The NWU buzzed with energy and purpose recently as the Gender-Responsive Opportunities for Women in Academia (GROW) Gender Summit 2026 brought together a powerhouse of professors, scholars, and change-makers from across the globe at the Tsebonokeng Hall.

The event marked the conclusion of a year-long partnership between the NWU and the University of Lincoln. Funded by the British Council, the initiative focused on leadership development, mentorship, and research training for female academics across the SADC region.

The summit coincided with International Women’s Day, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equity. While South Africa sees more women enrolled in universities than men, keynote speaker Dr Meekness Lunga-Ayidu warned that this does not always lead to jobs or fair treatment.

“There are more women in universities, yet unemployment among women remains higher, and gender disparities persist,” she noted, calling for policies to be turned into real action.

Other speakers, including Dr Asiphe Mxalisa and Dr Lynelle Coxen, urged women to support one another through intergenerational mentorship. They encouraged leaders to ensure the hardships they once faced are not passed down to the next generation of staff.

The project, which ran from April 2025 to April this year, has already seen tangible results, including several participants moving into higher roles during the programme. Mentees completed or had their doctoral degrees approved. Monthly webinars and workshops built a new support system for women across Southern Africa.

The event featured an executive leadership panel, including voices from the University of the Free State and UNISA. These leaders discussed how to transform university spaces that were historically not designed for women.

Project co-host Dr Debbie Mtshelwane hailed the summit a success, stating it has created a lasting platform for leadership that will continue to strengthen the careers of women academics for years to come.