Wits University today signed an agreement with the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF) to form a new Wits Chair in Gender Equality to be housed at and managed by Wits Business School (WBS).

The Chair will strengthen and support the development of female academics, researchers, and business leaders to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in senior leadership positions in academia and industry.

The agreement was signed by Dr Judy Dlamini, founder and chairperson of FALF and Chancellor of Wits University, and Prof Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation. 

“This research chair will be instrumental in creating a better understanding of the drivers behind the persistent under-representation of females in senior executive roles. We are delighted to be partnering with FALF towards a culture of inclusivity and excellence, not only in academia but in business and industry,” says Professor Jason Cohen, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management. 

FALF is a non-profit company whose function is, amongst other things, to enhance the potential of previously disadvantaged females through various academic scholarships and support.  Dr Judy Dlamini, indicated that the new chair has been made possible through generous funding from the Women’s Development Bank (WDB) Trust whose aim is to empower women to play leading roles in national development initiatives.

The Wits Chair in Gender Equality will, among others, support female master’s and doctoral graduates, boost the number of senior Black female academics and mentors, and help advance women’s participation in entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. 

“The launch of this chair could not have come at a more opportune time as WBS seeks to enhance its societal impact,” says Professor Logan Rangasamy, Interim Director and Head of WBS.  “A strong focus on gender issues and perspectives in leadership training will form a central part of our strategy over the next five years, and we thank Dr Dlamini and FALF for entrusting the school with this critically important programme.”