There has been a gradual improvement in the emergence and incorporation of gender programs in some universities in the region. Well-established research departments, networks and documentation centres on gender studies have been created and are functioning in some universities. Consequently, we can audaciously state that several researches on gender issues have been conducted and thus gender has started to receive due attention in most countries in the continent.

In spite of such positive trends, the gender power imbalance in the African reality is far from exemplifying the anticipated change in the lives of African women.

It is such concerns that draw OSSREA’s attention once more to examine and initiate programs that will focus on gender issues. As a research organisation committed to promoting social science research and capacity building of various research and teaching institutions in the region, OSSREA would like to expand its program on gender issues.

OSSREA’s core interest in the anticipated program lies in expanding a multidisciplinary research, capacity building through training, organising

forums to disseminate research findings and exchanging experiences within the Eastern and Southern Africa region.