08 May 2024 5:00 PM

Large Lecture Theatre, Department of Geography, Downing Site, University of Cambridge

As part of the Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group's (VMSG) 60th Anniversary celebrations, we will be hosting a special public lecture at the University of Cambridge, hosted between the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk and Cambridge Volcanology Group.

We're delighted to be joined by two speakers Dr Blaise Mafuko Nyandwi from the University of Goma, DRC and Professor Amy Donovan from the University of Cambridge to share their research and experiences on the theme "How can social science be used to explore how communities think and feel about volcanic risk and to better inform disaster risk management?"

Dr Blaise Mafuko Nyandwi will share his research and expertise in working with vulnerable communities in Goma, DRC to understand volcanic risk perceptions and to develop inclusive and equitable disaster risk reduction strategies for the city. 

Prof Amy Donovan has a wealth of experience in conducting participatory research in the Global South and will share her insights on developing equitable partnerships and the complexities of working with marginalised groups. 

This event is open to the public. For any further information please contact the event organisers Dr Lara Mani (lm881@cam.ac.uk) or Mia Wroe (mw877@cam.ac.uk).

Wednesday 22 May 2024 at 5pm - Cavonius Centre, Harvey Court, West Road

This lecture will map some of the shifting ethical and political concerns that have energised African scholarly production since the 1970’s, focusing on the anti-colonial and feminist interventions of two networks that have cultivated epistemic change. It examines how the non-governmental Council for the Development of Social Research in Africa (CODESRIA) grew into the largest scholarly network of continental Africans and produced an impressive corpus of continental knowledge. I argue that while feminist critiques were articulated within CODESRIA during the 1990’s, it was the mobilization of feminist scholars outside CODESRIA that eventually influenced the Council to pursue a more equitable research profile. The accounts of key actors highlight the importance of interpersonal relationships and collective spaces in the enunciation of African feminism on the continent. These examples document the ways in which epistemic changes are products of close interpersonal relational practices that characterise intellectual communities and the strategies they pursue. What do these developments in the continental African studies landscape imply for the ethics of transnational collaborations?

This event is open to all and is free of charge, but registration is required. Registration for in-person or online attendance will commence on Wednesday 1 May.

The event will highlight new research on interventions in education that have the potential to shift harmful gender social norms and catalyse wider systems transformation.

You can register here: https://TransformativeEd.eventbrite.co.uk

An expert panel, bringing together researchers and government representatives, will explore the contribution of CAMFED’s Learner Guide model to improving outcomes for marginalised girls in Tanzania (Learner Guides are young women, often CAMFED education graduates, who mentor students in their communities). The panel will also discuss the prospects for scaling such an intervention in national school systems in Tanzania and across the region.

We are delighted to be joined by:

Opening Keynote on Global Education:

• Alicia Herbert OBE, Director of Education, Gender and Equality and the UK’s Special Envoy for Gender Equality, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Remarks by:

• Hon Julia Gillard AC, former Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership.

Other speakers include:

• Dr Sempeho Siafu, Director of Academics, Tanzania Institute of Adult Education
• Lawrence John Sanga, Assistant Director Policy & Planning, Policy and Planning Department, Research and Innovation Section, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Tanzania
• Stephen Twigg , Secretary-General, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and former MP
• Lydia Wilbard, Executive Director: Learning & Engagement, CAMFED

This event is organised by the Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Centre at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), and the Institute of Gender Studies at the University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

You can read about the research here:

To what extent are CAMFED’s Learner Guides shifting gender social norms in Tanzania? Overview. News article.

Ciampi, L., Mgonda, N., Mwaipopo, R., and Rose, P. 2024.

Scaling up a life skills and mentorship programme led by young women in sub-Saharan Africa: Regional overview
Ciampi, L., Rose, P., Chimuka, L., Mgonda, N., and Maambo, O. 2023.