Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Chancellor of University of Johannesburg to speak at Butler, March 5, 6


  • From Butler University: Dr. Wendy Nomathemba Luhabe, chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, will be the keynote speaker at "Empowerment for Change: Equipping This Generation to Save the Next," a special photography exhibit, book preview and leadership dialogue to be held at 5 p.m. Monday, March 5, in the Krannert Room, Clowes Memorial Hall.

    The event is free and open to the Butler community.

    Empowerment for Change is presented by Saving Orphans through Healthcare and Outreach (SOHO), an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization.

    SOHO exists to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of child-headed households in communities deeply affected by HIV/AIDS. This is accomplished through medical care, food programs, parenting support and educational resources. SOHO focuses on child-headed households and is participating with other organizations and agencies to bring hope to the children.

    The event will also include the preview of a new book authored by Cynthia J. Prime, founder and CEO of SOHO, that brings much needed attention to this critical issue. The book, entitled The Hope Seekers: Survival of Southern African Child-Led Households in the shadows of HIV/AIDS, was produced by Butler University students. The book preview will open with a reception and photo exhibit at 5 p.m.

    At 5:30 p.m., Dr. Luhabe will present the keynote address and dialogue, "Bridging the Gender Gap in South Africa Through Social Entrepreneurship." Luhabe will explore cultural, political and economic barriers faced by women in South Africa, and how social entrepreneurship can help bridge the gap created by gender inequality. Also speaking at the event will be Gail Masondo, former Warner Brothers Music Industry executive and author of the book, Now This Feels Like Home.

    On Tuesday, March 6, SOHO will host "Women, Economic Empowerment and Social Change," a Women's Leadership Forum for local community leaders with Luhabe. The forum will include remarks by Luhabe, followed by a panel discussion featuring notable Indiana women in business. Butler faculty, staff and women student leaders are invited to participate.

    The SOHO Women's Forum will begin at 5 p.m., in the Krannert Room, Clowes Memorial Hall.

    Luhabe grew up in a Black South African township and rose to become one of the most influential women in South Africa. She is best known for her vision in founding South Africa's first women's investment portfolio, developing the first private equity fund to be listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

    Luhabe was recently appointed by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to serve on the International Council on Women's Business Leadership. She has been recognized as one of the top 50 most influential social entrepreneurs in the world.

    For more information on either event, please contact Cynthia Prime, cprime@savingorphans.com, or contact the Efroymson Diversity Center, (317) 940-6570 or diversitycenter@butler.edu.




    Wendy Nomathemba Luhabe

No comments: