From Data to Insights: AWSC Researchers to develop Women in Leadership Baseline Qualitative Study Report
Understanding the realities that shape women’s leadership requires research that is both rigorous and grounded in lived experiences. With this objective in mind, the African Women Studies Centre (AWSC) and the Department of Economics and Development Studies (DEDS) UoN, through its Women in Leadership (WiL) Programme at the University of Nairobi, held a two-day Baseline Qualitative Survey Report Writing Workshop on 16th and 17th June 2026. The workshop provided a dedicated space for researchers, thematic leads, and technical experts to collectively analyse and interpret findings from the baseline survey and develop a report that will support programme planning, policy engagement, and future research on women’s leadership.
The Women in Leadership Programme acknowledges that meaningful advancement of women in leadership positions requires a solid foundation of evidence that reflects the actual experiences, opportunities, and challenges encountered by women leaders. A baseline survey was conducted between March and April 2026 to produce insights that will direct programme execution, inform policy discussions, and assist in the continuous efforts to enhance women's leadership in academic institutions not only in Kenya but also at the regional level. Prior to the report writing phase, the substantial data collected was coded and analysed using NVIVO by the AWSC researchers as a way of building capacity among researchers on the use of qualitative data analysis.
The workshop brought together researchers, project leads, and technical experts involved in the baseline study to undertake an in-depth review and synthesis of qualitative data collected from a range of stakeholders across the University of Nairobi’s 10 faculties and external partners. The data was generated through high-level stakeholder consultations, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), providing diverse perspectives on women’s leadership, institutional practices, policy environments, and the factors that influence women’s participation and advancement in leadership spaces.
The main objective of the workshop was to facilitate the systematic analysis and interpretation of the findings emerging from the fieldwork. Through collaborative writing sessions, thematic discussions, and plenary engagements, participants identified key patterns, emerging themes, and critical insights from the data. The process enabled researchers to collectively examine the evidence, validate interpretations, and ensure that the findings accurately reflected the views and experiences shared by stakeholders during the study.
The workshop also provided a valuable opportunity for participants to strengthen the analytical rigor of the baseline report. Discussions focused on refining thematic narratives, strengthening the integration of qualitative evidence, and ensuring coherence across different sections of the report. Particular attention was given to drawing out findings that can inform practical recommendations for programme implementation and contribute to broader conversations on women’s leadership and gender-responsive governance.
Beyond the technical report-writing process, the workshop underscored the importance of research as a tool for informing decision-making and driving social change. Participants reflected on the role of evidence in shaping policies, strengthening institutional responses, and supporting initiatives that seek to address persistent barriers to women's leadership. The discussions highlighted the need for research that not only documents challenges but also identifies opportunities and pathways for advancing inclusive and transformative leadership.
The interactive nature of the workshop fostered an environment of learning, reflection, and knowledge exchange. Researchers benefited from peer review, constructive feedback, and expert guidance throughout the writing process, enhancing both the quality of the report and the collective understanding of the emerging findings. The engagement demonstrated the value of collaborative scholarship in producing research that is rigorous, relevant, and responsive to societal needs.
As the WiL Programme continues to gather insights on the experiences and pathways of women's leadership, the Baseline Qualitative Survey Report will augment the quantitative baseline findings by illuminating the experiences, perceptions, and institutional factors that influence women's leadership, elucidating the trends identified in the survey (quantitative) data, and offering context for programme implementation. This report will serve as a key reference for tracking progress and guiding future initiatives. It is anticipated that the report will establish a basis for evidence-based programming, advocacy for policy change, and engagement with stakeholders to foster environments supportive of women’s leadership and participation.
The workshop reflects the University of Nairobi’s continued commitment to research excellence, knowledge generation, and community impact. Through the work of the African Women Studies Centre and its partners, the University remains dedicated to producing research that contributes to inclusive development, promotes gender equality, and supports the advancement of women leaders in Kenya and beyond.
