The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) Gender Equality and Inclusivity (GEI) Project Learning Summit, held from 24 to 26 June 2025 in Cape Town, brought together science granting councils, funders, and partners from across sub-Saharan Africa for a transformative gathering of learning, reflection, and action.
This event marked a key moment in the GEI project’s two-year journey, which has seen 13 science granting councils across Africa work closely to strengthen their capacities in embedding gender equality, inclusivity, and intersectionality (GEII) into research funding systems. The aim? To build more equitable, responsive, and sustainable science ecosystems across the continent.
From the outset, participants were invited to think deeply about their roles in transforming science systems. Dr Glenda Kruss of the HSRC opened the summit with a powerful message: councils don’t just fund research – they shape who gets to produce knowledge and who benefits from it. This theme carried through the event, reinforced by keynote speaker Rovani Sigamoney of UNESCO, who stated: “Closing the gender gap isn’t charity. It’s smart investment.”
Another stirring moment came from Dr Nompumelelo Zungu of the HSRC commenting on the changing geopolitical landscape, who asked: “Do we just lie down and reverse ten years of gender work? Or do we become activists?” Her words echoed the spirit of the summit, which was defined by courageous conversations and collective resolve.
Participants explored pressing issues such as technology-facilitated gender-based violence, which is one of the barriers that limit women’s full participation in the science, technology and innovation system. Leonora Tima from Gender Rights in Tech (GRIT) showcased bold, justice-oriented solutions for digital safety and equity, highlighting urgent areas for further research.
The summit was alive with creativity and collaboration. Through interactive sessions, storytelling circles, and shared reflections, participants celebrated achievements, confronted ongoing challenges, and co-created paths forward. A major milestone was the introduction of the GEI Policy Framework Roadmap, co-developed by the HSRC and participating councils, which provides practical guidance for councils to drive gender-transformative grant-making.
Attendees walked away with renewed purpose and actionable insights for advancing GEII in their institutions. As the project enters its final stretch, the focus now shifts to wrapping up outstanding activities and preparing a set of final reflection and communication tools, including videos to be shared internally and across networks.
The HSRC encourages all stakeholders to carry this momentum forward. Let’s continue to prioritise gender equality, inclusivity, and intersectionality, not just as ideals, but as core drivers of excellence in African research, policy, and practice.