Image: Some of the leading women from the peer-to-peer community

Author: Danai Skalistiri Piki

The INCiTiS-FOOD project aims to build sustainable, low-impact food systems by introducing innovative agri-food technologies across African cities, including 8 Living Labs (LL) in 6 African countries. Early in the project, it became clear that power imbalances, particularly in participation and representation, required intentional action.  

In response, the Inclusivity Team, composed of WECF, Youth4Development (Y4D), and gender experts from Kenyatta University, was formed to ensure that gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) are meaningfully integrated.  

A key initiative of this team is the Women Peer-to-Peer (WPP) Community, created to bring together women, in all their diversity, involved in the project across disciplines, countries, and professional levels. The initiative aims to foster inclusion, amplify women’s voices, and strengthen resilience and solidarity.  

In 2024, a GESI survey aimed at LL staff was conducted, showing positive progress among the LLs, yet ongoing challenges remain. This further highlighted the need to strengthen the Inclusivity Team’s intersectional, gender-responsive efforts and develop a long-term strategy to sustain GESI throughout the project. 

Why Peer-to-Peer Spaces Matter: Academic Rationale 

Research confirms that peer support and mentorship are powerful tools for gender equality and professional development, especially for women facing structural barriers in male-dominated sectors. Pillay-Naidoo & Vermeulen (2023) highlight how women’s workplace solidarity, via mentorship, recognition, and emotional support, enhances career progression, wellbeing, and systemic change.  

Mcilongo et al. (2021) in their study provided further evidence that mentorship plays a vital role in supporting women’s personal and professional growth. Peer communities like WPP naturally nurture these relationships, creating inclusive environments that empower women and challenge existing inequalities. 

Activities and Participant Experience 

The WPP sessions, active for over 1,5 years, offer a safe, informal space where women reflect on personal and professional journeys, ranging from navigating gender norms and workplace discrimination to career development. The Inclusivity team is organising monthly WPP meetings along with workshops that are sometimes just for WPP members and other times open to the whole consortium. These sessions dive into topics like intersectionality and power dynamics, offering space for open discussion, mentoring, and shared learning. 

The Human Library (HuLi), a WPP initiative, invites participants to share lived experiences through storytelling, promoting deeper understanding and connection. 

Participant feedback has been incredibly positive. Some of the women’s reflections on the WPP meetings were: 

“A space that cultivated courage, developed a strong sense of sisterhood, and built bridges.[..] It is insightful and powerful to observe how our personal experiences could form a collective voice for change. “ –Jepkirui Lenah, Kenyatta University, Master’s Student 

“I found a safe, empowering space that renewed my sense of purpose and deepened my commitment to mentoring young women in Cameroon.” – Kelly Neh, Bust Living Laboratory Cameroon, Living Lab Manager 

At the 2025 INCiTiS General Assembly in Gabon, in-person meetings deepened the sense of community and reinforced the value of women-led spaces. 

Challenges 

Despite successes, some challenges remain: 

• Power imbalances persist, as discussions are often dominated by European and more experienced participants, limiting space for younger and African voices. 

• Scheduling sessions that accommodate all participants 

• Online meetings may feel less engaging and insightful compared to in-person interactions. 

• A need for confidence-building was repeatedly highlighted among the participants 

Participants emphasised the importance of valuing all voices, regardless of background, age, or experience.  

Future Steps 

To increase impact and ensure inclusivity, the WPP: 

• Continues regular meetings with rotating presentations. 

• Organises confidence-building workshops and mentoring opportunities. 

• Encourage participation through positive reinforcement (e.g., acknowledging contributions) and ensuring everyone has the chance to share.  

Conclusion 

The Women Peer-to-Peer Community is an evidence-based, grassroots initiative that actively advances gender equity within the INCiTiS-FOOD project. Fostering solidarity, building confidence, and supporting career reflection and development creates an inclusive environment where individuals can grow personally and professionally. Ongoing support and thoughtful adaptation will help ensure that women across the consortium feel empowered to fully participate and lead. Given its impact, the initiative holds strong potential for replication in other contexts and sectors, offering a practical model to enhance gender equality and social inclusion beyond this project.