10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Recognizing and addressing the cultural context in research is crucial for establishing equitable partnerships. This poster draws examples from my research on how youth morality is imparted through the Bukusu circumcision rite of passage to demonstrate the value of cultural awareness and sensitivity in fostering fair and effective collaborations across diverse African communities. First, the poster delves into various aspects of cultural differences, such as the teaching styles- here dominated by proverbs, riddles, and story telling, decision-making processes, values, and perceptions of power which define roles among different groups. Secondly, the presentation explains how these factors can impact partnership dynamics. The use of proverbs and riddles may require careful contextualization and a deeper understanding of cultural -based meanings. The presentation would then propose strategies and best practices for identifying, understanding, and navigating these differences to build truly equitable relationships. This could include emphasizing active listening, promoting intercultural dialogue, developing culturally competent communication strategies, and establishing shared understandings of goals and expectations. The ultimate goal would be to demonstrate how a proactive approach to cultural recognition can prevent misunderstandings, mitigate conflicts, and ultimately lead to more successful, sustainable, and mutually beneficial partnerships.