Women’s Month offers not only an opportunity to reflect on progress, but also to recognise the women who continue to shape institutions, communities, and futures. At the University of the Free State (UFS), this is a moment of both celebration and responsibility, a chance to honour the women whose leadership, scholarship, and service are actively steering the university forward.

This year’s national theme, Building resilient economies for all, speaks to the powerful role that women play in strengthening our systems and institutions. At the UFS, their contributions are deeply embedded in efforts to build a future-focused, inclusive academic environment – one that serves society at large.

We are proud to be a university community where both women and men work together to advance equity, innovation, and excellence. This shared commitment is echoed in Vision 130, particularly its focus on becoming ‘a diverse, inclusive, and equitable university’. The university continues to aspire towards gender parity in leadership, not only to redress historical imbalances but also because a diversity of perspectives strengthens us all.

It is within this context that we mark a historic milestone: the appointment of Prof Hester C. Klopper as the first woman Vice-Chancellor and Principal in the university’s 121-year history. Her leadership marks a defining moment for transformation at the UFS – one that sets the tone for progress and possibility.

Across the institution, a range of initiatives support the development of women in academia. These include the Women Influencing and Shaping Education (WISE) programme, launched last year to grow the impact of mid-career academic women; the Research Excellence Accelerator Programme (REAP); the Emerging Scholar Accelerator Programme (ESAP); and the Future Professoriate Mentoring Programme. These efforts reflect a broader vision of nurturing an academic environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, are empowered to lead and contribute to building responsible societal futures.

Throughout August, we will be spotlighting women from across the university whose work in research, teaching, support, and leadership reflects the values of transformation, care, and excellence. From the highest levels of academic and operational leadership to the many support roles that sustain the institution, their collective efforts are shaping a more inclusive, forward-thinking university. By celebrating the women who steer the UFS forward, we not only acknowledge their leadership and impact, but also honour their role in shaping a university committed to creating responsible societal futures.

What is happening this Women’s Month?

Here is what is happening across our campuses this August: