Hello Dr. , Please Introduce Yourself
My name is Dr. Hellen Kilelo. I am a Lecturer at Moi University, under the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Kenya. My area of specialization is Development Studies. Through the collaboration that exists between Moi ACC and University of Lagos ACC, I was awarded a fully funded 6 month post-doctoral fellowship at the UNILAG African Cluster Centre (ACC), Institute of African and Diaspora Studies(IADS).
Can you give us an overview of your research project and what inspired you to focus on women's representation in governance?
I’m currently carrying out a research on “Women’s policy contribution in the Lagos State House of Assembly and their impacts” I’m keen on teasing out the bills and motions that have been made by the women Legislators. Having done a similar study in Kenya where there is a gender quota law that allows for a Gender top up in case the women are not elected, I was keen to compare this with Nigeria where there is no gender quota law in place and see whether there are any differences/similarities in as far as women’s contribution and impact is concerned irrespective of whether they are able to achieve a critical mass in the House of Assembly.
As a researcher, what has been the most rewarding aspect of working on this project?
How has this fellowship contributed to your professional growth and understanding of the subject?
The most rewarding aspect of working on this project has been the fact that, I have received all the support I needed both from the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS) and the Lagos State House of Assembly. At IADS, I have worked closely with the Director, Prof. Muyiwa Falaiye and the Head of Research, Prof. Ayo Yusuff who have been very resourceful. Besides, I have other Principal Investigators (PIs) who have also served as mentors and who have also contributed to shaping my work. Generally, the IADS community has been very helpful. Besides, the Lagos State House of Assembly has been very supportive towards this end too. I had an opportunity of being introduced to the Speaker, Clerk of the House and the Honorable Members. They have ensured that the ambience is conducive for carrying out research and provided all the necessary materials. My utmost gratitude goes to the Lagos House of Assembly Speaker RT. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.
This fellowship has contributed to my professional growth firstly through the mentors that I have had, the networks that I have been able to forge courtesy of IADS. Also, the lectures, symposiums and conferences have contributed towards expanding knowledge on my area of research. Besides, having an opportunity to teach my subject area has also contributed to learning while also disseminating knowledge.
What were your first impressions of the Institute when you started your fellowship?
My first impression of the institute is that there is a lot of professionalism and excellence in the way work is done and this has remained the status quo. Under the leadership of the Director, diligence is promoted and the environment created is conducive for carrying out scholarly work. The people are friendly and will always check on you to confirm that one is settling in well. The Tuesday formal meetings and the Thursday semi-formal meetings all blend well together and constitute an area of learning.