About Gender Coordination Unit
The Gender Coordination Unit at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) is dedicated to promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the university community. We play a pivotal 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 violate fundamental human rights. The University provides comprehensive support for persons affected by sexual misconduct, available in various forms regardless of whether you decide to submit a formal report.
SHE LEADS
Staff Leadership Program
Female Staff Leadership and Coaching Initiative
Through the SAVE Project, LUANAR implemented the Female Staff Leadership and Coaching Initiative (She Leads Program) to empower women in the workplace, address gender imbalances, and promote inclusive leadership.
The program ran from August 2025 to 31 January 2026. A total of 56 female staff participated in a three-day leadership workshop held at Mponela Thope Lodge. From this group, 20 participants were selected for four months of one-on-one coaching (October 2025 – 31 January 2026) and successfully graduated from the program.
Leadership Workshop & Graduation
56 female staff at THOPE LODGE participated in the 3-day leadership workshop, engaging in intensive training sessions focused on leadership development, career advancement, and personal growth.
The graduates from the one-on-one leadership coaching celebrated their completion of the program on 31 January 2026, marking a significant milestone in their professional development journey.
Mentorship Program
The LUANAR Mentorship Program, established under the Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) Project, supports structured academic and career mentorship to enhance student growth. Coordinated by the Gender Coordinating Unit (GCU) with technical support from the Directorate of Students Affairs (DOSA), the program fosters excellence, innovation, and leadership.
The six-month program includes orientation sessions, mentorship engagements, and review meetings. Over 150 participants were recognized and awarded certificates in the following categories:
Academic Mentees:
49
Academic Mentors:
25
Career Mentees:
60
Career Mentors:
25
Staff–Intern Mentorship:
4
The program has demonstrated strong impact: mentees improved academic performance (including GPA gains), secured opportunities such as the ASPIRE Fellowship and the African Leading Change Fellowship, assumed student leadership roles, and developed entrepreneurial skills through guided mentorship.
16 Days of Activism
Against Gender-Based Violence
Cyberbullying and Online GBV Engagement
25 NOVEMBER TO 10 DECEMBER 2025
On 28 November 2025, LUANAR— through the Gender Coordinating Unit (GCU) and the Bunda Gender Activists Club (BUGAC), in partnership with Ivy Foundation, UNFPA, UN Women, the Women Lawyers Association, and Student Liberty—hosted a university-wide engagement as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The event addressed the rising cases of cyberbullying and online gender-based violence among students, creating a platform for dialogue, awareness-raising, and collective action to promote safer digital spaces within the university community.
Over 300 participants from all four campuses attended. Activities included an awareness walk, panel discussion, cultural performances, and interactive dialogue.
Key Issues Identified
- Impersonation
- Online bullying
- Non-consensual sharing of intimate images
- Harassment through anonymous accounts
The engagement called for stronger reporting systems, a stand-alone digital violence policy, digital counselling services, and continued capacity building. The initiative reaffirmed LUANAR's commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Where to get help?
Staff, students and community can report any sexual misconduct involving LUANAR staff or students
Primary Contacts
| 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 | 0888 17 22 88 |
Additional Student Support
| 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 |
Resources & Downloads
Access important documents and reports related to gender coordination