Idia Fellowship:Co-DesigningAI with Women for BetterLivelihoods
Empowering African women researchers to shape the next generation of AI-enabled tools for business, maternal health, and socio-economic growth.
About the Fellowship: Revolutionizing Africa with AI
Artificial Intelligence is dramatically transforming lives across Africa. From boosting agriculture and empowering businesses to revolutionizing education and healthcare. But there's a crucial gap. Women are significantly underrepresented in AI research and policy-making.
The Idia Fellowship is here to change that! We're empowering brilliant women scholars to not just research and design, but to actively influence the future of AI, ensuring it truly meets women's needs.
Over an impactful 12-month journey, our fellows will dive deep into how AI-enabled smartphones are shaping the lives of women entrepreneurs and mothers. They'll generate groundbreaking, actionable design recommendations to ensure technology is not just inclusive, but truly practical and transformative for all!
Empowering Women in Mashinani Through Fellowship
Our fellowship is designed to strengthen local leadership and amplify women's voices at the grassroots level.
An Iterative Journey in Two Phases
The fellowship unfolds in two connected phases. Phase 1 lays the foundation, and Phase 2 builds directly upon it; ensuring continuous learning, growth, and impact.
Phase 1
Capacity Building
Equipping women with knowledge, skills, and tools to lead confidently.
Phase 2
Application & Community Impact
Putting learning into practice to drive real change in local communities.
Meet Our IDIA Fellows
Brilliant women researchers and practitioners transforming Africa through AI,co-designing solutions for better livelihoods and women empowerment
Dr. Diana Oigara
Medical Doctor & AI Healthcare Specialist
A medical doctor specializing in digital health, health systems optimization, and AI in healthcare. She is currently developing an AI-powered healthcare recommendation platform and is committed to using technology to enhance healthcare access, efficiency, and women's livelihoods.
Hafswa Sufi
Software Engineer & AI Researcher
A computer science student passionate about AI solutions grounded in African contexts. She is committed to ethical, inclusive innovation addressing health and community challenges, and sees the fellowship as a launchpad into impactful AI design and policy.
Ms.Valentine Irungu
Geospatial Developer & GIS Analyst
A geospatial developer and GIS analyst focused on translating complex location data into intuitive, community-centered digital tools. She explores how geospatial insights and AI-enabled smartphones can improve maternal health, women's mobility, and access to economic opportunities through inclusive, co-designed technologies.
Ms. Mary Onguko
Digital Transformation Leader
A digital transformation leader with deep expertise in broadband connectivity, inclusive innovation, and cross-sector partnerships. Recognized as one of Africa's top women in tech (Inspiring Fifty, East Africa Com, CIO Africa), she is pursuing a PhD in Strategy & Innovation, focused on Inclusive AI for empowering African women.
Dr. Wanjiru Kigathi
Digital Health Specialist & Health Economist
A Digital Health Specialist and Health Economist transforming Africa's health systems through technology and policy. Her work spans IGAD, Africa CDC, and Kenya's Digital Health and E-Health Bills. Co-founder of SautiLume, she advances disability-inclusive digital health solutions and actively mentors girls in STEM and youth in HIV/AIDS and mental health advocacy.
Ms.Jacqueline Akelo Gogo
PhD Candidate in Statistics
A PhD candidate in Statistics researching AI and statistical modeling for women's mental health. She develops ethical, interpretable AI tools—including mobile and offline systems—to support early detection and intervention for adolescent girls and young women in low-resource settings.
Ms.Emma Muturi
Statistician & Data Analyst
Emma is a statistician and data analyst with a strong foundation in applied statistics and a growing focus on AI and data-driven decision-making. She is passionate about using data to solve real-world problems, uncover insights, and inform impactful policies and innovations. Her interests include data analysis, and responsible use of technology(especially AI), particularly in contexts that improve systems and outcomes in African communities.
Dr Victoria Oguntosin
Robotics & AI Specialist
A robotics and AI specialist with a PhD in Electronics Engineering and extensive academic experience in Nigeria. Her work centers on assistive and rehabilitation robotics, reinforced by collaborations at DeustoTech. She is a strong advocate for STEM inclusion among young learners.
Ms Raqibatu Zukaneni
Product & Project Manager
A certified Product & Project Manager with 6+ years of experience in digital financial inclusion across Africa. An MBA candidate at Quantic and co-founder of The Nenis Foundation, she designs inclusive digital products, mentors young talent, and aims to co-create AI solutions that uplift women's livelihoods.
Program Structure
A comprehensive two-phase approach to co-designing inclusive AI solutions
Phase I: Empowering Women with Smartphones
- Facilitate the use of maternal health and business apps for 20 women.
- Investigate usability, accessibility, affordability, and cultural fit.
- Uncover opportunities and barriers women face with AI-powered tools.
Phase II: Crafting Inclusive Tools
- Run co-creation workshops with women, developers, and experts.
- Prototype solutions such as offline health chatbots and business dashboards.
- Deliver practical design guidelines and policy briefs for stakeholders.
Fellowship Tracks & Entry Requirements
Multiple pathways for women across different career stages and expertise areas
PhD in Computer Science, Information Systems, Health Informatics, Strategy, or related fields. Proven track record in research and publications.
Enrolled in a PhD program or accepted to one. Research interest in AI, tech innovation, or women's livelihoods.
Master's-level student or graduate in relevant fields. Strong research and writing skills.
Experience in software engineering, UX/UI design, or app development. Interest in human-centered design.
Background in maternal health, health informatics, or related fields.
Experience in tech policy, gender policy, or public policy analysis.
Fellowship Benefits
Comprehensive support for your research and professional development
Training & Mentorship
AI literacy sessions, research skills, design thinking, and innovation.
Research Funding
Support for fieldwork, prototyping, and dissemination.
Global Network
Access to a community of AI experts, developers, and policymakers.
Publication Support
Open-access reports, case studies, and policy briefs.
Impact-Driven Work
Shape technologies that empower women across Africa.
Timeline
12-month structured program with key milestones
Month 1
Program launch, AI training, mentor matching, and research planning.
Months 2 - 3
AI testing phase: field research and analysis.
Months 4 - 5
Design phase: co-creation workshops, drafting prototypes, and policy briefs.
Month 6
Public showcase and dissemination of findings.
Months 7 - 12
Implementation support, additional research, and continuous mentorship.
Expected Outcomes
Tangible impacts from fellowship research and collaboration
Evidence & Insights
Generate actionable insights on technology adoption barriers and opportunities for African women.
Prototypes & Policy Briefs
Develop functional prototypes and create comprehensive policy briefs that guide inclusive technology design.
Leadership Development & Advocacy
Build strong capacity for advocacy and advance leadership in AI ethics and women's empowerment.
Join us in redefiningAI for women's empowerment
Be part of a transformative initiative that shapes the future of AI in Africa. Together, we'll build technology that serves everyone.
