This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
Dr. Benta Abuya is a renowned expert in education, with a passion for transforming the lives of girls and women through education. As a lead researcher at the African Population and Health Research Center, she has dedicated her career to addressing the existing inequalities in education.
With a Master of Arts degree in Population Studies, a Doctoral Minor in Demography, a PhD in Education Theory and Policy, and a PhD in Comparative and International Education, Dr. Abuya's academic credentials are impressive. However, it's her commitment to education that sets her apart.
Dr. Abuya's journey in education began as a high school teacher, where she realized the importance of education in empowering girls and women. She went on to earn her PhD from the Pennsylvania State University, College of Education, and has since become a leading voice in education policy.
As a researcher, Dr. Abuya has implemented innovative solutions to increase the transition of girls in rural and informal settlements from primary to secondary school. Her work has been instrumental in transforming the lives of learners in disadvantaged settings, with impressive results over the last seven years.
When asked about her role at APHRC, Dr. Abuya explained that she leads a team of researchers in finding information about girls' education, women empowerment, and gender issues in education. She also mentors junior researchers in proposal development, scientific writing, and project management.
Dr. Abuya's typical day varies depending on her plans and focus. She may spend her time meeting with project teams, reviewing work plans, or drafting project research reports. Her dedication to her work is evident in her commitment to transforming education in Kenya.
As a specialist in education, Dr. Abuya's achievements in transforming Kenya's education sector are notable. She has added her voice to the global narrative on girls' education, addressing existing inequalities and implementing innovative solutions to increase the transition of girls in rural and informal settlements.
When asked about her advice to parents during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Abuya suggested that parents can allow their children to access online lessons and be on standby to answer any questions. This is an opportunity for parents to play their role in teaching their children and demystify the notion that teachers can do it all.
Dr. Abuya's work has given her a sense of fulfillment, particularly when she implements programs that change the lives of young girls. She shares a story of girls in her program who excelled in their primary school exams and proceeded to national schools, a turning point for them and their families.
When asked about what she would do differently in terms of her career and life, Dr. Abuya replied that she would follow the exact same path. She would seek more opportunities to change education policy either from within or through research.
Dr. Abuya's challenges in her career journey have been numerous. As a teacher, she faced the challenge of making parents understand the role they play in their children's education. As a researcher, she has faced the challenge of ensuring her findings influence existing policy and working with policymakers to implement her recommendations.
Dr. Abuya's advice to her younger self is a quote from Nelson Mandela: 'Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.' She believes that education worked for her and can be a game-changer for many girls and boys around the world.
