The African Women Studies Centre (AWSC) is a multi-disciplinary Centre of the University of Nairobi committed to promoting African women’s experiences and worldview in research, scholarship, policy advocacy, and capacity building. The vision of AWSC is to be a Centre of excellence committed to promoting African women’s experiences and worldview in research, scholarship, policy, and institutional development. The Centre has made great progress towards the realization of this vision.
AWSC Background History
Since its inception, the AWSC broke away from traditional research methodologies and developed innovative, women-centered, research frameworks that harness the knowledge and experiences of all – men, women and the marginalized. Furthermore, the AWSC engages in research and activities that results in positive impact on communities.
The Centre has over the years worked towards the generation of knowledge from African women’s perspectives through evidence-based research, academic and policy dialogues in academic and public institutions and other fora. This is in line with the mission of the University of Nairobi to provide quality university education that embodies the aspirations of the Kenyan people and the global community through teaching, research, innovation, and community service.
The 21st Century is increasingly becoming a knowledge – based economy and this underscores the significance of evidence-based research and innovation. New knowledge is critical in addressing the challenges of sustainable development and providing solutions to issues of concern. Such knowledge can only be achieved through innovative research bringing women’s perspectives and experiences into our development agenda. In addition, this kind of research will harness the knowledge and experience of women and increase their visibility. Thus, the African Women Studies Centre will be a major contributor to knowledge making by.
The AWSC strives to ensure it remains the thought leader in all her programs namely: (i) Women’s Economic Empowerment; (ii) Making Women Count in Climate Action, Environment and Biodiversity; (iii) African Women in Leadership and Governance; (iv) African Women and Health; (v) Knowledge Management and Communication; and vi) Support towards the AWS Academic Programs.