2026 GENDIG International Conference on Gender and Digitalisation in Higher Education
The GENDIG International Conference on Gender and Digitalisation in Higher Education is an upcoming event focused on the intersection of gender and digital transformation within academic settings. Hosted in Kampala, UGA, the conference provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization in higher education, particularly concerning gender equality. The event aims to foster dialogue and collaboration on how digital technologies can be leveraged to promote inclusive educational environments and address existing gender disparities.
Committees & topics
Why it matters
The rapid advancement of digital technologies is reshaping higher education globally, offering new avenues for learning, research, and administration. However, this transformation is not gender-neutral. The conference addresses critical questions about how digitalization impacts gender dynamics, access, and equity in universities and other higher learning institutions. It seeks to explore both the empowering potential of digital tools for women and marginalized genders, as well as the risks of exacerbating existing inequalities through biased algorithms, unequal access, or digital divides.
Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for developing policies and practices that ensure digitalization in higher education benefits all, regardless of gender. The insights generated from this conference can inform strategies for curriculum development, pedagogical innovation, and institutional reform, ultimately contributing to more equitable and inclusive educational systems worldwide. The discussions will also highlight regional perspectives, particularly from the host country, UGA, offering valuable insights into localized challenges and solutions.
How to prepare
Participants preparing for this conference should consider the multifaceted nature of gender and digitalization. It is important to analyze how digital tools and platforms are designed, implemented, and accessed, and the differential impacts these processes have on various gender groups. Researching case studies from diverse geographical contexts, including those from countries like UGA, KEN, ZAF, and NGA, can provide a richer understanding of the practical implications.
Attendees should also be prepared to engage with discussions on policy frameworks and institutional strategies aimed at promoting gender equality in digital higher education. This includes examining best practices for digital literacy programs, addressing online harassment, and ensuring equitable representation in STEM fields. Reflecting on the broader societal implications of digital transformation, beyond the confines of higher education, will also enhance contributions to the conference.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 4 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
UgandaHost country and a key focus for understanding localized impacts of digitalization on gender in higher education.
Role in topic
As the host nation, UGA provides a crucial regional context for discussions on gender and digitalization in higher education. Experiences and case studies from UGA will be central to understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within an African setting, including issues of access, infrastructure, and cultural considerations that influence digital adoption and gender equality in academic institutions.
KenyaA country with significant digital growth and ongoing efforts to integrate technology into education, facing gender-specific challenges.
Role in topic
KEN has seen considerable advancements in digital infrastructure and mobile technology adoption. Its experiences in integrating digitalization into higher education, alongside efforts to address gender disparities in STEM and digital literacy, offer valuable comparative insights. Discussions may highlight how KEN is navigating the balance between technological progress and equitable access for all genders in academic settings.
South AfricaA nation with a developed higher education sector and digital landscape, offering perspectives on policy and equity.
Role in topic
ZAF, with its relatively advanced higher education system and digital economy, can contribute perspectives on policy development and institutional strategies for promoting gender equality in digital learning environments. Its experiences in addressing historical inequalities through digital inclusion initiatives will be relevant to the conference's themes.
NigeriaA populous country with a large youth demographic, grappling with the scale of digital transformation and gender equity in education.
Role in topic
NGA's large and diverse population presents unique challenges and opportunities for digitalization in higher education. Its experiences can shed light on issues related to scaling digital education initiatives, bridging digital divides, and ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into large-scale educational reforms amidst rapid technological change.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Gender and Digitalisation in Higher Education
Key players
United StatesMajor exporter of higher-education platforms and AI tools shaping global practice.
United KingdomLeading site of EdTech research and Athena SWAN-style gender-equity charters.
FinlandReference model for gender-equal digital education policy in the EU.
IndiaWorld's largest higher-education system grappling with gendered digital access.
- Kenya
Hub for African digital-learning initiatives and gender-inclusive connectivity programmes.
ChinaLargest national investor in higher-education digital infrastructure and AI-enabled learning.
Inequality and Inclusion in Higher Education
Key players
- South Africa
Post-apartheid transformation of higher education and #FeesMustFall legacy on access.
BrazilLong-running racial and socio-economic quota system at federal universities.
- United States
Contested affirmative action landscape following 2023 Supreme Court ruling.
GermanyTuition-free public model and Bologna social-dimension reference point.
- India
Reservation policies for SC/ST/OBC and gender in tertiary admissions.
AustraliaIndigenous participation strategies and international-student equity debates.
Gender, Digital Technology and Civil Society
Key players
- United States
Home jurisdiction of dominant platforms shaping global civil-society space.
BelgiumSeat of EU institutions enforcing the Digital Services Act and online-violence directives.
- Brazil
Major site of digital feminist organising and platform-regulation experimentation.
IranFlashpoint for women-led digital protest under heavy state surveillance.
MexicoOrigin of Ley Olimpia model legislation against image-based sexual abuse.
- India
Largest online population with active feminist civil society and contested IT Rules.
Contemporary Issues in Gender Studies across Contexts
Key players
HungaryFirst EU state to revoke accreditation of gender-studies degree programmes.
- United States
Center of both gender-studies scholarship and recent state-level curricular restrictions.
SwedenPioneer of gender-mainstreaming and well-funded gender-research infrastructure.
ArgentinaInfluential Latin American hub for feminist theory and ESI sex-education law.
- South Africa
Leading African site for decolonial and intersectional gender scholarship.
TurkeyWithdrawal from the Istanbul Convention and tightening space for gender research.
Gendered Impacts of Artificial Intelligence Technology
Key players
- United States
Home of leading AI labs and the 2023 Executive Order on safe, secure AI.
- China
Major AI developer with distinct generative-AI and deepfake regulations from 2023.
FranceCo-host of the AI Action Summits and strong voice on AI ethics in UNESCO.
- United Kingdom
Host of the AI Safety Institute and Bletchley/Seoul summit process.
South KoreaCo-host of the 2024 AI Seoul Summit and early legislator on deepfake sexual abuse.
RwandaLeading African voice on inclusive AI governance and the Smart Africa AI strategy.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for 2026 GENDIG International Conference on Gender and Digitalisation in Higher Education.
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
UgandaCountry dossier
United StatesCountry dossier
United KingdomCountry dossier
FinlandCountry dossier
IndiaCountry dossier
KenyaCountry dossier
ChinaCountry dossier
South AfricaCountry dossier
BrazilCountry dossier
GermanyCountry dossier
AustraliaCountry dossier
BelgiumCountry dossier
IranCountry dossier
MexicoCountry dossier
HungaryCountry dossier
SwedenCountry dossier
ArgentinaCountry dossier
Country dossier
FranceCountry dossier
South KoreaCountry dossier
RwandaCountry dossier