I’m grateful to have received an overwhelming response and engagement from my previous article which was an invitation to the public to nominate speakers for the upcoming TEDxParklandsWomen event scheduled for 7 December 2019. 

We’re still accepting nominations and the deadline for submission remains 5 September 2019.

A conversation I had with 2 gentlemen has necessitated the need for this article, which is an attempt to achieve 2 things:

1. Explain the structure and format of TEDx events and;
2. Convince and invite men to nominate themselves or other men to be part of our speaker line up and subsequently open up to the idea of attending our event in December. It’s been brought to my attention that there may be a perception around our event being a women-targeted platform, this is NOT the case.

The TEDx platform brings the spirit of TED’s mission “ideas worth spreading” to local communities around the globe. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to:

• share a TED-like experience
• discover ideas and;
• spark conversations in local communities.

Unknown to many, there are 11 types of TEDx events! Each event is tied to a license that is issued to an individual yearly after undergoing an intensive application process which includes sharing an event concept and a deep understanding of TEDx Rules. 

Named based purely on location, my team and I are licensed to organize the following types of TEDx events:

• Standard event (TEDxParklands) – This event type is organized in the city or town in which the licensee lives and is aimed at engaging a wide range of local residents and showcasing a diverse array of talks, not limited to one subject.
• TEDxWomen event – (TEDxParklandsWomen) – This TEDx event celebrates a number of different ideas, from a range of disciplines, either given by or relating to women. TEDxWomen events are organized around the official TEDWomen conference.
• Salon event (TEDxParklandsSalon) – This is a small weekly or monthly event that keeps a TEDx community engaged between regularly scheduled TEDx events.
• Youth event (TEDxYouth@Parklands) – This is a TEDx event organized by, or catered toward, youth and/or kids or school communities.

Other TEDx licenses include: 

• University event 
• Library event 
• ED event 
• Business event
• Internal event 
• TEDxLive event
• Level 2 event

While the TEDxWomen Event license is issued to host events that celebrate ideas either given by or relating to women, I am keen on ensuring that TEDxParklandsWomen, in particular, is an inclusive event that concentrates on driving conversation around our 2019 theme Bold+Brilliant – Without Apology.

Therefore, Our event is conceptualized to engage with Nairobi’s most extraordinary risk-takers and innovators regardless of their gender. This is why we have intentionally created 10 Speaker Categories designed to stimulate conversation around subject areas we find pertinent in light of our realities in Nairobi and in Kenya as a whole. Some categories mirror the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to ensure global relevance. 

Ultimately, we are looking for speakers (men and women) who can share ideas that will drive a well-rounded discussion. Our categories are:

• Corporate Sensations
• Entrepreneurship
• Fashion, Arts, Media & Entertainment (FAME)
• Gender Equality
• Good Health & Wellbeing
• Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
• Sports
• Sustainability and Environmental Conservation
• Technology, Industry & Innovation
• Youth Culture

While the undertone remains a celebration of women, the platform remains inclusive for all.

TEDxParklandsWomen activities are coordinated by a diverse team of local organizers and volunteers who are united by a desire to use inspired thinkers as drivers of change through sharing ideas. 

You can also reach us through our social media pages i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin

Author’s note: This article first appeared here