The North-West University's (NWU’s) People and Culture division will be launching a Women in Leadership Programme on 25 August 2023 at the Riverside Sun Hotel in Vanderbijlpark.

This programme is part of the NWU’s strategic initiatives led by the principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, and aligns with the university’s multigenerational strategy.

By identifying and nurturing women with high potential, this programme will ensure a steady supply of qualified candidates for leadership positions, closing the gender gap in the talent pool and facilitating long-term succession planning.

Furthermore, it aims to address leadership issues focusing on women's professional development, women's empowerment, and how they can leverage their strengths to thrive and advance in the higher education sector.

The theme of the launch is "How to thrive as an influential woman leader in higher education”, and will feature a keynote address by the NWU chancellor Dr Anna Mokgokong.

Other notable speakers will include Tintswalo Mukhari, who will talk about overcoming bias in higher education, and Siwela Masoga, who will discuss breaking barriers in male-dominated industries.

According to event organiser Ntsako Nkuna from People and Culture, the programme – which is intended for women leaders in the early or middle stages of their careers – will also include roundtable discussions.

“After the launch, People and Culture will design and implement training interventions tailored to women’s specific needs. These interventions will be based on the outcomes from the roundtable discussions,” adds Ntsako.

Ntsako Nkuna