Youth Perspectives on Feminism

Background
Feminist debate is highly developed globally. It has helped define women’s rights and mobilized rights defenders to advocate and pursue women’s economic, social, cultural and political rights. Over the decades, feminism lays claim to transforming the lives of women and girls worldwide. As an institution that defines itself as feminist, Hbs has interacted and encouraged theorists, pragmatists, even sceptics to wear a feminist lens in tackling the issues that affect us as a society. We are keen to deepen our institutional (and individual) understanding on how feminism is understood and applied in Africa today.

Introduction

Hbs intends to host conversations with the younger generation of scholars/thinkers, many of whom can be described of products or beneficiaries of feminism. Do they subscribe to feminism as an ideology or philosophy? Is labelling or branding of the cause important, if so what is that brand today? How is feminism manifest in young people’s lives? What (else) is feminism concerned about today in the minds of Kenyan youth? Is feminism the dichotomy of purism and radicalism? How do young feminists involve in activism and advocacy for equality?

The inaugural conversation will also gauge the utility of such a platform to the young people attending, its brand and mode of convening.

Target participants

The platform targets youth in institutions of higher learning on a multi-disciplinary and inter-university outreach. Each convening will host about 20 people allowing a natural flow of ideas and facilitated dialogue. Further free expression will be encouraged on social media and blogs.

Engage with us on twitter @HbsNairobi #feminism and invite your friends.