Kenyatta University Chairperson of the Department of Communication, Media, Film & Theatre Studies, Dr. Everlyn Hongo, highlighted the importance of knowledge, mentorship and intellectual property awareness in advancing women’s participation in technology, innovation and the creative economy across Africa during a high-level panel discussion at the Women in Technology & Innovation Africa (WITIA) Creative Futures Forum held at Safari Park Hotel.
Dr. Hongo was speaking during the Women in Technology & Innovation Africa (WITIA) Creative Futures Forum held at Safari Park Hotel, where she led a delegation of 12 students from Kenyatta University to the high-level continental event that brought together innovators, creatives, technology leaders and youth from across Africa.
Speaking during a panel discussion themed “Women, Youth and the Future of Creative Work – Gender Inclusion, Access to Capital and Policy Gaps,” Dr. Hongo underscored the urgent need to equip women with critical knowledge on intellectual property rights, noting that lack of awareness continues to hinder women’s advancement in technology, innovation and the creative economy.
She further observed that inadequate mentorship opportunities among women remain a major challenge affecting the growth of female innovators and creatives across the continent, calling for stronger mentorship structures and intergenerational support systems to nurture emerging talent.
Dr. Hongo also challenged prevailing societal perceptions surrounding the girl child, emphasizing that some traits often viewed as weaknesses can instead be transformed into strengths that propel women toward leadership, innovation and economic empowerment.
The event also showcased the growing innovative capacity of Kenyatta University students, with the University delegation winning KSh 10,000 from Wasaa Company after demonstrating outstanding creativity in marketing the Wasaa App — a digital platform designed to enable content creators to monetise their creative work.
In a further highlight of the forum, the Kenyatta University students captivated guests with creative stage performances that blended communication, artistic expression and youth talent, reflecting the University’s continued commitment to nurturing holistic and industry-relevant skills among learners.
Technology entrepreneur Oyugi James urged young people to focus on identifying societal challenges and developing innovative solutions around them, noting that sustainable wealth creation lies in solving real-world problems. He further encouraged youth to monetise their talents and embrace creativity as a viable economic opportunity within Africa’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The WITIA Creative Futures Forum, hosted by Women in Technology & Innovation Africa (WITIA), focused on innovation, inclusion and the future of Africa’s creative economy, while creating a strategic platform for dialogue on technology, youth empowerment, digital inclusion and sustainable development.
Kenyatta University’s participation in the forum further reaffirmed the institution’s growing role in shaping transformative conversations around communication, innovation, creativity and youth empowerment in Africa’s emerging knowledge economy.