Gulu University is hosting the Seventh HERS Academy

Gulu University is hosting the Seventh Higher Education Resource Services -East Africa Academy Program running from July 20th to 25th,2024. This Academy is deeply rooted in increasing the proportion of women in leadership and management positions in Higher Education Institutions.

The Academy started with launching its Regional Office at Gulu University on Thursday ,18th July ,2024 in collaboration with educationists from Eastern African countries including (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Uganda under the theme; Reimagining Women Leadership in Higher Education for the 21st Century.

The Higher Education Resource Services, East Africa (HERS-EA) Academy will seek to provide an intensive leadership and management development curriculum which equips women with skills needed to advance their personal career development and successfully navigate the institutional environment where they operate.

Prof.Openjuru George Ladaah, the Gulu University Vice-Chancellor in his welcome statement on Saturday 20th July 2024 at Acholi Inn Hotel during the official launch of the Academy said HERS-EA has been at the forefront of promoting leadership development for women in academia, and equipping them with the skills needed to advance their personal career development and navigating the complex institutional landscape through several of such platforms.

Reflecting on Gulu University, he added that Chief Human Resources, Deputy and Dean of students, Deputy Dean Faculty of Science including Dean Faculty of Law among others are all competent women heading these Faculties at the University as a true mirror that the university is committed to support women leadership.

“In Gulu University, we strive for community transformation, and this can only be achieved if women are placed at the forefront. Gulu University is committed to gender equity, and we will continue to promote equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender. As we participate in this academy, we envision an East Africa where women lead with confidence, where their voices shape policies, and where their contributions transform our institutions. As Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, I am proud to host this gathering. Let us engage, learn, and inspire one another. Together, we redefine women’s leadership for the 21st century”. Prof.Openjuru Submitted

While addressing educationists and stakeholders during the official launch of the program, Dr Naomi Lumutenga, the Co-Founder of the HERS-Seventh Academy program, said the program is going to focus on managing and leading change, human resource development and institutional effectiveness that will see more women brought in leadership positions.
She adds that through the Academy every participant will be strengthened and provided with leadership skills.

Her Excellency Estsegent Bezabih, the Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda, has urged women in East African countries to take advantage of the academy and join leadership.

She appealed to the universities in the various East African countries to use the program well and empower more women if they are to achieve the equality they need in higher education institutions.
Doreen Chemutai, Gender mainstreaming Coordinator at Gulu University, said it is a very instrumental program for the university because it will serve to inspire the women and also build the capacities of women to take on leadership.

According to Chemutai, currently the region has very few women in leadership and this program will provide an opportunity to raise the number of more women into leadership.

She said with this program the women will be mentored to help them achieve an increasing number of women in leadership positions adding that the academy will also go on inspiring the women in other aspects of life to gain their prestige as women and also understand their abilities to be able to live a fulfilled life as women.