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

Jacqui Barker

Global OEM Strategy Director at Keyloop

Objectives of the Fellowship

Empowerment

...through knowledge. Provide women in higher education with the confidence, knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to navigate prevalent challenges.

Network Building

...and mentorship. Facilitate a strong network for professionals within the higher education sector, fostering mentorship and collaboration opportunities.

Development

...through interdisciplinary exchanges with participants and guests from around the world, this Fellowship will support women towards reaching their potential and help them navigate structural obstacles.

Applications For This Cohort Are Now Closed.

Follow our social media to learn more about the next Fellowship opening.

Donate to Empower 30 Women in Higher Education

Donations are powered by GlobalGiving, all amounts are appreciated.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meetings are held monthly online on Fridays at 12.00 London time.

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.

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.

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.

 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

3rd 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
TBA
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.