenyatta University science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) club, KUGAM and members of staff went to Kiwanja Secondary School to celebrate the international day of the girl child on Thursday 21^st October 2021.

Represented by Prof. Grace Bunyi, Registrar Corporate Affairs, the Vice-Chancellor, Kenyatta University, Prof. Paul K. Wainaina in his speech noted that girls should have equal access to the internet and digital devices which are meant to meaningfully and safely grant them the opportunities to grow intellectually and financially. He emphasized that the challenges faced by girls in regards to schooling and technology affects not only their life chances and educational opportunities, but also limits career choices and reduces their employment chances. Bridging the gender gap in education and levering technology is important to urgently meet the educational needs of girls especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a generation and age where technology is rapidly growing and will continue to grow in future, we have an obligation to harness its power for good and make sure it is available and beneficial to and for all. To conclude, the Vice Chancellor underscored the importance of continuously inspiring all to bring about transformative change that will lead to elimination of gender discrimination, and empower girls for individual and societal growth and development.

In her speech, Dr. Susan Musembi advised the students to know what degree they want to pursue in the university and the requirements needed to enter into the said programme. She further encouraged them to harness the knowledge they have acquired to practice entrepreneurship and innovation. They should have the ability to create jobs for themselves and others.

Prof. Ruth Wanjau stated that  students need to actualize their dreams by doing them. They should ask themselves “do I know how to do it?” She said that one should have the skills and knowledge to be there. She further went ahead to advice that they need to be observers and learn from that. They should remain focused to achieve their dreams and the most efficient way to do it, is to just do it.

Allan Koech a student of BSc .Biomedical engineering, in his speech encouraged students to have curiosity and interest in knowing how things work and why they work. Always ask this two questions HOW? (How things work the way they do) and WHY (why do they work the way they do) and when you find yourself facing a problem ask yourself, “How can I solve this problem?” that could be the next big business

Mary Phelsia Achieng, a student of BSc. Information and technology, pointed out that science is not” a man thing” but a human thing. She went ahead and said that passion should guide one in choosing their career. Even though as women and more so girls, face so many challenges, like disparity in the tech ecosystem, gender profiling, misogyny and inequality when it comes to payment in the workforce, females are capable of doing so much more than what the world has set for them. Focus and determination can take you to unimaginable places.

Apart from the celebrations, the Centre donated sanitary towels, mask and books published by Prof. Judith Waudo, Director Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment.