Epistemic Justice in Practice: GRÓ GEST Alumni Conference, 21–22 October 2026

Gendered Knowledge in Global North–South Development Partnerships

21–22 October 2026 | Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

The GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training (GEST) Programme at the University of Iceland and Makerere University are pleased to present Epistemic Justice in Practice: Gendered Knowledge in Global North–South Development Partnerships, a two-day thematic conference taking place on 21–22 October 2026 at the Makerere University Senior Common Room, located in the university's Main Building in Kampala, Uganda.

The conference brings together GRÓ GEST alumni from Uganda and across the East African region, alongside academics, researchers and development practitioners, to examine how knowledge is produced, recognised and applied in international gender equality and development partnerships.

Download the full conference programme (PDF)

About the conference

Whose knowledge counts in international development? Who determines what constitutes expertise, and how can locally grounded perspectives meaningfully shape policies, programmes and research agendas?

These questions are at the centre of Epistemic Justice in Practice. The conference explores how inequalities in knowledge production and authority influence gender equality work, particularly within partnerships between institutions and actors in the Global North and Global South.

A central aim is to recognise GRÓ GEST alumni not only as practitioners implementing development initiatives, but also as knowledge producers whose professional experiences and research contribute to critical debates and the development of more equitable approaches to international cooperation.

Across two days, presentations and discussions will address donor power and funding arrangements, the recognition of locally produced knowledge, gender and bodily autonomy, climate adaptation, women's economic rights, and the influence of colonial legacies on contemporary development institutions.

The conference also provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between GRÓ GEST alumni, Makerere University and other academic and development partners in the region.

Conference programme

The programme features two keynote lectures, a panel discussion, six thematic sessions and plenary discussions.

Wednesday, 21 October – Who defines authoritative knowledge?

The conference opens with remarks from representatives of Makerere University, GRÓ GEST and the Embassy of Iceland in Kampala.

The opening keynote will be delivered by Professor Josephine Ahikire, entitled Living Epistemic Justice and Scratching Beyond the Surface.

The day's thematic discussions will focus on donor power and the governance of knowledge, and on how locally produced knowledge becomes recognised as evidence and expertise in gender equality programmes and institutions.

Thursday, 22 October – Translating knowledge into institutions and practice

The second day opens with a keynote by Professor Tamara Shefer, entitled Watery Decolonial Feminist Thinking and Praxis Towards Epistemic Justice in North-South Research.

The thematic sessions will explore gender, sexuality and bodily autonomy; climate adaptation and local knowledge; women's land and economic rights; and colonial legacies and institutional power in gender knowledge production.

The conference concludes with reflections on the discussions and opportunities for continued academic and professional collaboration.

Practical information

Dates: Wednesday–Thursday, 21–22 October 2026

Venue: Makerere University Senior Common Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

Conference hours:

• Wednesday, 21 October: Registration from 08:00; opening ceremony at 09:00; programme concludes at 16:15.

• Thursday, 22 October: Programme begins at 08:30; closing ceremony concludes at 16:55.

Organisers: GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme (University of Iceland) and Makerere University.

For conference-related enquiries, please contact namitalaesther@gmail.com 

 

We look forward to welcoming participants to Makerere University for two days of critical dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaboration.