Empowering Women for Impact: Honoris United Universities’ Commitment to UN SDG 5

As we celebrate International Women’s Month this March, Honoris United Universities proudly aligns with the global theme, For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. At Honoris, gender equality is not just a goal but a driving force behind our mission to transform education across Africa. By supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (UN SDG 5) – Gender Equality, we are creating pathways for women to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

Championing Gender Equality in Education and Employment

Education is a powerful catalyst for change, and Honoris is committed to widening access to quality education for women and girls. Today, 53% of our student body is female, a steady increase from 52% in 2021, showcasing our efforts to bridge the gender gap in higher education. Equally significant is our workforce, where 57% of our employees are women, up from 53% just two years ago. This progress extends to leadership roles, with 49% of senior positions held by women, demonstrating our belief in promoting female talent at all levels.

Empowering Women Through Initiatives Across Our Network

Across our network of institutions, numerous initiatives are designed to empower women through education, mentorship, and leadership development. For instance, the Her Confidence Leadership & Mentorship Initiative at Nile University of Nigeria has connected over 650 female students with industry mentors, boosting their confidence and professional preparedness. At ESPRIT in Tunisia, the Cercle de Réflexion program provides a safe space for female STEM students to develop critical workplace skills and access valuable mentorship opportunities.

Red & Yellow Creative School of Business in South Africa has launched the AI for Educators program, equipping female teachers with the tools to harness artificial intelligence in their classrooms. By supporting women educators, we are indirectly influencing thousands of young women to pursue careers in tech and innovation, sectors traditionally underrepresented by females.

Building Future Leaders and Change-Makers

Beyond education, Honoris is committed to creating tangible career opportunities for women. Our Honoris Career Centers offer personalized employability services, helping women gain access to internships, mentorships, and networking opportunities. With over 1,000 employer partnerships, including collaborations with major global organizations, our students are well-positioned to excel in competitive industries.

The Support4Success (S4S) initiative at Université Mundiapolis de Casablanca, Morocco, goes further by providing tailored support to female students, including a Dropout Early Warning System that identifies at-risk students and offers targeted interventions. These programs are pivotal in ensuring that women not only access education but complete it successfully, ready to make an impact in their chosen fields.

A Call to Action

As we celebrate International Women’s Day and continue to focus on gender equity throughout March, we invite our community to join us in championing the rights, equality, and empowerment of women and girls. Together, we can build a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, contribute meaningfully to society, and inspire future generations.

To learn more about our impact and initiatives, explore our 2024 Honoris Impact Report and be part of this transformative journey towards a more inclusive and equitable world.