WLP Our work

OUR WORK

 

Our dynamic approach blends structured training, mentorship, research, thought leadership, and international exchange to cultivate a prosperous and inclusive leadership culture in higher education. This approach empowers women stepping into academic and professional roles while actively nurturing women leaders.

 

1. Training and Research

 

We have designed our training and research to be flexible and multi-faceted, allowing participants to choose learning paths that fit their leadership goals. By combining solid academic knowledge with real-world skills, we create a strong leadership foundation that encourages thoughtful reflection and practical action. This includes:

• LeadHer Training Programme: A key program that mixes lessons, personal reflections, and hands-on leadership skills over six months. LeadHer is primarily designed for women academics, particularly at the senior lecturer and early associate professor levels, as well as senior professional staff women. Participants are selected via a self-nomination process and reviewed by the WLP’s Internal Steering Committee. A certificate of completion is issued to those who participate fully in the programme.
• Exploratory Workshops: Short, one-time sessions to inspire curiosity and encourage meaningful dialogue.
• Research Integration Platform: A place where academic research meets real-life leadership issues. It helps participants share what they learn to influence policies and drive organisational change.

 

2.  Discussion Forums

 

We believe that developing leadership should be based on open conversations, curiosity, and sharing knowledge. This platform is central to our learning community, where ideas and real-life experiences come together, and personal stories help us learn about leadership. It connects people from all over the university to look at leadership in different ways:

• Expert and Public Lectures: Events where important speakers, both local and global, talk to the UP community about important issues related to gender and leadership.
• Short Seminars: Focused sessions that share knowledge specifically designed for students, Faculty, or support staff.
• Fireside Chats: Personal storytelling events where women can share their leadership experiences, challenges, and successes.
• Brown Bags @ UP: Casual lunchtime discussions with scholars, professionals, and students to build community and exchange ideas.

 

3. Preparation and Mentorship

 

We offer personalised mentorship and support to help women advance academically and professionally, fostering a confident and sustainable leadership culture.

• Cohort Identification: We identify and support diverse women at various career stages, focusing on clear criteria and institutional needs, creating a strong pipeline of leaders aligned with UP’s goals.
• Mentorship: We build formal and informal mentoring relationships to provide aspiring leaders with career advice, research guidance, and leadership support from experienced women.
• Career Preparation: We help participants prepare for leadership roles through interview coaching, CV workshops, and mock assessments.
• Coaching and Wellbeing: We provide one-on-one coaching, mental wellness check-ins, and sessions on resilience and self-leadership, supporting leaders in all aspects of their lives.

 

4. Exchange and Immersion Experiences

 

To develop transformative leaders, we offer immersive and practical leadership opportunities. These real-world experiences enable participants to practice leadership in context, enhance their visibility, and build confidence through hands-on experience.

• Committee Immersions: Selected participants attend or observe key leadership and governance meetings (such as Faculty Boards and Strategy Committees). They serve as delegates or observers to gain insight into institutional decision-making.
• Succession Planning Pathways: These experiences are part of a long-term strategy to prepare women for leadership roles by allowing them to engage in these roles firsthand.
• Exchange Opportunities: Through our international and inter-institutional networks, participants can take part in short- and long-term exchanges or pilot training experiences. These opportunities expose them to diverse leadership models and academic cultures.

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