Public Roundtable: Beyond Representation: Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Transforming Academic Cultures in African Higher Education

For online participation: https://maxweberstiftung.zoom-x.de/j/62475717218

Women are increasingly getting represented in African higher education, including in academic leadership positions. While this marks important progress, the numbers remain far from being equitable. More importantly, the representations do not automatically translate into impact or influence. The challenge is not only increasing the number of women in leadership, but also creating an environment in which they are able to shape institutional cultures, influence decision-making, lead research and innovation, and contribute to lasting change.

This roundtable brings together experienced women in academic leadership to reflect on their leadership journeys while engaging with the broader question of what it takes to move beyond representation to meaningful influence. Drawing on their experiences, the discussion will explore the opportunities and barriers that shape women’s leadership, the role of institutions in promoting inclusive academic cultures, and how both individual agency and institutional commitment can contribute to transforming African higher education.

Speakers:

1. Prof. Gladys Nyarko Ansah (Head, Department of Communication Studies, University of Ghana)

2. Dr. Aminata Diop (Head, Department of Geography, FASTEF, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar)

3. Dr. Khaoula Matri (Sociology and Gender Studies, University of Sousse, Institute of Research on the Contemporary Maghreb in Tunis)

With English/French translation.

Organizing team: 

• Dr. Susann BALLER, Director (Centre Marc Bloch, Berlin)
• Prof. Grace DIABAH, Director (MIASA, University of Ghana)
• Prof.. Deborah ATOBRAH, Director (CEGENSA, University of Ghana)
• Prof. Charlotte WRIGLEY-ASANTE, Head of Department (Department of Geography, University of Ghana)
• Dr. Abena KYERE (CEGENSA, University of Ghana)
• Eleonora MARCHIONI (German Historical Institute Paris)
• Mathilde ACKERMANN (German Historical Institute Paris)