Professors Without Borders Think Tank
The Women In Higher Education Fellowship
About our programme
Despite record numbers of female students and faculty in higher education, women continue to hit the glass ceiling with less than 30% in top leadership positions. Many existing fellowships are behind paywalls or require institutional support, which can be arbitrarily withheld. Those who need the support and tools are least likely to have access to them.
The Empowering Women in Higher Education Fellowship aims to address some of the recurring challenges faced by women working in the higher education sector. Thirty women from around the world will be selected in the first cohort, and will serve as mentors for the next generation of the Fellowship, building a community of ongoing support that will help uplift women working in the higher education sector.
The Fellowship is hosted by the Think Tank of Professors Without Borders (Prowibo) and is led by Dr Caroline Varin, CEO of Prowibo and Dr Brieanne Beaujolais, Fullbright Scholar and researcher on gender and social justice.
This Fellowship is for women working in higher education whether at PhD level, research, teaching or administration. The Fellowship will take place over ten months with monthly meetings, guest speakers and roundtables.
Benefits for Fellows
A Community of Supportive Peers
Increased Confidence
Personal Growth & Development
Expanded Professional Network
Mentorship Opportunities
Management & Leadership Toolkit
Hosts
Dr Caroline Varin
CEO and Co-founder of Prowibo
Dr Brieanne Beaujolais
Fulbright Scholar, Gender and Social Justice Researcher
Chiedza Mutsaka Skyum
Program Director at beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship
Dr Ana Oliveira
COO of Prowibo
Upcoming Host
Inma Alvarez
Director of Postgraduate Research Studies at The Open University
Objectives of the Fellowship
Our 1st Fellowship cohort is in progress
Our Fellows for the 2023-24 Cohort are: Olubusayo Adebusuyi, Mildred Amugune, Sienna Ablorh, E.J. Alawode, Mary Tonze Auta, Yogita Bandhari, Deepti Bista, Zoe Chapman, Jean Chow, Ruth Cliff Moka, Noemi Castillo, Jessica Carr, Katie Davis, Fereshte Goshtasbpour, Ghada Abdel Hafeez, Angelique Ishimwe, Oluwaseun Iyasere, Patricia Kennon, Gauri Khanna, Sin Yee Koh, Ilka Kostka, Wirdzenyuy Susane Mensiy, Marine Milad, Dudziro Nhengu, Kudzai Mugadza, Edwick Murungu, Tyler Musgrave, An Nguyen, Mercy Ndoro, Mishaal Naidoo, Oluwayemi Odularu, Susi Poli, Marina Postlethwaite Bowler, Julia Sargent, Michelle Teo, Anne Wilshin, Xin Xu.
Donate to Empower 30 Women in Higher Education
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Insights on the Fellowship
"I wish early in my career I had been able to participate in a women-focused programme that would help me to navigate unspoken gender norms, develop confidence in my own voice, and join a community where women are supported by other women. I look forward to the opportunity to create a real and lasting impact for our fellows and the communities they serve."
Dr Brieanne Beaujolais, Co-host of Fellowship Meetings
"Many women working in academia, at least in the global south, settle for co-leadership positions despite having the intellectual & technical competence to lead independently. Career growth and development are not just for women in academic positions but for all women. I hope this Fellowship can connect women of diverse backgrounds who work in higher education so that together we can explore new possibilities of engagement."
Jacqueline Akello, Senior Grants Officer, Kabale University
FAQs
Who is this Fellowship for?
This Fellowship is for women working in higher education from PhD level, research, teaching or administration.
How do you select applicants?
We encourage women working in academia to apply. A selection committee at Prowibo will shortlist thirty participants for this first cohort based on how applicants describe how they could benefit from the Fellowship, and the extent to which they can contribute to the community. Applicants should have experience in either research, teaching, or academic administration and hold at least a Master’s degree. We are looking for a diverse cohort with representation across sectors. Participants interested in mentoring future cohorts will be prioritised.
How long does the Fellowship last?
The Fellowship will take place over ten months with monthly meetings, guest speakers and roundtables. Fellows will be encouraged to set the agenda for and participate in mentoring cohorts in the second year to deepen mentoring and networking opportunities.
How much does this Fellowship cost
Professors Without Borders believes that women should not be held back from participating in our Fellowship because of funding constraints. Therefore there will be no costs for Fellows.
All contributions, sponsorships and donations towards our programmes, however, are greatly appreciated.
When do the meetings take place?
Meetings are held monthly online on Fridays at 12.00 London time.
What happens at the meetings?
Each meeting will be moderated by a guest specialist in the chosen theme. There will be a short presentation, followed by questions and an opportunity for a roundtable of experience sharing and skills development.
Who designed and is leading this Fellowship?
The Fellowship is hosted by the Think Tank of Professors Without Borders (Prowibo) and is led by Dr Caroline Varin, CEO of Prowibo and Dr Brieanne Beaujolais, Fullbright Scholar and researcher on gender and social justice.
Who will be joining the meetings?
Meetings will be moderated by sector specialists with experience in industry and academia, and who will share updated research, strategies and best practices pertinent to the meeting’s theme.
What will I get from this Fellowship?
Access to a network of academics from across sectors and around the world. Opportunities for mentorship and mentoring. Joining a supportive community of women with shared experiences. Develop a new toolkit, including skills in communications, conflict management, leadership, negotiations and financial planning, helpful for navigating challenges in academia. Participate in an ideas bank that could lead to new research, collaborations and career development.
Events
| Dates | Topic | Hosts |
|---|---|---|
5th July 2024 | Meet the Team and Fellows, Set goals for individuals and the group | Caroline Varin, Ana Oliveira, Chiedza Skyum |
2nd August 2024 | Marketing and Promoting Yourself Online Safely | |
6th September 2024 | Mentoring: Building Meaningful Relationships in Academia | |
4th October 2024 | Public Speaking and the Unspoken | |
1st November 2024 | Leadership: Managing Conflict Around You | |
6th December 2024 | Roundtable: Setting the Tone for 2025 | All Fellows |
10th January 2025 | Where is the money? Finances, planning and alternative revenue streams for academics | |
7th February 2025 | Your Wellbeing: Dealing with the Grind of Academia | |
7th March 2025 | Education and Upskilling for Promotions in Academia and Management | TBA |
4th April 2025 | Promotions: Negotiating your Salary | TBA |
Applications For This Cohort Are Now Closed.
Follow our social media to learn more about the next Fellowship opening.