Two day gender workshop in kenya
Recently beneficiaries from our Orange Knowledge Programme project in Kenya took part in a two-day gender workshop that was provided by our consortium partner Q-Point. On March 18 and 19 the gender workshop was organized for participants of Bukura Agricultural College, Egerton University, Latia Resource Center (for project OKP KEN 103535) and Kenya School of Agriculture (Niche KEN 281). Latia Resource Center organized the venue and Q-point organized and arranged the program for these two days. The objectives of the workshop were to reflect together on gender and inclusion in the Institutions based on the assessment results, to share insights & lessons and to strategize together to intervene in improvement areas.
Q-point expert Olivia Ansenk and Lisa Rotteveel worked together with Prof Rose Odhiambo and Tony Mwebia. Prof Rose Odhiambo from Egerton University is leading the Institute of Women, Gender and Development Studies and worked for the National Gender and Equality Commission in Kenya. Tony Mwebia is a gender equality advocate and CEO of the foundation Men End Female Genital Mutilation. The program started with the rationale behind gender equality and inclusion, the status quo within the institutions to all align on the need to address gender inequality and discrimination.
Specifically, the workshop zoomed in on access to education, support systems for students and staff for grievance complaints, policies and procedures to create a safe and conducive environment and gender responsive pedagogy.
In group assignments the participants worked on topics like learning without fear and preparing horticulture students for obstacles in their career path that hinder them to perform the job they aspire. An educational video was used to reflect together on the typical farming household family and gendered constrains. The institutions were also sensitized on the critical role teachers have in capacitating students to deal with gender stereotypes in the labor market and to facilitate a smooth transition to (self) employment for all students. Related to the labor market we also discussed how potential horticulture employers could be sensitized on the diverse talented groups of students.
All four institutions worked on their plans for follow up on gender equality and inclusion activities. This opportunity of bringing all four Agricultural Higher Learning Institutions together to strategize on gender equality and inclusion was perceived highly valuable.
After the program the participants received a tour on the Latia premises and were exposed to their agricultural teaching facilities and practices on horticulture. How Latia is implementing its training program by mainly focusing on practical skill development inspired the other visiting Institutions.
About the project
The project focuses on the horticulture sector in Kenya and is based on the fundamental notion that improving the quality and employability of A-TVET graduates should be based on the needs in the labour market. Under the lead of Maastricht School of Management in collaboration with InHolland University of Applied Sciences, Q-Point B.V. and Micas Limited, Bukura Agricultural College, Egerton University and Latia Resource Center are being capacitated to introduce gender sensitive and market driven (blended learning) programs and to perform inclusive value chain management, food safety, production teaching, technology transfer and industry extension.
Orange Knowledge Programme
This project is part of the Nuffic Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP). For more information click here.
MSM's International Projects and Consultancies Department
This project is part of MSM’s International Project and Consultancies Department. The department is an expert centre on local economic development in emerging and developing markets. We capacitate managers and professionals from government, private sector, NGOs, and post-secondary education in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America. We offer consultancy and customized training programs, and we manage complex projects in key sectors, e.g. water, agriculture and health. For more information click here.
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