Howard University Launches HeForShe Initiative on Campus with Summit on HBCUs and Gender Equality

As part of their Black History Month celebration, Howard University held a virtual event on February 25th to launch the HeForShe initiative on their campus. Howard University's Center for Women Gender and Global Leadership hosted this event to discuss how gender equality can be achieved in all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

The event themed – Responsive Leadership and Community Leadership is part of the commitment by Howard University to deliver on the commitments to sustain and enhance opportunities for women's leadership by 2026 and promote dialogue and programming around women, gender, and masculinities. 

The event featured distinguished guests who discussed the responsibility of HBCU presidents in the promotion of gender equality policies on campus. Panelists included:

• Howard President Wayne Frederick,
• Benedict College President Roslyn Clark Artis,
• Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston,
• Chief of UN Women’s Multi-stakeholder Partnerships & Advisory Services, Aldijana Šišić.
• The Discussion was moderated by Dean Danielle Holley-Walker, Howard University School of Law.

“UN Women welcomes Howard University's unique contribution to the HeForShe Alliance. Through this partnership, Howard will play an important role in accelerating dialogue about gender equality and intersectional masculinities throughout the HBCU network."

- Aldijana Šišić, Chief of UN Women’s Multi-stakeholder Partnerships & Advisory Services.

"It was a no-brainer for us to partner with HeForShe. We need to be sure not to be confused about the role of men in supporting women's leadership. Sometimes that means stepping out of the way and listening more than talking."

- Dr. Wayne Frederick, Howard University President