MMUST Trains Gender Ambassadors To Promote Inclusion And Equality At The University
The Directorate of AIDS Control, Gender and Disability Mainstreaming (DACGDM) at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on 10th March 2026 conducted a Gender Ambassadors Training aimed at strengthening gender awareness, advocacy, and inclusivity within the university community. The training brought together selected staff and students who will serve as Gender Ambassadors to champion for equality within the institution. The training, led by the Director- DACGDM, Prof. Benedict Alala, sought to equip the participants with knowledge, practical skills, and leadership capacity to promote gender-responsive practices.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher Ngacho awards certificate to Prof. Benedict Alala.
The event was officially opened by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher Ngacho, who recognized the training as a unique and important initiative aimed at empowering participants to become agents of change within the University. He urged the participants to uphold and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training in promoting gender equality, supporting their peers, and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.
Prof. Christopher Ngacho receives a certificate from Mr. Davies Okeyo- National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC)
The session was facilitated by Mr. Davies Okeyo from the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), who took the participants through key topics including gender mainstreaming, prevention of gender-based discrimination, and the role of gender champions in creating safe and inclusive spaces within the institution.
Additionally, the facilitator highlighted the importance of addressing gender roles and stereotypes, noting that challenging harmful social norms is essential in promoting fairness and equality in society. He encouraged the Gender Ambassadors to embrace values of fairness, teamwork, inclusiveness, and accountability as they take up their roles as advocates for positive change within the university.
A section of the student Gender Ambassadors at the event.
The other key topics covered included understanding Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), the reporting pathways available at MMUST, and the role of Gender Ambassadors in advancing gender mainstreaming within the university. The ambassadors were also trained on peer support mechanisms and advocacy strategies to effectively raise awareness, support survivors, and promote responsible reporting and accountability within the university.
Highlighting the training action plan, Prof. Benedict Alala encouraged the participants to demonstrate strong leadership in steering the gender mainstreaming agenda within the University. He urged them to actively engage in mobilization and awareness creation among fellow students and staff in order to strengthen the impact of the initiative. Prof. Alala further noted that the program will continue through a series of capacity-building sessions, with the next training focusing specifically on reporting pathways, aimed at strengthening participants’ understanding of institutional mechanisms for addressing gender-related issues.
One of the Gender Ambassadors receives her certificate.
The event was also attended by the Deputy Director- DACGDM, Dr. Reuben Rutto, Ms. Elizabeth Simiyu, Mr. Kennedy Anjieho and Ms. Seline Windo. This training reflects MMUST’s growing efforts to ensure that gender equality policies are actively implemented, strengthening a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion within the University community.
By Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu and Wangari Wambugu
