About GENDER COORDINATION UNIT
The Gender Coordination Unit at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) is responsible for promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the university. It plays a key role in mainstreaming gender into LUANAR’s policies, programs, and activities to ensure equal opportunities for both students and staff.
Gender-based violence and sexual harassment are actions which violate important human rights. Incidents of sexual harassment occur every day in every space. The University supports persons affected by sexual misconduct. Support is available in many forms and is available regardless of whether you decide to submit a report or not.
Key Functions of the Gender Coordination Unit at LUANAR
Capacity Building & Awareness
• Conducting gender sensitization workshops and training for students, faculty, and staff. For example, 16 days of gender activism and community gender and HIV sensitization at Mitundu Market, attending the national launch for the 16 days of activism with students.
• Promoting gender-responsive policies
• Promote female- leadership, providing leadership training to female students and staff to be in decision making positions in student union and universities positions
Empowerment Programs & Mentorship
• Supporting and showcase LUANAR women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
• Running mentorship program that connect students with career mentors and academic mentors. The mentorship program also connects staff to staff mentors to promote career growth.
• Job Shadowing program: It is a Staff professional development initiative where mentees observe and learn from experienced Staff mentors to gain practical insights into their roles and responsibilities.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
• Implementing the LUANAR gender policies to prevent and address gender-based violence and harassment on campus.
• Providing support structures for students facing gender-related challenges.
• GCU works with the Director of Students Affairs and HR office.
Collaboration & Partnerships
• Working with national and international organizations on gender initiatives.
• Aligning LUANAR’s gender initiatives with government policies and global gender equity frameworks.
Gender Mainstreaming in academics, policing and housing
• Integrating gender perspectives into LUANAR policies and ensuring female students and staff have equal access to opportunities.
• Female housing for student and staff: The housing facilities aim to accommodate the unique needs of female students and staff balancing academic or professional responsibilities with motherhood.
WHERE TO GET HELP?
Staff, students and community can report any sexual misconduct involving a LUANAR staff or student to:
| Office | Contact |
|---|---|
| Gender Coordinating Unit | genderunit@luanar.ac.mw 0996 29 38 04 |
| The Clinic (Bunda) | 0999 27 69 01 |
| The Clinic (NRC) | 0883 52 98 92 |
| Security Officer (Bunda) | 0999 57 38 24 |
| Security Officer (NRC) | 0888 71 66 83 |
| Victim Support Unit and Police (Bunda Police Unit and any other clinic nearby) | 0888 17 22 88 |
Additional support for LUANAR students include:
| Office | Contact |
|---|---|
| Director of Student Affairs (DOSA) | 0999 33 08 75 |
| Assistant Registrar-Student Welfare (Bunda) | 0999 95 33 06 |
| Assistant Registrar-Student Welfare (NRC) | 0993 86 87 93 |
| Warden (Bunda) | 0992 29 10 37 |
| Warden (NRC) | 0888 65 01 89 |
| Housekeeper (Bunda) | 0881 94 51 81 |
| Administrative Officer (City Campus) | 0999 95 53 35 |
| Administrator (ODL) | 0995 70 08 34 |
DOWNLOADS
Below is a list of relevant downloads. Please click inorder to download: