NRF Champions Gender-Inclusive Science: Lessons from the Bogotá Declaration

This past week in Bogotá, Colombia, the global scientific community convened at the 7th General Assembly of The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and the 3rd International Dialogue on Education and Development in partnership with Obreal — a powerful reminder that inclusive science drives better outcomes for all.

The resulting Bogotá Statement calls for stronger women’s leadership in science through partnerships, resource mobilization, and institutional reform. Its message resonates strongly with Kenya’s efforts through the National Research Fund (NRF) to mainstream Gender Equality, Equity, and Intersectionality (GEII) in research funding.

Through collaboration with the HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council) International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), NRF has:
✅ Established a Gender Mainstreaming Committee
✅ Integrated gender-sensitive funding calls
✅ Built capacity for researchers and grant reviewers

These interventions are not symbolic — they are strategic. Empowering women scientists enhances innovation, leadership, and social impact.

As Kenya aligns with the spirit of the Bogotá Statement, we reaffirm our commitment to a research culture where inclusivity, care, and collaboration are the norm — not the exception.

Let’s continue building a scientific ecosystem where every woman has the opportunity to lead, innovate, and inspire.