UNILAG, ICRW & Mastercard Foundation Collaborate to Address Gender-Based Inequities in African Creative Industry
The University of Lagos (UNILAG), in collaboration with the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) and the Mastercard Foundation, has launched a research project titled "Behind the Scenes: Young Women and Gender-Based Inequities in Africa’s Creative Sector."
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a groundbreaking collaboration, researchers from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have teamed up with the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) and the Mastercard Foundation to tackle gender-based inequities prevalent in the African creative industry. This initiative is spearheaded by a research project titled "Behind the Scenes: Young Women and Gender-Based Inequities in Africa’s Creative Sector."
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Led by Dr. Michael Kunnuji as the Principal Investigator and Dr. Florence Nweke as the co-Principal Investigator, along with other esteemed researchers including Lisa Morgan, Esther Omoyele, and Folajumi Sefiu, the project aims to delve deep into the complexities of gender disparities within the African creative landscape.
During the project's inception meeting held at the Radisson Hotel, Lagos on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, stakeholders from various sectors including representatives from Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mastercard Foundation, Nollywood, and Actors Guild of Nigeria, among others, gathered to discuss the project's objectives and strategies.
Dr. Nweke provided an overview of the project, emphasizing the need for comprehensive insights and evidence to develop effective strategies for addressing gender disparities in the creative sector. The project's objectives, research methodology, and key deliverables were highlighted, with a focus on documenting the characteristics of the creative sector in seven African countries.
Dr. Kunnuji elaborated on the roles of the Country Advisory Group (CAG) and Project Advisory Group (PAG), outlining their terms of reference and operational modalities. The meeting also featured contributions from esteemed stakeholders, including a brief speech from Mrs. Bisi Omojare, representing the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, who assured the researchers of the state's support for the project.
The Behind the Scenes project, spanning from 2024 to 2026, aims to foster collaboration and reshape the creative landscape in Nigeria and other African countries. It seeks to empower young female creatives and end their marginalization in the creative industry. The collaboration between UNILAG, ICRW, and the Mastercard Foundation signifies a concerted effort to drive positive change and promote gender equity in Africa's creative sector.
