Higher Education Resource Services – South Africa (HERS-SA) recently held the 2023 Higher Education Women Leaders Awards (HEWLA) to celebrate extraordinary women leaders making a positive impact in and outside their universities. Prof Meahabo Magano, Unisa Women’s Forum Chairperson and Acting Executive Director of the Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning, and Prof Fortunate Silinda, Chair of Unisa’s Psychology Department, made it as finalists in the top ten of the Women in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) and the top five of the Emerging Young Women Leaders categories, respectively.

Prof Fortunate Silinda (centre) supported by Prof Lindiwe Zungu (left) and Prof Mokgadi Matlakala (right) from Unisa's School of Social Sciences

The awards ceremony is held annually to recognise the achievement of women who lead and motivate others, and is aimed at inspiring and attracting new leadership talent to the higher education sector, thus creating role models advancing gender transformation and developing visibility for higher education women leaders in South Africa.

The Women in Humanities and Social Sciences category acknowledges female leaders and their incredible work in the humanities and social sciences field. It also focuses on innovative learning and teaching practices, community engagement activities, capacity development initiatives and other HSS achievements.

The Emerging Young Women Leaders category also celebrates under-40 individuals who contribute excellently as leaders. They must have less than ten years in a leadership role and be exceptional young leaders with at least two years in the higher education sector, whether academic or non-academic. Essentially, their career trajectory must be impactful to other women in the sector. The finalists received certificates of recognition and one-year brand coaching to work on their brands.

Silinda says that she appreciates her family, mentors and colleagues’ unwavering support, which makes her journey possible. She remarks: "As an emerging young woman leader, my passion lies in driving change, fostering inclusivity, and fueling innovation within the sector." Silinda asserts that this recognition is a reminder of the transformative power that young women hold in shaping a brighter and more equitable future. "It underscores my belief in my capacity to effect positive change, inspire those around me, and navigate challenges with resilience," adds Silinda.

She says being a finalist amidst an exceptional group of young women striving to enact meaningful change within their respective domains is humbling and motivating. She further affirms that the recognition validates her work efforts thus far and emboldens her to continue serving as a catalyst for progress, equality, and empowerment. Silinda states that she appreciates the opportunities this opens for her to make a substantive impact in her community and beyond. She continues: "The recognition also reinforces my commitment to the values and principles that guide my leadership journey."

Acknowledging remarkable women in academia, Silinda says: "Your presence, invaluable perspectives and contributions in the higher education realm are inspiring. In the pursuit of knowledge, you are shaping the future of academia and carving paths that future generations will follow."

Silinda further reminds women leaders that challenges are not obstacles but opportunities for growth and that they should embrace them with courage and determination. "Your impact reaches far beyond the present, and your contributions leave an indelible mark on the future of education, opening doors for other aspiring women leaders and shaping the landscape for the better," she affirms.

Advising aspiring young women, Silinda says: "To succeed in higher education, you need to, among other factors, embrace lifelong learning and establish clear goals to make informed decisions." In conclusion, she remarks: "Seek mentors within the higher education sector to offer guidance, share insights, and provide networking opportunities that can propel your career forward. Always prioritise self-care or your wellbeing to ensure a successful and fulfilling career."

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* By Nancy Legodi, Acting Senior Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement