University of Nairobi Leads the Way with Feminist Macroeconomics Seminar Series

In a groundbreaking move, the University of Nairobi's Department of Economics and Development Studies (DEDS) has joined forces with FEMNET and the University of Ghana’s Department of Economics have planned to launch a pioneering seminar series on Feminist Macroeconomics. This initiative marks a significant step towards reshaping economic theory and policy to be more inclusive and equitable.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Mary Lucia Mbithi delved into critical themes within gender economics research, including labor market disparities, the impact of macroeconomic policies on gender equality, and the importance of women's economic empowerment. She stated that it will take 150 years to achieve gender equality for woman and this needs to be talked about, necessity of gender-responsive development policies and the significance of intersectionality in economic analysis.

"This seminar series represents a crucial step towards transforming economic discourse and ensuring that women's contributions are fully recognized and valued,” stated Chairman, department of Economics and Development Studies, Prof. Martine Odhiambo Oleche.

This initiative underscores the growing recognition of the necessity to integrate gender perspectives into mainstream economics to achieve sustainable and equitable development goals. By fostering collaboration between academic institutions and feminist organizations, the series is poised to make a substantial contribution to the advancement of gender equality, not only in Africa but also on a global scale.

The Africa Women’s Development Studies Network (FEMNET, Rep, Grace said, FEMNET, seminar series is designed to equip students and researchers with the tools necessary to critically analyze and transform economic frameworks. Participants will explore strategies for challenging structural inequities, building analytical capacity for gender analysis, and contextualizing global feminist economics within the specific realities of Africa. The African Feminist Macroeconomics Academy (AFMA) has been instrumental in training activists and scholars to effectively influence macroeconomic policies from a feminist perspective.

Key topics covered by Dr. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour from Ghana, include challenging structural inequities, building analytical capacity for gender analysis, and contextualizing global feminist economics within African realities. She delved into key themes within gender economics research, such as labor market disparities, the impact of macroeconomic policies on gender equality, and the crucial role of women's economic empowerment. Furthermore, the discussions will emphasize the need for gender-responsive development policies and the importance of incorporating intersectionality into economic analysis.

The series drew on the expertise of organizations like FEMNET, whose African Feminist Macroeconomics Academy (AFMA) has been instrumental in training activists and scholars to influence macroeconomic policies from a feminist perspective.

“This seminar series represents a crucial step towards transforming economic discourse and ensuring that women's contributions are fully recognized and valued,” stated Dr. Priscilla Twumasi a representative from the University of Ghana.

The initiative underscores the growing recognition of the need to integrate gender perspectives into mainstream economics to achieve sustainable and equitable development. By fostering collaboration between academic institutions and feminist organizations, the series is poised to make a significant contribution to advancing gender equality in Africa and beyond.