Dr. Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director of FAWE Africa, joined a distinguished panel of leaders at the President’s Meeting hosted by the Mastercard Foundation in Edinburgh. The panel brought together industry visionaries like Tina Muparadzi, Executive Director of Education and Transitions at Mastercard Foundation; Dr. Patrick Awuah, President of Ashesi University; Lisa García-Bedolla, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Dean at UC Berkeley; and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor at Makerere University. The discussion delved into insights from longitudinal studies on youth transitions, education access, and gender-responsive strategies to foster student success. The fruitful dialogues underscored an inspiring future for FAWE’s initiatives in empowering young women in Africa through education.

FAWE, an advocate for quality, gender-responsive education, champions the alignment of academic programs with workforce demands, fostering dignified employment opportunities for youth.

Here’s how:
1. Practical and Transferable Skills: Academic institutions should prioritize skill-building that enhances employability and nurtures entrepreneurial capacities, providing students with the tools they need to excel in various industries.
2. Industry-Driven Curriculum: Collaborating with industry experts to regularly update curricula ensures that programs remain relevant to evolving job market demands, keeping students well-prepared for real-world challenges.
3. Diverse Teaching Approaches: FAWE advocates for varied instructional methods and private-sector partnerships that provide students with hands-on experience and exposure to professional environments, making learning both dynamic and applicable.
4.  Bridging Educational Levels: Addressing the quality gap between secondary and tertiary education creates smoother transitions, empowering students to continue their educational journey with confidence and readiness.
Empowering Young Female Leaders for Policy Change
FAWE’s commitment to uplifting young female leaders is rooted in creating pathways for policy influence and systemic change:
1️⃣ Cultivating Leadership Potential: By fostering environments where young women feel encouraged to lead, FAWE is creating a platform for them to drive transformative change in their communities and beyond.
2️⃣ Mentorship by Female Leaders: Accessible mentorship from established female leaders can be instrumental in helping young women envision and realize their leadership potential, ultimately influencing policy and societal progress.
3️⃣ Advocating for Equal Opportunities: Recognizing and addressing barriers like ageism and gatekeeping, FAWE stands for equal opportunities that allow young women to step into leadership roles, contributing to sustainable, gender-responsive education reform.

The event not only sparked meaningful exchanges but also reaffirmed FAWE’s dedication to empowering youth and fostering gender equity through education. By equipping young women with the skills, mentorship, and support they need, FAWE envisions a future where young female leaders play a pivotal role in driving policy change for a more inclusive world.