University of Nairobi Recognized as a National Leader in Gender Equality and Disability Inclusion

The University of Nairobi (UoN), in partnership with UNESCO, under the auspices of the O3 Plus (our rights our lives our future) Project, was honored at the 2025 National Gender Equality and Disability Inclusion (GEDI) Awards, an initiative by the Gender and Disability Development Centre (GDDC).

UoN received the Gender Equality and Disability Inclusion Award 2025 in the category of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Higher Education, recognizing its transformative institutional reforms that promote gender equality, prevent sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and foster inclusive, safe learning and working environments, success stories award. The awards ceremony was held at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together national leaders, institutions, and advocates committed to social justice and inclusion. The recognition was conferred on 18 December 2025, under the theme “Inclusive Leadership for Sustainable Development”, as a success stories award.

The award validates the University’s sustained commitment to gender mainstreaming, disability inclusion, and the Leave No One Behind agenda, while directly contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Central to this recognition was the University’s leadership in institutionalizing survivor-centered approaches to SGBV prevention and response success stories -award.

A key milestone in this journey was the establishment of a proactive Gender Desk in 2022, launched in collaboration with UNESCO through the O3 Plus Project. This dedicated unit strengthened institutional mechanisms for reporting, responding to, and preventing SGBV. Through the Gender Desk and complementary initiatives, the University achieved measurable impact:

• 35 healthcare workers trained on forensic SGBV response
• 52 security officers and hall custodians capacitated to improve campus safety and reporting
• 79 student leaders trained on SGBV prevention and response
• Approximately 14,700 students reached through sensitization and awareness programmes
• 593 students and staff were provided with counselling services
• 84 reported SGBV cases handled using survivor-centered approaches
• Strong partnerships established with local and international NGOs and CBOs to advance equality and inclusion initiatives

“This award is a testament to what institutional commitment and strong partnerships can achieve. We are not just changing policies, we are changing lives,” said Dr. Miyoro, Chief Medical Officer at UoN.

“Knowing there is a safe, confidential place to turn to has made a real difference for students like me,” shared one student beneficiary who accessed support through the Gender Desk.

The GEDI Awards Committee specifically cited the Gender Desk's operational success as a model for higher education institutions across the region. This accolade positions the University of Nairobi as a national and regional benchmark for gender equality and social inclusion in higher education, demonstrating that strategic partnerships can catalyze systemic and sustainable change success stories.