HERS-SA’s History

The history of

HERS-SA

The Inspiring Journey of HERS-SA: Pioneering Women's Leadership in Higher Education

Higher Education Resource Services South Africa (HERS-SA) stands as a beacon of progress, a self-sustaining non-profit organization (NPO) registered with the Department of Social Development in September 2003. Dedicated to the advancement and leadership development of women within the higher education sector, HERS-SA has been tirelessly advocating for and contributing to the career progression of women through meticulously designed programmes. Our commitment is to foster gender equity in South African higher education, aligning our efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

HERS-SA is an independent chapter of HERS Mid-America. Ongoing contact and co-operation have grown in both directions. Inspired by the American HERS programme and with the initial support of the Andrew W Mellon Foundation, HERS-SA first began offering professional development programmes for academic and Professional Administrative Support Service women in South Africa in 2000.

Organisational summary

Sarah Riordan, Desiree Simons, Penny Franz and the late Lesley Shackleton — established HERS-SA to address the shortage of women in senior positions in higher education.

A Legacy of Empowerment:

2003: HERS-SA was officially established, marking the beginning of a new era for women in academia.
2005: We launched the HERS-SA ACADEMY, our flagship program, providing a transformative blend of enrichment, networking, and professional development, tailored specifically for women in higher education.
2007: The HERS-SA Mentorship Programme was introduced to offer personalized support and guidance, enhancing individual growth and leadership skills.
2012: By establishing the HERS-SA Alumni Network, we’ve ensured that the journey of leadership continues beyond our programmes, fostering a community of change-makers.
2014: The HERS-SA Emerging Women Leaders Programme was initiated to equip early to mid-career women with the necessary skills to ascend into leadership roles, significantly impacting the leadership pipeline in academia.

Our Connection with HERS Mid-America:

As an independent chapter of HERS Mid-America, HERS-SA maintains a dynamic relationship of mutual growth and cooperation. Initially inspired by the American HERS programme and with the pioneering support from the Andrew W Mellon Foundation, we began offering professional development for academic and Professional Administrative Support Service women in South Africa as early as 2000.

Our Vision for the Future:

HERS-SA is not just about celebrating past achievements but forging ahead with an ambitious vision:

Expand Collaboration: We invite colleges and universities to collaborate in running our Emerging Women Leaders Programme, embedding our successful methods into their institutions to foster a new generation of female leaders.
Corporate Partnerships: Multinational corporations and businesses can adopt HERS-SA’s programmes for their leadership training, enhancing corporate culture with diverse, inclusive leadership perspectives.
Sponsorship and Support: Sponsoring or supporting HERS-SA means contributing to initiatives that drive gender equity, ensuring more women have access to leadership opportunities, thus making a tangible impact on society and the workplace.

Learning

Lifting

Leading

Why Partner with HERS-SA?

Expertise and Impact: With nearly two decades of experience, HERS-SA has a proven track record in developing leaders who are not only equipped to lead but are committed to promoting inclusivity.
Networking and Growth: Our programmes offer exceptional networking opportunities, linking participants with a vibrant community of professionals, mentors, and leaders both locally and globally.
Cultural Transformation: By aligning with HERS-SA, institutions and companies can be part of a transformative journey towards gender equity in leadership, creating a lasting legacy in both academia and corporate sectors.