Chronicle Editor
Esinathy Sibanda, Business Reporter
A SCHOLARSHIP programme for young women business leaders has been launched in Bulawayo through a joint partnership between SHE-CAN Campaign Zimbabwe, Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development and the National University of Science and Technology (Nust).
The initiative was officially launched last week at Nust and is expected to offer 40 scholarships to qualifying female students wishing to further their tertiary education studies to a masters’ level.
The scholarship programme will run for twelve years under the university’s Faculty of Commerce and the Graduate School of Business.
Speaking at the launch SHE-CAN programme co-ordinator, Ms Louise Staddon, said the programme was aimed at leadership capacity building among young women, which will assist in economic development.
“The scholarships will be offered to a select few high calibre post-graduate young women scholars aiming at integrating theory and practice to produce women who aspire towards senior management,” she said.
“To this end, we have come together with other stakeholders to spend the next 12 years seeking and providing technical and additional support to young women.”
Ms Staddon said her organisation was working with Government and strategic partners in order to strengthen efforts on girls’ education and inherently meeting Goal 5 of the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Interested students should meet all the entry requirements and hold relevant undergraduate degrees with a 2.2 pass mark from an accredited university.
Applicants should also hold at least one year practical work experience gained at supervisory or managerial level.
“The scholarship is a fully paid programme covering transport, accommodation, food and tuition for the entire programme. Applications will close on January 31, 2019. Application forms are available on the SHE-CAN website,” said Dr Thando Sibanda from SHE-CAN.
“Nust Vice Chancellor Professor Mqhele Dlodlo said this was first of its kind to have so many scholarships offered to students at once.
“I would like to recommend the efforts put across by SHE-CAN to empower and capacitate female students through education. I am glad that Nust is part of this major partnership,” he said.
— @esinathy_essira.
Online Reporter