Building the partnerships that sustain women’s leadership
January–March 2026
Women’s leadership develops through individual effort, but it also depends on the institutions, networks and opportunities around it. During the first quarter of 2026, HERS-EA worked across these connections, strengthening its governance, engaging university leaders and bringing research into conversations about education and inclusion.
Strengthening the institution behind the work
From 31 January to 1 February, HERS-EA’s transitional Board met in Kampala for an orientation workshop and strategic planning retreat. Facilitated by governance consultant Dale Botting, the retreat examined organisational responsibilities, accountability and long-term sustainability.
The formalisation of Board committees was a key outcome. Discussions also addressed leadership roles, term limits and the governance framework needed to guide HERS-EA through its transition period ending in June 2027.
These arrangements support the organisation’s capacity to deliver programmes, maintain partnerships and remain accountable to the communities it serves.
Connecting research with community experience
In Kisumu, partners in the GPE KIX Tuseme project reviewed progress and planned the next phase of implementation. The consortium brings together FAWE, HERS-EA and ACER UK, with HERS-EA leading research.
An exchange visit to Runyu Comprehensive School connected the review with the experiences of learners, teachers and community members. It provided an opportunity to examine how Tuseme is being adapted in settings affected by displacement.
In Busia, training in servant leadership and conflict resolution brought community leaders and Tuseme Champions together around challenges including early marriage, youth conflict and the inclusion of learners with disabilities. Participants used practical scenarios to explore how leadership could strengthen community support and social cohesion.
Working with universities to widen opportunities
Engagements with UTAMU, Cavendish University Uganda, Busitema University and Gulu University explored mentorship, research collaboration and women’s progression into leadership.
At Gulu, discussions also considered how student-led Tuseme clubs and participatory learning could contribute to Uganda’s Competence-Based Curriculum. An alumnae gathering created space to reconnect and exchange leadership experiences.
The quarter’s work extended to national and international platforms, including discussions on women in STEM and the presentation of Tuseme research at the CIES conference in San Francisco.
Across these engagements, HERS-EA pursued a connected approach to change: strengthening its own institution while working with universities, researchers and communities to expand opportunities for others.
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