Africa Hub - GRAIN | Feminist Internet Research Network

GRAIN – Advancing Inclusion and Gender Equality through Responsible AI

GRAIN Network (Gender and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network) develops a collaborative framework led by a consortium of strong and innovative research institutions (IPAR, CSEA, and Sunbird AI) working to advance inclusion and gender equality in Sub-Saharan Africa through Artificial Intelligence (AI).

GRAIN’s Objective

To advance inclusion and gender equality in Sub-Saharan Africa through the responsible and locally driven development and deployment of artificial intelligence innovations.

Our Target Groups

AI and/or gender professionals and experts from Africa and the African diaspora.
Networks of researchers, academics, and practitioners working on AI and gender.
Research and advocacy organizations.
Social innovators, think tanks, and related stakeholders.

Our Intervention Strategy

Our strategy is built around three main pillars :

Developing a responsible AI network for gender equality and inclusion, based on shared governance and decentralized power.
Strengthening capacities and advocacy on responsible AI for gender equality and inclusion for the benefit of network members and stakeholders.
Implementing an innovative research program on responsible AI that advances inclusion and gender equality.

Our Network Model

An inclusive network capable of leveraging the collective knowledge, skills, and resources of a diverse group of organizations committed to a common goal.

By bringing together different perspectives, experiences, and expertise, the GRAIN Network develops more comprehensive, effective, and sustainable solutions to address complex and multidimensional AI and gender challenges.

Through its co-design research program and its shared resources and knowledge, the GRAIN Network produces research, communication, and advocacy materials promoting responsible AI for gender equality and inclusion.

The GRAIN Network places transdisciplinarity at the heart of its approach.

Our Values

Inclusion
Sharing
Diversity
Solidarity
Autonomy
Humanity
Humility

Consortium Members

IPAR

The Initiative Prospective Agricole et Rurale (IPAR) is a West African think tank based in Senegal. Its mission is to contribute to the economic and social development process in the sub-region by creating a space for dialogue and debate supported by rigorous strategic and forward-looking research connected to the concerns of decision-makers and local communities. IPAR’s intervention strategy is based on three major areas : research, capacity building, and the facilitation of dialogue and debate platforms. Its activities focus on themes that are central to economic and social development challenges.

Website: https://www.ipar.sn/

SUNBIRD AI

Sunbird AI is a non-profit organization based in Kampala, Uganda, developing artificial intelligence systems with social impact in Africa. Sunbird AI aims to support social initiatives, public institutions, and policymakers in developing new AI technologies tailored to their own needs. The organization focuses particularly on creating AI systems that can support public policy decision-making.

Website : https://sunbird.ai/

CSEA

The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) is an independent non-profit research organization based in Abuja. Its mission is to bridge the gap in rigorous empirical research that affects the quality of policymaking in African countries. CSEA serves as a platform for high-quality research analysis and policy dialogue among private sector actors, governments, parliaments, and civil society organizations. The organization is also engaged in capacity building to foster rapid economic growth and poverty reduction across Africa.

Website: https://cseaafrica.org/