Nazarbayev University (NU) continues to champion initiatives that support women’s leadership and professional growth. Currently, 80 female staff members are participating in the international “She Leads” program, delivered in partnership with the UK-based Advance HE.
“She Leads” is designed to unlock the leadership potential of women in higher education. The program focuses on building core competencies, expanding professional networks, and equipping participants with practical tools to drive positive change within the university community.
Addressing the cohort, NU President Professor Waqar Ahmad emphasized that leadership is not defined by job titles or formal authority, but by a willingness to take responsibility, unite people, and contribute to society.
“At NU, we believe that leadership is the courage to express an idea, the willingness to take responsibility, the ability to bring people together, and the determination to improve the environment around us. It is lived through aligning what we do and how we do it with the delivery of the institutional strategy; how we are contributing to the institutional imperatives of world-class research, innovation that propels the country’s development, talent development that helps our graduates to realize their potential, and being a resource for the city and the country,” Professor Ahmad noted.
In her speech, NU Vice President Assel Uvaliyeva highlighted that female representation at the university must go hand in hand with opportunities for continued professional and leadership growth.
“Today, women make up more than 50% of the University’s academic and administrative-academic staff. But representation is only a first step. Women also need opportunities to take on responsibility, lead teams, shape decisions and help develop the next generation of leaders,” Uvaliyeva stated.
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Professor Samantha Smidt, stressed the importance of networking and exchanging experiences among university staff, encouraging participants to cultivate their own unique leadership styles.
“Do not feel you have to change who you are. Find tools and approaches that are comfortable for you. If you see someone, or meet someone, whose leadership you admire, don’t be shy about asking them to mentor you or at least meet with you and offer some advice,” she encouraged.
Previously, NU announced the launch of the Women Leadership Development Programme (WLDP), an initiative aimed at strengthening women’s leadership potential across Kazakhstan and building a sustainable pipeline of female leaders in key sectors of society.
