Celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) and Consultative Forum for the Launch of the African Women in Higher Education Network (WoHEN)

March 8th, 2021 | 10am – 1pm GMT 

The Association of African Universities (AAU) is the apex continental organisation and voice of higher education in Africa established 53 years ago.  The AAU prioritises strengthening intellectual engagement and discussions on topical issues that addresses Africa’s developmental goals, and generally global issues – be it already existing or emerging issues.

One of such key issues relates to gender inclusiveness, and AAU has been taking the lead to drive women and young girls’ equal participation in the higher education sector . As the forum for consultation, exchange of information and co-operation among institutions of Higher Education in Africa, AAU is cognisant of the gender imbalances in African higher education and has thus been dedicated to ensuring gender inclusiveness in its various initiatives and projects, including hosting its flagship Women in Leadership Positions in Higher Education (WoLPHE) Conference regularly. The promotion of gender equality is firmly rooted in the AAU’s Strategic Plan, which was carefully crafted to help Higher Education Institutions respond to the realisation of the targets of continental and global strategies, agenda’s and frameworks such as the Africa Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, the Continental Education Strategy for Education (CESA 16 -25) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Every year, 8^th March is set aside as International Women’s Day by the global community. The day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and also underscores the call to action for accelerating gender parity, raising awareness about women’s equality and fundraising for female-focused activities.

The theme for the 2021 celebration is ” Choose To Challenge”. This year, stakeholders are encouraged to use the day to choose to challenge and call out gender biases and inequalities.

In line with AAU being a key player and advocate in issues of women empowerment, the Association is marking the international Women’s Day on March 8^th by hosting a virtual discussion session on the theme, as well to consult and engage the African Higher Education Community to input into the establishment of the African Women in Higher Education Network (WoHEN), which will be launched by the AAU in July 2021. The network shall among others, engage similar minded bodies to ensure that it adds value to issues related to all women, teaching and non-teaching in the African higher education space. The detailed concept note for WoHEN  and programme for the International Women’s Day event will be made available to all registered participants.

Please Register here to participate –  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcoduitqzsoEtY32YvcgeN2nDHLLjmGP_wK

For further enquiries contact – fnkrumah@aau.org / +233 246425147