Re-imagining Women Leadership Through Inclusive Community Engagement

An invaluable resource for Higher Education managers, especially vice-chancellors of universities and heads of other tertiary institutions in Africa. This book gives live examples of empowering women leaders in higher education after decades of marginalization in this important sector. As a vice-chancellor of a premier university in Africa, who has led the struggle for women empowerment, this book has energized me, and it has given me tips on how to improve fairness, inclusivity and equity in higher education in Africa. Barnabas Nawangwe Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda For higher education leaders worldwide seeking proven strategies to tackle gender inequities in leadership roles, this book is an indispensable resource—a must-read for anyone committed to driving meaningful change in the academic landscape. Featuring chapters written by alumnae of the prestigious HERS-EA Academy, the book makes a vital contribution to the body of literature that chronicles models of transformative changes taking place within East African H.E. Institutions. The models prioritize collaborative efforts to address the deeply entrenched social, political, cultural, and economic barriers that have historically hindered the educational advancement and career progression of girls and women, especially in H.E. leadership. Gloria D. Thomas President, HERS USA Denver, Colorado, United States of America A powerful, comprehensive, and scholarly examination of the experiences and more importantly, impact, of “women leadership” in East African higher education institutions. It demonstrates the power of the HERS-East Africa leadership program to integrate inclusive engaged applied research; to elevate the importance of understanding cultural relevance and context; and to provide structured tools and strategies to address barriers to the advancement of women and girls in education. This is a must-read for scholars and practitioners who want to understand the magnitude of the opportunity and potential for educating women and girls in Africa. Menah Pratt Author of 'Black Wild Girl' and, Vice President of Strategic Affairs and Diversity and Professor of Education, Virginia Tech. A book full of wisdom from thinkers and leaders in education in East African institutions of higher learning. It chronicles the experiences of experts in various academic fields, unified by one vision: how to best help the development of outstanding women leaders in higher academic institutions. It is these academics and institutions they lead that form the backbone of African development and progress. More and more it is now acknowledged that women's education in Africa is essential in the continent's forward progress. The writers who are experts in their own fields are well versed in their disciplines and write with confidence, ease and fluidity - making this book a joy to read. Pius Kamau A retired general surgeon, President, Africa America Higher Education Partnerships, Co-founder, Africa Enterprise Group; and National Public Radio (NPR) commentator Courage comes in many forms. It is not only evidenced through great bravado, aggression, or momentous conflict. It can quietly be demonstrated through systemic institutional change, sound academic research, provocative but necessary scholastic work, and the persistent, steady, and steely-eyed determination to make a difference in the communities where we live. This is the courage I see in the important work of HERS-EA, and in the inspirational stories and messaging in this book. As a father and grandfather to girls, I encourage Chapter Four - Role of family in Shaping Women Leaders - to be essential reading for all male allies. While this book is focused on the important work of gender equity and higher educational reform in East Africa, it is an insightful read for anyone who shares a passion for the intersection of transformational leadership skills with community development. As I read this important work from my home, half a world away from North America, I implore everyone to not let the title limit or fool you. The quest for the greater feminization of leadership is global, and the lessons learned, and experiences of HERS-EA are so instructive for us all. Congratulations on a glorious decade of emerging success. I am eager and excited to see what these powerful women will do next! Dale W. Botting Founder and President, Global Alliance for Professionals in Leadership Development (GAPLD) (Former Deputy Minister of Ministries of Enterprise and Innovation in Saskatchewan, Canada) This book describes a unique multi-Tier culture-sensitive leadership model that helps women to advance their careers in higher education while also lifting other women at multiple levels of society whether they are girls at university or returning to school after dropping out (returning learners) or in the community (grass-roots women) with no prior education. As a male ally, I find this book uplifting as it is full of powerful and innovative pathways to advancing education and career development for women and girls everywhere for sustainable development. The book is a must-read for everyone particularly male allies or ‘righteous brothers’ who must equip girls and women in our lives and profession with the right tools to succeed in both their professional and personal life.  John David (Daudi) Kabasa Professor of Veterinary Medicine, and Former, Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda