RUFORUM, in partnership with its member universities and development partners, is committed to fostering equitable, inclusive, and safe learning and working environments within higher education institutions across Africa. As part of this commitment, Gender, Inclusion and Safeguarding (GIS) have been elevated as core pillars underpinning the TAGDev 2.0 Programme and the broader RUFORUM Strategy 2021–2026. Strengthening institutional capacity to mainstream gender, promote inclusive participation, and prevent and respond to safeguarding risks is essential to achieving a transformative, student-centered higher education system that delivers quality training, research and innovation.
To support this, RUFORUM has established the Gender, Inclusion and Safeguarding Community of Practice (GIS-CoP) - a structured platform that brings together practitioners, focal persons, and leaders from across the RUFORUM network to share knowledge, co-create solutions, provide mutual technical support, and drive collective action. The CoP serves as both a learning space and an implementation mechanism, ensuring that GIS commitments translate into concrete institutional practices, strengthened systems, and improved outcomes for students and staff.
Goal of the Community of Practice
The GIS-CoP serves as a collaborative platform that enables institutions to:
- Strengthen capacities for gender-responsive, inclusive, and safe learning and working environments
- Share best practices, tools, innovations, and lessons across universities
- Accelerate implementation of institutional GIS roadmaps
- Foster continuous learning, mentorship, and technical peer support
- Promote accountability and collective action on safeguarding within the RUFORUM network
GIS Community of Practice (CoP) Identity
The RUFORUM Gender, Inclusion and Safeguarding Community of Practice (GIS CoP) is a collaborative, practitioner-driven platform that embodies the shared commitment of RUFORUM member universities to build equitable, inclusive, and safe higher education ecosystems across Africa.
We exist to strengthen institutional capacity, accelerate systemic change, and promote a culture of dignity, equity, and safety within higher agricultural education.
Three Core Pillars
The foundations underpinning RUFORUM's GIS commitment
Gender Mainstreaming
Integrating gender perspectives into all policies, programmes and institutional practices across RUFORUM member universities.
Inclusion
Promoting equitable access, participation and representation for all students, staff and stakeholders regardless of background.
Safeguarding
Preventing and responding to safeguarding risks to ensure safe learning and working environments for everyone.