By Monroe Dikiny, Joel Onyango & Maureen Kabasa
Introduction
Decoloniality represents a profound movement transcending political and epistemological aims; it seeks to liberate (ex-)colonized peoples from global coloniality. Acknowledging the persistent influence of imperial technologies and colonial power structures on the minds, lives, languages, dreams, imaginations, and epistemologies of contemporary Africans and the global South is crucial. As a result, indigenous and endogenous knowledge has been marginalized, leaving Africa with outdated understandings that obstruct individual and community empowerment.
Figure 1 Women in Science Participating in the ACTS Summer School 2024
The decolonial option provides a comprehensive theoretical toolkit for analyzing the contemporary intersections of gender, racism, and representation. Integrating gender and inclusivity into science and research is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for enhancing scientific discourse's quality, reach, and impact. Over the years, as the scope of scientific endeavors has expanded, the recognition of gender diversity as a critical element for scientific progress has gained significant momentum. However, challenges such as stereotypes, underrepresentation, and limited accessibility remain prevalent. The recent APA Summer School addressed these challenges by equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to promote inclusivity and gender diversity in scientific communication.
This blog elaborates on the discussions held at the ACTS Summer School 2024, emphasizing the importance of gender diversity and inclusivity in science communication, primarily through the lens of decoloniality. It highlights the positive impact of diverse perspectives on scientific discourse while addressing challenges such as stereotypes, underrepresentation, and cultural biases. The blog seeks to inspire action and provide strategies for creating more inclusive environments in scientific communication, ensuring that it is accessible and relatable to a broader audience.
Key highlights
The following were key highlights discussed in APA Summer School 2024.
The Importance of Gender Diversity in Science Communication
Gender diversity in science communication is more than a matter of principle; it directly influences innovation and excellence. When women and men collaborate in research facilities, laboratories, and workspaces, their diverse perspectives drive creative solutions and more holistic approaches to solving global challenges. At the ACTS Summer School, this was a central theme as mentors and facilitators emphasized the value of gender inclusivity in building robust scientific frameworks. Gender-neutral, culturally sensitive language in science communication ensures that messages are inclusive and can be understood by diverse audiences.
As presented at the summer school, gender diversity broadens audience engagement by making scientific communication relatable and accessible to different demographic groups. The presentation highlighted that gender-neutral and culturally sensitive language fosters inclusivity, ensuring that science is not seen as the domain of a few but as a collaborative, accessible effort to solve societal challenges.
"Gender diversity makes scientific communication more relatable and accessible, turning science into a collaborative effort to solve societal challenges." - Dr. Caroline Oloo
Challenges in Achieving Gender and Diversity in Science Communication
Despite progress, gender diversity in science communication faces numerous hurdles. Stereotypes and biases persist, particularly in perceptions of credibility in scientific discourse. Women, especially those from underrepresented groups, often face challenges in being recognized for their contributions. Cultural biases complicate the issue as Western perspectives frequently dominate scientific communication.
There are still gaps in representation. Women and other marginalized groups remain underrepresented in science communication roles, which limits the diversity of perspectives in discussions and decision-making. This lack of representation not only skews the information presented but also restricts the solutions proposed for global challenges, from climate change to health disparities.
A Project in rural Kenya (Karungu, South Nyanza) aimed to enhance youth digital literacy and ICT access, explicitly targeting the gender gap in technology use. However, cultural resistance from traditional gender roles discouraged girls from engaging with technology. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure, such as unreliable internet, impeded progress, and initiatives to increase women's participation proved ineffective, resulting in minimal change to the gender gap in ICT access.
Recommendations
The APA Summer School emphasized that achieving gender and inclusivity in science communication requires sustained effort, intentionality, and leadership. Facilitators and participants collaborated to develop strategies to foster more inclusive environments in their respective fields. Here are a few actionable recommendations that emerged from the sessions:
Use of inclusive language: Using terms like “they” instead of “he/she” and avoiding language that reinforces gender stereotypes can create a more welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of gender identity. Science communicators should strive to use gender-neutral terms and avoid reinforcing stereotypes. Language is powerful, and the words we choose shape the inclusivity of our messages.
Diversifying representation: Featuring scientists from underrepresented groups helps challenge stereotypes and inspires future generations. During the summer school, participants were encouraged to highlight the contributions of women and minorities in science to create more relatable and inspiring content for diverse audiences.
The Next Einstein Forum (NEF) is dedicated to celebrating African women in STEM through several impactful initiatives, including the NEF Fellows and Ambassadors programme. The NEF Fellows programme specifically recognizes Africa’s top young scientists and technologists, highlighting their contributions to the field. Notably, this select programme includes a commitment to gender equity, as at least 40 percent of the NEF Fellows are women.
Accessible communication: Science communicators often use jargon and technical language that alienates audiences, particularly those from non-scientific or marginalized backgrounds. Simplifying language and providing accessible resources to people with disabilities can help make scientific content more approachable and understandable to all.
In Kenya, the Tandaa Initiative by the Kenya ICT Board has focused on providing simplified, Swahili-based content to educate rural populations about ICT and digital literacy. By using local languages and culturally relevant examples, this initiative makes technical subjects more approachable, ensuring inclusivity in digital and scientific education.
Engagement techniques: Sharing stories that reflect the diverse experiences of different groups allows science to connect more deeply with audiences, particularly those who might otherwise feel excluded from scientific conversations. This technique humanizes science and broadens its appeal to a broader audience.
The Climate Resilient Agribusiness for Tomorrow programme in East Africa tells stories of smallholder farmers adapting to climate change using local knowledge and climate-smart technologies. These impact stories resonate deeply with rural audiences, inspiring broader participation in sustainable practices.
Conclusion
As we work towards a sustainable future, science communication must remain inclusive and accessible. The insights gained from the APA Summer School serve as a potent reminder that gender diversity is not simply a checkbox but a vital component in fostering innovation and inclusivity within the scientific community. By prioritizing inclusive language, increasing representation, and employing accessible communication techniques, we can cultivate a scientific community better equipped to address global challenges. The emphasis on gender inclusivity, as demonstrated in the summer school, paves the way for more effective, equitable, and sustainable scientific communication.
The ACTS Pathways Academy hosts annual Summer Schools that immerse students, emerging academics, and researchers in decolonial thinking. This initiative allows participants to engage deeply with theoretical frameworks that challenge colonial narratives and explore alternative perspectives. Through various workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions led by experts, participants develop critical insights and practical skills that empower them to enact meaningful change within their disciplines and communities. The programme strives to create a dynamic learning environment that enhances academic knowledge and nurtures a commitment to inclusivity and social justice.
Looking ahead, our upcoming summer school in 2025, themed "Bridging and Bonding," will emphasize the importance of collaborative engagement in achieving sustainability. It will explore how diverse knowledge systems and cultural norms can influence transformative initiatives. In keeping with our commitment to decolonial pathways, the programme will also address the ongoing impacts of colonial legacies, such as inequality, environmental degradation, and the exclusion of marginalized voices. We will focus on navigating sustainable transformations toward justice and equity, ensuring our efforts create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
References
Giraldo, I. (2016). Coloniality at work: Decolonial critique and the postfeminist regime. Feminist Theory, 17(2), 157-173. https://doi.org/10.1177/1464700116652835
Ndlovu‐Gatsheni, S. J. (2015). Decoloniality as the future of Africa. History Compass, 13(10), 485-496.
Sabelo, J. (2013). Why decoloniality in the 21st century?. The thinker, 48.
https://nef.org/nef-fellows-programme/
https://www.crafteastafrica.org/stories
