Background
The University of Pretoria TuksRes Women in Leadership Academy (TRWLA) was started in 2014 in order to provide a platform through which to enrich the lives of young women at university. Whilst large strides have been made towards obtaining a more gender equal society, much work still needs to be done. The McKinsey insights report on gender parity from September 2015, rated the gender parity in Sub Saharan Africa to be just 0.57. We aim to change this statistic. We love our country and have a passion for becoming agents of change. The world needs more critical thinkers, more captains of industry, more women who pioneer the way. We hope to be a part of enabling that process of growth in young women and investing not just into people, but also into the heart of South Africa. Starting at the beginning of their university career, we focus on providing young female students with opportunities for growth and empowering them to use their potential. At the core of the academy are the pillars of service, network and skills. We partner with first and second year female students in residences across the university and embark on a year of leadership training. Structure
Each of the 18 residences is paired with a facilitator, a senior student leader who has been trained in mentorship and leadership development. Throughout the year, the facilitators deliver content lessons designed by a life-coaching consultancy. At the end of the year, students who have met the minimum criteria graduate from the academy and are officially recognized by UP.
2016 CURRICULUM
Skills
Our 2016 topics include: creative innovation and solution based thinking, role models, networking, branding and public speaking, developing your personal leadership style, understanding our South African context as well as time and stress management. Throughout the year we have workshops focusing on gender violence awareness, South African problems and solutions, and public speaking practical coaching. Guest speakers are also invited to share with the students and create dialogue regarding issues facing women in our society. Service
The philosophy of the academy is that leadership is service and service is leadership. Our aim is to develop servant hearted leaders with a keen appreciation of their context and community and to lead through empowering others. Our community service project runs in conjunction with local disadvantaged schools in Pretoria. Grade 11 and 12 schoolgirls are brought to UP on a regular basis, where students of the academy have the opportunity to teach the skills they have acquired, as well as provide information regarding tertiary education and funding, basic health, first aid and hygiene information and form mentorship bonds. Network
The academy provides a place for young female student leaders to connect and build mutually beneficial relationships. Students, facilitators and management are encouraged to mentor one another and share opportunities for growth. It is intended that guest speakers, workshop coordinators and affiliates to the academy will further build into this network that will ensure sustainable leadership development.
