Description

The book outlines a strategy to mainstream gender and social inclusion in Science Granting Councils (SGCs) across Sub-Saharan Africa. Key aspects include identifying gender gaps in research and participation, enhancing institutional capacities, and promoting gender-inclusive policies. The strategy emphasizes the need for effective communication, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among stakeholders to support gender equality and social inclusion in science, technology, and innovation (STI). Recommended actions involve setting specific targets, developing policies, engaging marginalized groups, and conducting impact evaluations to assess progress. The goal is to create inclusive research environments that contribute to equitable development and foster gender-sensitive research practices across African SGCs. A literature review on gender and social inclusion in information societies revealed six strategies of mainstreaming or integrating gender and social inclusion in these societies. Most of the studies informing the strategies were conducted in OECD countries where SGCs are well established, adequately funded and with well-established public and private partnerships. This is not the case for Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA), but they are gradually transitioning towards the status of those in the OECD countries. Where available, adaptations for SGCs in SSA will be proposed, but it is up to each SGC to adapt and adopt combinations of the following recommended strategies according to their context.