Women in Leadership Program
Empowering and inspiring women leaders
The Women in Leadership Program is an important leadership capability program and forms a part of the University’s suite of leadership development initiatives. The program runs in alignment with The University of Newcastle’s Workforce Gender Equity Plan, where increasing the number of women in senior and leadership roles is a priority area and the University’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Strategy. The program has been running since 2014.
The purpose of the program is to further develop senior Academic and Professional women’s leadership skills, knowledge and confidence, as well as increasing their opportunity to participate in positions of leadership.
One participant described the program as an invaluable shared learning experience:
Being immersed in the conversation about leadership, discussing the journey with peers from such a wide range of people from the university, seeing it role modelled and being able to investigate it with our senior women leaders was invaluable."
Program Highlights
- Engage with guest speakers and senior leaders who will share their experiences and insights
- Receive coaching, and be matched with a mentor to support your learning journey
- Collaborate on tangible solutions for challenges faced by women in the higher education setting
- Develop meaningful connections across the University network
Participant Information
The program is open to academic women (Levels C, D and E) and professional women (levels 8 and above). Women in these levels of seniority and interested in developing their leadership skills in the higher education sector are encouraged to apply.
We value diversity and encourage people from different backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and people with disability.
For the full list of eligibility criteria and application process, visit the Capability and Development Hub.
Program Outline
- 4 x 2 full day face-to-face interactive workshops
- One on one coaching sessions with an experienced executive coach
- Mentoring by a Women in Leadership Program alumni
- Networking opportunities
- Peer support learning and reflections
- Articles and readings discussing key leadership concepts and application to roles
- Learning from senior leaders within the University
Program Duration
6 months from May to October.
For a list of key dates, visit the Capability and Development Hub.
How to apply
Online applications via the Capability and Development Hub.
Testimonials from 2022 Program Alumni
In 2022, participant feedback rated the program as Excellent (the highest category) with all recommending this program to other women in leadership roles or aspiring to be leaders.
There are two words that describe the program for me. At the start of the program my word was uncertainty - I wasn’t sure about my role, value or type of leader I wanted or thought I could be. By the end of the program, my word changed to purposeful – I gained insight into my role, how I need to show up, the placement of purpose in how I work with others and I gained a network of fabulous women to connect with which will last long after the course
Bronwen Thomas, University Library
The program let me reflect upon my own leadership journey and identify how I can better serve my teams. It was an inclusive, empowering space and gave me the tools as a woman in a position of influence to inspire others in leadership”.
Lara Basanovic, Office PVC Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Further information
Lisa Rochow
Senior Manager
Capability and Development
Human Resource Services
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.