As part of its commitment to research and the enhancement of scientific knowledge on the promotion of girls and women’s education in Africa, the AU/CIEFFA is launching a call for proposals for scientific articles aimed at researchers working in the intersections of gender equality and education in Africa.

The aim of this initiative is to gather high-quality academic contributions that will inform education policies and decision-makers and build knowledge for African Union Member States in the field of girls' and women's education. This call is open to scholars whose work can inform impactful education policies and guide decision-makers across the continent.

Objectives

• The call for proposals aims to:
  • Encourage the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge on the AU/CIEFFA's four strategic axes;
  • Promote in-depth reflection on the challenges and opportunities on girls' and women's education in Africa;
  • Support the formulation of policy recommendations based on empirical evidence and rigorous analysis;
  • Stimulate innovation and the exchange of ideas between researchers working on girls and women’s education in the continent;
  • Contribute to the overall knowledge production and research agenda in Africa.

Thematic Areas of Research

• Researchers are invited to submit proposals for scientific articles that fall within one of the following four strategic areas:
  • Gender-sensitive educational Framework:
    • Inclusive and gender-transformative education policies in Africa
    • Strategies for reducing inequalities in girls' access to and retention in the education system
  • Curriculum reform and teacher training:
    • Innovative and inclusive approaches to girls' education
    • Teacher training in gender-sensitive education
  • STEAM skills development and technical and vocational training:
    • Participation of girls and women in STEAM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics)
    • Obstacles and strategies to promote technical education and vocational training for girls
  • Education in emergencies and humanitarian contexts:
    • Impact of conflicts and humanitarian crises on girls' and women’s education
    • Strategies for educational continuity and inclusion of girls in vulnerable situations

Benefits

• Selected papers will be published in a dedicated scientific journal and/or integrated into AU/CIEFFA research reports and strategic initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria

• The call is open to:
  • Researchers and academics specializing in Social Sciences, Education Gender studies and related fields.
  • Masters, Doctoral and post-doctoral students working on issues related to girls' and women's education.
  • African and international research institutions and study centers interested in gender equality in education in Africa.

Evaluation Criteria

• Evaluation by a scientific committee: Articles will be evaluated on the basis of their originality, scientific rigour and relevance to the AU/CIEFFA's strategic axes.

Application Requirements

• Articles submitted must meet the following criteria:
  • Be written in French or English;
  • Abstract submission of 250 words;
  • Upon selection of abstract, articles of between 3,000 and 6,000 words in length (excluding bibliography);
  • Comply with academic standards and include full bibliographical references;
  • Have not been previously published in other scientific journals;
  • Adopt a rigorous methodology and an analytical approach based on empirical data or case studies.

For more information, visit African Union.