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An annual report of AfriLabs’ impact
AfriLabs Candid Conversations
In 2020, AfriLabs launched the Candid Conversation series to allow the African Innovation Ecosystem stakeholders to have honest, open, and frank discussions on their first-hand experiences, perspectives, best practices, and challenges. The AfriLabs Candid Conversation IIl was held on the 6th of May 2022, with the theme “Sexual Harassment; A Fight for change”, the session was hosted by Nekesa Were and Moderated by Grace Oluchi and Kenechukwu Chukwu. It featured thought leaders such as Franciscah Nzanga, Yousif Yahya, Simunza S. Muyangana, Toun Tunde-Anjous and Itoro Emembolu. Hundreds of participants joined via Twitter Spaces and this edition was eye-opening.
“It must not necessarily be the person who is a victim of sexual harassment that speaks out. Since we promote a culture of transparency and a healthy work environment, we should encourage people to also speak out on behalf of others if they notice any kind of harassment.”
“A startup or an ecosystem culture that’s going to fight sexual harassment has to encourage people to speak up. The rules and the bylaws that are in place by ventures are very important. Everybody has to read the rules in the handbook and also get one-on-one sessions with executives to learn and ask any questions that they have about anything that they see that stands out in the handbook. The handbook should be recreated each year with everybody on board with it. So then people feel a sense of ownership as they themselves have written this and have defined each and every single word.”
KENECHUKWU OSAKWE Former Member Service Manager, AfriLabs
“When it comes to creating a safe space for the organisation it goes beyond having just policies. While you can have very well-written and clear anti-sexual harassment policies and procedures if the organisational culture is off/wrong then the policy won’t be effective. It is important for organisations to be able to match their policies and processes with the proper culture that speaks to a sense of zero tolerance for any form of harassment.”
SIMUNZA S. MUYANGANA Co-founder Bongo Hive
FRANCISCAH NZANGA Director Of Operations at Villgro Africa
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