Women and Leadership Program—Women as Change Agents
Panama City, Panama
March 8-18

Hosted by the Global Institute for Leadership and Civic Development (GILCD), University of Monterrey (UDEM), and United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Panama City

Overview

Join female leaders from around the world together for an intensive spring break program centered on the theme: Women as Change Agents. The program, in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Panama City, focuses on UN Millennium Development Goal #3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women. In addition, the program highlights the UN Year of the Youth (August 2010-August 2011). Through specially designed classes, workshops, and simulations participants explore: the key theories and models of successful and innovative change; pressing problems that plague women today; women’s leadership; and how women can be effective change agents. The program is open to female university students from around the world.

Participants in the program will gain invaluable skills and knowledge. In particular, participants will:

• Think critically about the problems we face today
• Learn theories and models for effective and innovative change
• Create a network of female leaders
• Meet people from around the world
• Broaden knowledge about diverse cultures
• Develop public speaking and analytical thinking skills

University Course-- Leading Change: Women as Change Agents

The purpose of this course is to analyze theories and models of effective change. What are the current issues of particular importance to women today? What is women’s leadership? How can women become change agents? What structural/institutional/cultural obstacles do women face? How have women confronted/challenged/altered these obstacles? Daily classes are complimented by guest speakers, site visits, simulations, and workshops.

The course is taught in English and fully accredited. Transcripts are issued by the University of Monterrey (UDEM). The course has 40 contact hours and is worth 3 US semester credits or 6 ECTS (European system) credits. In addition, participants will receive a certificate from the United Nations Information Centre.

City of Knowledge

Classes are held in the City of Knowledge which is an international complex for education, research, and innovation, and was developed to "promote and facilitate synergy between universities, scientific research centers, businesses, and international organizations." Several important international organizations are housed in the City of Knowledge, including: United Nations Information Centre, International Red Cross Federation offices, PAHO Disaster Management offices, and Peace Corps offices, UNICEF Regional Office, and the World Food Organization offices. It is a goal of the City of Knowledge to become a place in which people from various backgrounds, students, professors, scholars, scientists, and business people alike, can come together for the sharing of ideas and the exchange of knowledge.

Participants will obtain first-hand advice from female leaders in business, politics, education, and the public sector. The program will take advantage of the wonderful resources of the City of Knowledge.

Students will meet with the Director, Jiesselinde González

Workshops

Afternoon workshops will target the development of practical skills, such as public speaking, formal presentations, and personal impact. A Mentoring Network Workshop will pair 4-5 students with a successful female professional to discuss strategies for the development of leadership skills and experience. At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants will brainstorm how the group can cultivate networks for other young women.

Cultural Activities and Field Trips

Complementing class activities, students will learn about the vibrant Panamanian culture. Students will visit the historic sites of Old Town, the Panama Canal, and the beautiful rain forest.

Simulations

As part of the program’s emphasis on UN Millennium Development Goal #3, students will simulate a session of CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women).

Action!

Housing

Students are housed in villas in the City of Knowledge. Villas have 3 bedrooms (double occupancy), kitchens, and living areas.

Meals

Students have the option of cooking in their residences or eating out at the variety of restaurants near campus.

Transportation

Students walk to class from the residence villas. Various sites and cultural activities are easily accessible via inexpensive taxis.

Cost

The price of the program is $2150 USD. This price includes: tuition, housing, fieldtrips, workshops, and cultural activities. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure a spot in program. Payment plans can be arranged. The price of the program does not include airfare. You may consult the following student travel agency for your travel needs. 

APPLICATIONS

Applying for the program is easy. Fill-out the on-line application. Participants are selected based on the quality of the application and essay. Applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis. We strongly encourage applicants to apply early!!

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available. Scholarships are primarily reserved for students from developing countries. To apply for a scholarship please fill-out the applicable section on the application. Please note that we are unable to provide full tuition scholarships to any student and under no circumstances can we provide funds for travel. We encourage students to find outside funding and we can provide a letter of support for you.

Please consult your home university for funding opportunities. A large percentage of participants receive funding from their home university to attend our program.

Need: Why Promote Women and Leadership?

Despite being over half of the population, women and girls are often underrepresented/disadvantaged/discriminated against in the economic, political, and social sectors. The UN identifies the following pressing issues (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/gender.shtml):

• For girls in some regions, education remains elusive
• Poverty is a major barrier to education, especially among older girls
• In every developing region except the CIS, men outnumber women in paid employment
• Women are largely relegated to more vulnerable forms of employment
• Women are over-represented in informal employment, with its lack of benefits and security
• Top-level jobs still go to men — to an overwhelming degree
• Women are slowly rising to political power, but mainly when boosted by quotas and other special measures

Did you Know?

• Women are motivated to obtain power positions in order to create change/influence policy.
• Women are less likely to run for political office on their own. Encouragement from others doubles women’s likelihood of running.
• Networks and mentor opportunities are one of the best ways to increase the number of women in leadership positions; yet there is a shortage of networks and mentors for women.
• Women are more likely to doubt their leadership skills and experience.
• Individuals consistently rate men higher than women on leadership qualities and are more likely to credit men with leadership ability.
• Women are currently only 6% of the world leaders and only 16% of parliaments/congresses.
• At this rate, it will take 100 years to achieve equal representation in political offices

International Year of Youth (IYY)

The International Year of the Youth (August 2010-August 2011) seeks to engage and empower young persons to become active problem-solvers. As United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon states, "Youth should be given a chance to take an active part in the decision-making of local, national and global levels." The Women and Leadership Program is an excellent opportunity to showcase and increase young women’s involvement. Similarly, the program demonstrates how educational programs can cultivate the next generation of cross-culturally competent leaders.