Leadership Capacity Training to Female Staff Conducted

Training aimed at building the leadership capacity of female university staff of Haramaya University was conducted from Aug 3-6, 2021 at Harar Wonder Land Hotel. The training was organized by Institute of International Education’s (IIE) and FDRE Presidential Mentorship Program. 25 female academic staffs from all colleges took the training. According to the FDRE Presidential Mentorship Program Coordinator, Ms. Esete Kebede, the program initiated by President Sahle-Work Zewde. It is implemented by the IIE in partnership with Office of the President and Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MoSHE). And funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Ms. Esete added that the program aims at building the leadership capacity of female university students who are left with two years to graduate. It was indicated that 100 female students from Haramaya University were selected to take part in the program. 20 mentors were chosen to participate in the program. During the four days’ training, leadership and mentorship skills were cascaded and covered.

During the training, Dr. Yisak Yusuf, Vice President for Community Engagement & Enterprise Development, said today’s 51% of women in the world are increasing their participation in social, economic and political activities. This training also indicated that Haramaya University is working to increase its participation in collaboration with stakeholders by providing input on how to empower female students in the future. Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Country Director, Mrs. Ethiopia Tilahun, said even though there are gaps in accessing the opportunities, there are still women who are qualified to lead the country.  In this regard, she hopes that better opportunities will be given to women who are able to fulfill their responsibilities and to apply the compressed power within them.

The Project also looks at gaps in bringing more women to leadership positions in the country especially those in higher education.

Among the trainees, Rania Mohammed said that the training allowed her to test herself, identify her behavior and background. The other trainee, Bethlehem Demeke, said that training helped her clear her misunderstanding regarding leadership and added that it starts with oneself as it is part of the daily activities. Mrs. Emebet Belete, Director of the Directorate of Women, Children and Youth Affairs at Haramaya University, said female students are selected based on their qualifications and behavior to take part in the program.

Mrs. Emebet said the Directorate has planned a second and third round training in the similar manner.

the end of the four days’ training, Dr.Yisak Yusuf handed over certificates to the trainees.

Source: HARAMAYA University