Governor-General networks with Australian Leadership Awardees
18 September, 2012
Governor-General Quentin Bryce at a networking lunch at Government House with ten African women all studying under the Australian Leadership Awards. Photo: Government House
Governor-General Quentin Bryce today hosted a networking lunch at Government House with African women aspiring to become leaders. Ten women, all Masters students studying under the Australian Leadership Awards, were there to develop informal relationships with Australian women leaders. The lunch coincided with the African women’s participation in the Australian Leadership Awards Conference in Canberra this week.
The 10 women are from nine African countries: Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Zambia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Mozambique. They are completing their Masters degrees in a range of subjects including forest ecosystem science; health economics and policy; social change and development; midwifery; diplomacy and trade; dispute resolution; international relations; governance and public policy; professional accounting and management.
The 10 African women are among 200 of the most outstanding recipients of AusAID’s Development Award Scholarships who have been selected to receive the prestigious supplementary Australian Leadership Award. They are being provided with leadership coaching through conferences and internships, as well as opportunities to network with professionals from similar fields through the Leadership for Development Program. The Australian Leadership Awards aim to develop leadership for development skills and build personal links and partnerships between developing countries and Australia.
The Governor-General introduced these future African leaders to a small network of leading Australian women from various fields. These connections frequently evolve into informal mentoring relationships while the awardees are completing their post-graduate studies in Australia, and continue after their return home.
The Governor-General has been a strong supporter of emerging African women leaders since her visit to the continent in 2009. In March 2011 she delivered an address to the Australian Leadership Award recipients at their annual conference.
The Australian government is providing over 1,000 Australia Awards as part of its increasing engagement in Africa. Australia Awards in Africa offer a range of long-term and short-term study opportunities to enhance good policy making, service delivery and other government reforms to improve the lives of those living in poverty.
Official photographs of the event are available on the Governor-General’s website.
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