HERS-SA, a self-sustaining non-profit organisation, is a managed network, formed to address the critical shortage of women in senior positions in the Higher Education (HE) sector in South Africa. The current gender imbalance in this area is highlighted as a matter of concern in the National Plan for Higher Education (NPHE). Our activities, endorsed by Ms Naledi Pandor, the current Minister of Education, include, inter alia, short professional development workshops, networking opportunities, awareness raising interventions and our premier event, the HERS-SA ACADEMY.
The ACADEMY is a seven-day interactive professional development opportunity for women employed in Higher Education throughout Southern Africa. It is aimed at those women currently employed or possessing the potential to be employed, at the senior management level. The programme is designed to present an overarching perspective of higher education. Networking among the 80 participants and over 35 presenters forms a key compondent of the ACADEMY.
Once again a unique opportunity will be offered for women to shape their own programme to suit their development needs. Each morning the delegates will hear from plenary speakers chosen for their Higher Education expertise. Afternoons will be devoted to professional development workshops pre-selected by the delegates. These workshops address a range of key issues in higher education and critical areas related to personal development. Evening dinners are networking opportunities enhanced by the contributions of inspirational women who share their life and career stories.
All women who:
- currently hold a senior position in a HE institution
- wish to prepare for a senior management position in a HE institution
- are keen to develop strategic management skills
- would benefit from the opportunity to reflect on their own professional development
- would value the opportunity to meet and network with other senior women employed in HE in Southern Africa
are invited to attend the HERS-SA ACADEMY provided they have the relevant institutional approval.
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“The ACADEMY has been an inspirational, educational and motivating event. I enjoyed the warm and welcoming environment this special event brought to women. It's a wonderful opportunity to network with many diversified, successful women, and it's awesome to see them recognized.”
"It has been an eye-opener, a challenge, a rich learning experience and has provided a wonderful opportunity for networking."
“HERS SA gave me a new perspective on the scope of possibilities in higher education as I come back with refreshed thinking on carving my destiny! I was inspired to see women making it to the very top in HE against all odds."
“Thanks to HERS-SA team for putting together such a wonderful professional development academy; this has contributed tremendously to my personal growth and professional development.”
“The lesson that I brought home from HERS-SA is that we should invest more time and energy in developing and nurturing ourselves and other women within the higher education sector.”
"I would not have considered applying for my job as Assistant Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs had it not been for my HERS-SA experience."
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