Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has called on universities, leaders, and researchers to take the lead in Africa’s renaissance. Prof. Nawangwe made the remarks during the United Nations General Assembly’s Science Summit in New York.
“We are the people to handle the renaissance. We must ensure that Africa leads,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “The renaissance of Africa should be inclusive. Women should not be left behind. Women should be part of leadership, higher education, and development.”
Prof. Nawangwe’s comments came during a panel discussion titled “AAP Dialogue Series: Advancing The Role of Women in Science for Sustainable Development in Africa: Lessons for Leadership of Higher Education Institutions.” The discussion highlighted the slow progress in achieving gender equity in African higher education institutions, citing deeply entrenched cultural norms, inadequate policy implementation, and resource constraints.
Citing statistics from reputable researchers, Prof. Nawangwe noted that women’s representation in leadership, science, and development in African institutions remains alarmingly low. For instance, women’s enrollment in higher education across Africa is still below 15%.
However, Prof. Nawangwe shared Makerere University’s success story, where affirmative action policies have led to significant increases in women’s enrollment. From less than 15% in 1990, women now make up 53% of the university’s student population. Women’s enrollment in STEM fields has also risen from 30% to 45% in just three years.
Makerere University’s staff composition has become more gender-balanced, with women accounting for 35% of staff. Prof. Nawangwe attributed this progress to deliberate policies and strategies.
“We need to come up with strong policies about the inclusion of women in higher education and development,” Prof. Nawangwe stressed. He advocated for planned and deliberate gender-inclusive strategies at national, regional, and continental levels.
Dr. Teressa Woodruff, President Emerita of Michigan State University, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of making women visible. “If women are not visible, that country will not advance. Make women visible through governance, economic empowerment, end violence against women, and ensure peace and stability.”
The panel discussion included distinguished experts such as Dr. Dorothy Ngila, Director of Strategic Partnerships, National Research Foundation (NRF) South Africa; Dr. Lorenza Fluks, Human Sciences Research Council; and Dr. Michele Mbo’o-Tchouawou, Deputy Director for Programs at the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development.
As Makerere University continues to prioritize gender inclusion, Prof. Nawangwe announced plans to benchmark with universities in South Africa, recognized for their progress in promoting women in leadership and science.
The university will focus on intervention areas such as mentorship, early career research programs, and soliciting grants dedicated to women’s growth and empowerment.
By prioritizing gender inclusion and empowering women, Africa can unlock its full potential and lead its own renaissance.
