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• Celebrating Women's Leadership in Education: Reflections on the Women Leadership Program Brunch

On the 16th of August, in the heart of Women’s Month, the Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute (ALLI) and the University of Pretoria hosted the Women Leadership Program brunch. This event was more than just a celebration—it was a powerful affirmation of the potential and influence of women’s leadership within the education sector.

The newly established Women Leadership Programme at the University of Pretoria is a testament to the institution's commitment to fostering gender parity in education. It recognizes the vital role that women play in shaping educational outcomes across diverse contexts and advocates for increased awareness, support, and training to further elevate women’s leadership in this sphere.

Our discussions during the brunch centered around the challenges and opportunities that women leaders face in education. We explored innovative ways to garner resources and forge partnerships that can help realize the full potential of women’s leadership. The insights shared were both inspiring and practical, laying the groundwork for meaningful change in our academic landscape.

This event was made possible through the hard work and determination of Prof Tanya van Wyk, who leads the Women Leadership Program with unwavering dedication. Her efforts, supported by Vice Principal: Academic Prof Loretta Feris and the Director of ALLI, Prof Derick de Jongh, have been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life. Their leadership and vision have created a platform for impactful dialogue and action.

In preparation for this event, we embarked on a roadshow to visit leading women across all faculties at the University of Pretoria. These conversations were invaluable, providing a diverse range of perspectives that enriched our discussions at the brunch.

We were honored to have Prof Flavia Senkubuge, Acting Vice-Principal: Student Life at the University of Pretoria and Chair of the WHO/Afro region African Advisory Council on Research and Development, as our keynote speaker. Her words resonated deeply, highlighting the importance of intentional leadership and the power of women to drive change within and beyond academia.

The event also underscored the importance of international collaboration. Prof Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President (International, Engagement & Service) at King’s College London, shared her insights on the power of global partnerships in advancing women’s leadership. Her contributions reinforced the value of working together across borders to achieve shared goals.

As we move forward, the Women Leadership Program at the University of Pretoria will continue to champion the cause of women in education, advocating for their empowerment and amplifying their voices in all spheres. We are committed to creating a future where gender parity is not just an aspiration but a reality.

Together, we can realize the transformative power of women’s leadership in education.