The Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA) female staff have been urged to be holistic models to girl students as a way of helping them to be responsible people in their society.
Speaking at the relaunch of CUNIMA Women Group on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the university’s main campus in Nguludi Chiradzulu, one of the keynote speakers at the function, Fanny Nlhane, who is also a lecturer in the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, urged female staff to strive for a holistic approach to being models to girl students.
“Despite looking to us as models on academic qualifications, we need to be holistic models whereby these students can learn from us how they can be responsible people in our society once they graduate,” said Nlhane.
Nlhane added that academic qualifications alone do not make a person responsible, hence calling for a holistic approach to modelling for female students at the university.
Chairperson of the Group, Rachel Warren, disclosed that the relaunch aimed at reviving the group for a continued commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and empowerment of female workers.
“This group aims at creating a supportive community where women can network and build relationships with other female colleagues across different departments and levels,” said Warren.
Warren added that the membership hopes to help one another develop professionally through workshops, seminars, and mentorship programmes.
The group also strives to advocate for gender equality and inclusion initiatives within the institution.
During the relaunch, the Catholic female staff members had several presentations on matters that affect women’s lives, including health, the dress code, and Malawi laws, just to name a few. At the end of the function, the women had aerobics as a way of ensuring good health. The Catholic University of Malawi is an equal-opportunity employer that offers employment to all people on merit, regardless of their religious affiliation.