Program Overview

Introduction to the TuksRes Women in Leadership Academy

The University of Pretoria TuksRes Women in Leadership Academy (TRWLA) was established in 2014 to provide a platform for enriching the lives of young women at university. Despite progress towards a more gender-equal society, much work remains to be done. The academy aims to address this by empowering young women to reach their full potential.

Background

The TRWLA was founded to provide opportunities for growth and empowerment to young female students. The academy focuses on the pillars of service, network, and skills, partnering with first and second-year female students in residences across the university. The goal is to enable these students to become agents of change, critical thinkers, and pioneers in their fields.

Structure

The academy pairs each of the 18 residences with a facilitator, a senior student leader trained in mentorship and leadership development. Throughout the year, facilitators deliver content lessons designed by a life-coaching consultancy. Students are also required to attend a series of workshops, seminars, and community engagement events. At the end of the year, students who meet the required criteria graduate from the academy and are officially recognized by the University of Pretoria.

Curriculum

The curriculum is divided into three main areas: Service, Networking, and Skills.

Service

Community engagement is encouraged to instill servant-hearted leadership. Events are organized with local underprivileged schools throughout the year. Grade 11 and 12 female learners are brought to the university to spend the day with academy students, who teach them the skills they have learned, provide information on tertiary study and funding, and develop mentor-mentee relationships.

Networking

Relationships are key in the academy. Students are encouraged to have and be a mentor, as well as to foster positive relationships with other student leaders. Guest speakers are invited to provide greater access to female role models. The academy also encourages greater engagement between societies promoting gender equality on campus.

Skills

Skills are taught in the five content lessons, guest speaker sessions, and workshops throughout the year. These focus on business, leadership, and life skills.