Issue 13 - Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United ...
Issue 13 - Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United ...
Issue 13 - Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United ...
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My PhD topic is <strong>in</strong>fluenced by my experiences as as<strong>in</strong>gle mo<strong>the</strong>r and as a professional woman.Even though it has been difficult, I have made it this far with <strong>the</strong>support of colleagues, friends and neighbours.Friends and family: <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar Lucille Maqubela (back row, second from left) with sons Tlotlego (back row, left) and Keena (back row, second fromright), and <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar Monica Kirya (back row, right), with son Immanuel (front row, right) and daughter Asifiwe (front row, left)<strong>in</strong>effective nor a def<strong>in</strong>ite success, but somewhere <strong>in</strong>between. Factors such as contradictions and doublestandards <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> policies of <strong>in</strong>ternational donors,which result <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> weak enforcement of aidconditionalities, as well as <strong>the</strong> nature of politics andgovernment <strong>in</strong> Uganda – described as “neopatrimonial”<strong>in</strong> character because it is based onpersonal ties as opposed to <strong>the</strong> rule of law andproper adm<strong>in</strong>istrative procedures – may h<strong>in</strong>der <strong>the</strong>effectiveness of <strong>the</strong>se commissions.‘On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, my study shows that, despite <strong>the</strong>exist<strong>in</strong>g shortcom<strong>in</strong>gs, commissions of <strong>in</strong>quiry havemade a positive contribution to <strong>the</strong> search fortransparency and accountability <strong>in</strong> Uganda by nam<strong>in</strong>gand sham<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> corrupt and, even more importantly,promot<strong>in</strong>g public knowledge and debate on <strong>the</strong>nature, causes and effects of corruption. Thus,commissions of <strong>in</strong>quiry may be regarded as mak<strong>in</strong>g asignificant contribution to sow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> seeds for ananti-corruption norm <strong>in</strong> Uganda.‘I hope that my study will br<strong>in</strong>g a positive angle to<strong>the</strong> debate on corruption <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g countries,which tends to be overwhelm<strong>in</strong>gly pessimistic,and that it will <strong>in</strong>form future research gearedtowards f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g solutions to this pervasiveproblem. If <strong>in</strong>deed my PhD can make a modestcontribution <strong>in</strong> this regard, <strong>the</strong> personaldifficulties I have faced <strong>in</strong> do<strong>in</strong>g it will have beenmore than worth it!’February 2011 7
WOMEN AS AGENTSOF CHANGEThe <strong>the</strong>me of <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Day 2011 will sh<strong>in</strong>e a spotlight on gender equality <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>. Nyssa Lee-Woolf looks at current <strong>in</strong>itiatives and plans for <strong>the</strong> future.‘Study after study has shown us that <strong>the</strong>re is no toolfor development more effective than <strong>the</strong>empowerment of women’. These were <strong>the</strong>n UNSecretary-General Kofi Annan’s words to <strong>the</strong><strong>Commission</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Status of Women <strong>in</strong> 2005. Everyyear, 26,000 women are born <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>. It is fitt<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong>refore, that this year<strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> will celebrate this group ofpeople, described by <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma as ‘mak<strong>in</strong>g up over halfof <strong>the</strong> world’s population, receiv<strong>in</strong>g less than half <strong>the</strong>attention and deal<strong>in</strong>g with more than half of <strong>the</strong>world’s challenges’.It is a widely-held belief that communities are strongwhen <strong>the</strong> women <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>m are strong too and that, asagents of change, women are <strong>the</strong> untappedresource that will propel <strong>the</strong> world forward <strong>in</strong>toprosperity. The importance of <strong>the</strong> role of women haslong been recognised <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational treaties andagreements and, <strong>in</strong> 2005, <strong>the</strong> ten-year<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Plan of Action for Gender Equality(PoA) was published and unanimously ratified.The PoA encompasses a vision that will change <strong>the</strong>lives of women throughout <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> and,through this empowerment, allow <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> turn tohelp o<strong>the</strong>r women and girls. As <strong>the</strong> midpo<strong>in</strong>t of <strong>the</strong>lifecycle of <strong>the</strong> PoA has just been passed, now seems<strong>the</strong> perfect time to assess progress – how far we’vecome and how far we still have to go.COMMONWEALTH PLAN OF ACTION FORGENDER EQUALITYIncorporat<strong>in</strong>g ideas from o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>ternational treaties(such as <strong>the</strong> 1981 Convention on <strong>the</strong> Elim<strong>in</strong>ation ofall Forms of Discrim<strong>in</strong>ation aga<strong>in</strong>st Women and <strong>the</strong>1995 Beij<strong>in</strong>g Platform for Action), <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> Plan of Action for Gender Equalityoffers a renewed commitment to improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> livesof women over a period often years. Although <strong>the</strong>PoA hopes to have achieved a great deal by 2015, itis <strong>the</strong> vision of a new way of th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g that is at <strong>the</strong>heart of this document.The gender equality envisioned <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> PoA requiresa gender ma<strong>in</strong>stream<strong>in</strong>g of all policies, so that bothwomen and men have <strong>the</strong>ir needs andopportunities taken <strong>in</strong>to account <strong>in</strong> policy- anddecision-mak<strong>in</strong>g processes which will affect <strong>the</strong>irlives. The PoA focuses on four specific areas, andaims to work alongside and help to facilitateachievement of <strong>the</strong> Millennium Development Goals,<strong>in</strong> particular Goal 3, which is to promote genderequality and empower women.GENDER, DEMOCRACY, PEACE ANDCONFLICTThe <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Secretariat notes that an<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly unstable world has done noth<strong>in</strong>g but<strong>in</strong>crease competition for resources and promoteunequal power shar<strong>in</strong>g and a lack of respect for<strong>in</strong>dividual rights and freedoms. Women have beenimpacted on to such an extent that <strong>the</strong> UN wasprompted to issue Security Resolution <strong>13</strong>25 <strong>in</strong> 2000,call<strong>in</strong>g for ‘<strong>the</strong> equal and full <strong>in</strong>volvement of women <strong>in</strong>all efforts for <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>tenance and promotion of peaceand security’. This contribution can only be assured ifwomen are given greater access to participate <strong>in</strong>political <strong>in</strong>stitutions and decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g.The PoA endorses <strong>the</strong> target, set by <strong>the</strong> Fifth Meet<strong>in</strong>gof <strong>Commonwealth</strong> M<strong>in</strong>isters Responsible forWomen’s Affairs (5WAMM) <strong>in</strong> 1996, of at least 30%of those mak<strong>in</strong>g decisions <strong>in</strong> political, public andprivate sectors be<strong>in</strong>g women. Approximately 20<strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries had atta<strong>in</strong>ed this level atsome po<strong>in</strong>t by 2003, but only New Zealand, SouthAfrica and Mozambique have managed to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>this target.The 9th Women’s Affairs M<strong>in</strong>isters Meet<strong>in</strong>g(9WAMM) <strong>in</strong> 2010 called on states to ‘honour’ <strong>the</strong>target and suggested that a fast track<strong>in</strong>g of women’sparticipation was necessary to achieve it. 9WAMMalso noted <strong>the</strong> effects of conflict on women,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g displacement, extra familial responsibilitiesand <strong>the</strong> ‘devastat<strong>in</strong>g forms of gender violence<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g sexual violence’ – it stated that ‘violenceaga<strong>in</strong>st women rema<strong>in</strong>s one of <strong>the</strong> largest globalthreats to human security <strong>in</strong> all societies’. Theconference statement calls on <strong>Commonwealth</strong>member states to reduce <strong>the</strong> marg<strong>in</strong>alisation ofwomen <strong>in</strong> post-conflict processes by enforc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>provisions of UN Resolution <strong>13</strong>25 and enabl<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong>se women to access <strong>the</strong>ir human rights.A brief<strong>in</strong>g paper by <strong>the</strong> UK Department forInternational Development (DFID) on its GenderEquality Action Plan 2007-2009 noted that <strong>the</strong> issueof violence, <strong>in</strong> particular, requires a ‘widespreadchange <strong>in</strong> attitudes and perceptions’ which would bealmost impossible to achieve without <strong>the</strong>participation of men and boys <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> reformprocesses.GENDER, HUMAN RIGHTS AND LAWWomen are often not treated or even seen as equalto men, despite numerous <strong>in</strong>ternational treaties toprotect <strong>the</strong>ir rights. Attitudes, entrenched customsand traditions, cultural hierarchies and poverty alladd to <strong>the</strong> repression. In situations where womenare dependent upon o<strong>the</strong>rs for resources,relationships can dis<strong>in</strong>tegrate, lead<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>stancesof violence and traffick<strong>in</strong>g, and a woman’s rightscan all but disappear.The African Development Bank (AFDB) noted <strong>in</strong> itsGender Plan 2009-2011 <strong>the</strong> challenge of achiev<strong>in</strong>gempowerment <strong>in</strong> ‘fragile’ states and that <strong>the</strong>ir‘historical practices of exclusion, gender basedviolence, and displacement, amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs, havecreated large gaps <strong>in</strong> education, employmentopportunities, access to and management of naturalresources and political representation’. The AFDBhas established <strong>the</strong> Fragile States Facility to address<strong>the</strong>se challenges, through work<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> statesconcerned and o<strong>the</strong>r bodies, such as <strong>the</strong> WorldBank.Pakistan has also achieved success with <strong>the</strong> Accessto Justice <strong>in</strong> Pakistan programme. The AsianDevelopment Bank (ADB) claims that <strong>the</strong> numberof female judges <strong>in</strong> four states <strong>in</strong> Pakistan hasdoubled as a result of this programme. The ADBalso reports that <strong>the</strong> Coastal Fisheries Managementand Development Programme <strong>in</strong> Papua NewGu<strong>in</strong>ea has led to women sitt<strong>in</strong>g on committees, amove away from local tradition.GENDER, POVERTY ERADICATION ANDECONOMIC EMPOWERMENTWomen are often denied access to resources. NewZealand Aid describes <strong>in</strong> its gender policy that, forempowerment to be facilitated, we must ensure that8 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong>s News
‘poor women and girls can secure susta<strong>in</strong>ablelivelihoods by <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g and improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>iraccess to, control of, and benefits from economicand natural resources, opportunities and services<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g hous<strong>in</strong>g, employment, land, credit,markets, trade, and <strong>in</strong>formation communications’.The challenges faced <strong>in</strong> do<strong>in</strong>g this are very real. TheAFDB has highlighted that food, fuel and f<strong>in</strong>ancialcrises mean that <strong>the</strong> threat to ‘achiev<strong>in</strong>g genderequality and women’s empowerment <strong>in</strong> Africa ismuch greater than ever before. Girls are highlyvulnerable to be<strong>in</strong>g pulled out of school ashouseholds cope with decl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>come whilewomen may tend to take up additional economicactivities to address <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>come gap, add<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong>irwork load burden’. Gender responsive budget<strong>in</strong>g isa key tool <strong>in</strong> address<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> imbalances felt bywomen. The AFDB has reported that severalcountries, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Zambia and Ghana, arebeg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g to use <strong>the</strong>se measures, apply<strong>in</strong>g genderanalysis to national expenditure.The <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Secretariat is work<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong>Rural Support Programmes Network <strong>in</strong> Pakistan,where women are given <strong>the</strong> opportunity to workwith <strong>in</strong>ternational designers and sell <strong>the</strong>ir products<strong>in</strong> European markets. The Secretariat is also apartner <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UN Girls’ Education Initiative,work<strong>in</strong>g to ‘remove barriers to learn<strong>in</strong>g, such asschool fees’ and promot<strong>in</strong>g policies which prioritise<strong>the</strong> most disadvantaged girls.<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Secretariat supports governments<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir drives to create awareness througheducation and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, and it has also beensuggested that governments should <strong>in</strong>creaseawareness of exist<strong>in</strong>g support available to womenlocally.There is clearly much ground still to cover. AusAID(<strong>the</strong> Australian Agency for InternationalDevelopment) statistics show that two-thirds of <strong>the</strong>800 million people <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world who lack basicliteracy skills are female, half a million women dieeach year from complications dur<strong>in</strong>g pregnancy –99% of <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g countries – and 1 <strong>in</strong> 3women and girls globally experience physical andsexual violence.9WAMM asked for fur<strong>the</strong>r ‘co-ord<strong>in</strong>ated action,effective partnerships and <strong>in</strong>creased accountability’.Andrew Mitchell, <strong>the</strong> UK Secretary of State forInternational Development, affirmed <strong>the</strong> UK’scommitment to this notion <strong>in</strong> a speech earlier thisyear, stat<strong>in</strong>g that ‘promot<strong>in</strong>g gender equality is vitalfor meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> MDGs and for creat<strong>in</strong>g aprosperous, safe and peaceful world, wherewomen have better access to health services, toeducation and to economic growth and <strong>the</strong>irchildren are healthier and better educated. As aresult, economies flourish and societies are morepeaceful. Brita<strong>in</strong> will be plac<strong>in</strong>g women at <strong>the</strong> heartof <strong>the</strong> whole of our agenda for <strong>in</strong>ternationaldevelopment’.WOMEN AS AGENTS OF CHANGE –CALL FOR NOMINATIONSRecognis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> vital contribution that womenmake <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir communities and public life alike,<strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Secretariat are ask<strong>in</strong>g staffacross <strong>Commonwealth</strong> societies and organisationsto nom<strong>in</strong>ate examples of such women. A judg<strong>in</strong>gpanel will select <strong>the</strong> most <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g examples,which may be featured <strong>in</strong> a publication for <strong>the</strong>forthcom<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Heads ofGovernment meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Perth, Australia, <strong>in</strong>October 2011. To make a nom<strong>in</strong>ation, visitwww.surveymonkey.com/CWagentsofchangeGENDER AND HIV/AIDSThe PoA urges states to consider <strong>the</strong> broaderimplications of HIV/AIDS – <strong>the</strong> obvious human lossas well as <strong>the</strong> impact on national productivity, withsmaller states be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> hardest hit. The <strong>in</strong>equalityof women’s stand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> relationships and societyleaves <strong>the</strong>m especially vulnerable, as <strong>the</strong>y may beunable to persuade <strong>the</strong>ir partners to use adequateprotection or forced to engage <strong>in</strong> sex work as <strong>the</strong>ironly source of <strong>in</strong>come to support <strong>the</strong>ir families.The PoA notes that 11,000,000 children under <strong>the</strong>age of 15 <strong>in</strong> sub-Saharan Africa had lost one orboth parents to HIV/AIDS by 2005 – this wasexpected to rise to 20,000,000 by 2010. TheThere is, <strong>the</strong>refore, a great deal of light at <strong>the</strong> endof this tunnel, as <strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries workwith <strong>in</strong>ternational organisations to <strong>in</strong>itiateprogrammes of reform and enhancement. Genderempowerment is a massive challenge, and it islikely that not everyth<strong>in</strong>g envisioned by <strong>the</strong> PoA willhave been achieved by 2015. However, <strong>the</strong> legacyof <strong>the</strong> PoA will be <strong>the</strong> extent to which it hasgalvanised both <strong>in</strong>dividuals and government tomove determ<strong>in</strong>edly towards equality. As `Abdu’l-Bahá wrote, ‘<strong>the</strong> human race is a two-w<strong>in</strong>ged bird...Unless both w<strong>in</strong>gs are equally developed, <strong>the</strong>human race cannot fly’. A woman cast<strong>in</strong>g her vote <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 2008parliamentary elections <strong>in</strong> Bangladesh© <strong>Commonwealth</strong> SecretariatFebruary 2011 9
OUR ALUMNIAlumni newsALUMNUS INAUGURATES THE SEYCHELLES’FIRST UNIVERSITYThe <strong>in</strong>auguration ceremony for <strong>the</strong> new University ofSeychelles was held <strong>in</strong> November 2010, andattended by James Michel, President of <strong>the</strong>Seychelles, and HRH Pr<strong>in</strong>cess Anne. Dr Rolph Payet(<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar, BSc Biochemistry,University of East Anglia, 1989-1992) is <strong>the</strong> found<strong>in</strong>gPresident and Vice-Chancellor of <strong>the</strong> university; hespoke of <strong>the</strong> honour of welcom<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Pr<strong>in</strong>cessRoyal to his <strong>in</strong>stitution and paid tribute to PresidentJames Michel, who had <strong>the</strong> ‘vision anddeterm<strong>in</strong>ation to establish Seychelles’ very ownuniversity’. Around 500 guests, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g academicdignitaries from around <strong>the</strong> globe, attended<strong>the</strong> ceremony.(l-r) Former <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar Rolph Payet,HRH Pr<strong>in</strong>cess Anne, and President James Michel,at <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>auguration ceremony of <strong>the</strong> University ofSeychellesThe republic’s first public university opened <strong>in</strong>September 2009, and now has more than 300students on over 12 degree programmes. TheUniversity of Seychelles has an ongo<strong>in</strong>g partnershipwith <strong>the</strong> University of London InternationalAll career <strong>in</strong>formation sent <strong>in</strong> by alumni willbe recorded on our database and updated<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> CSC onl<strong>in</strong>e Directory annually –email us at alumni@cscuk.org.ukProgramme (UK), University of Paris 1 Pan<strong>the</strong>on-Sorbonne (France), Edith Cowan University(Australia), and University of La Réunion (France).USING EDUCATION TO IMPROVECOMMUNITIESHamis Mugendawala (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> DistanceLearn<strong>in</strong>g Scholar, MA International Education andDevelopment, Institute of Education, University ofLondon, 2007-2010) has been <strong>in</strong>spired by his studiesto work on develop<strong>in</strong>g two education <strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>in</strong>a poverty-stricken area of eastern Uganda. He hashelped to raise money for build<strong>in</strong>g materials and<strong>in</strong>itial construction of a vocational polytechnic <strong>in</strong>J<strong>in</strong>ja, and is work<strong>in</strong>g to secure public-private fund<strong>in</strong>gwith <strong>the</strong> Ugandan government. Hamis is now aim<strong>in</strong>gto <strong>in</strong>crease secondary school provision <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area,where long-distance commutes to and from schooland a lack of transport l<strong>in</strong>ks mean that few childrencont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>the</strong>ir education beyond primary level,lead<strong>in</strong>g to unemployment, poverty and high levelsof teenage pregnancy.Awards and prizesDr Poonam Bala (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromIndia, PhD Sociology, University of Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh, 1983-1988) was awarded a Visit<strong>in</strong>g Professorship at <strong>the</strong>University of Pretoria, South Africa, <strong>in</strong> 2010.Dr Carolyn Barshay-Szmidt (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholarfrom Canada, MPhil and PhD Archaeology,University of Cambridge, 1995-1996 and 1997-2002)was awarded <strong>the</strong> Hunt Postdoctoral Fellowship2009-2010 from The Wenner-Gren Foundation forAnthropological Research. Amongst many academicactivities, she currently directs a multi-siteradiocarbon dat<strong>in</strong>g project aimed at <strong>the</strong> Middle toUpper Palaeolithic transition <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> larger sou<strong>the</strong>rnFrance region.Professor Akaehomen Ibhadode (<strong>Commonwealth</strong>Scholar from Nigeria, PhD Mechanical Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g,University of Birm<strong>in</strong>gham, 1984-1987) has won <strong>the</strong>Nigeria Prize for Science 2010, for his work on <strong>the</strong>development of new methods for precision diedesign. The award<strong>in</strong>g judges noted that he hasmade a significant contribution to <strong>the</strong> field of coldforg<strong>in</strong>g and that his work has had a major <strong>in</strong>dustrialand economic impact, with his methods be<strong>in</strong>g used<strong>in</strong> both steel and alum<strong>in</strong>ium production.Professor Venkateswarlu Kadiyala (<strong>Commonwealth</strong>Fellow from India, Agricultural Microbiology,University of Dundee, 1988) received an EndeavourExecutive Award from <strong>the</strong> Australian government,tobe held at <strong>the</strong> University of South Australia fromOctober 2010-February 2011.Mohammed Golam Quader Khan (<strong>Commonwealth</strong>Scholar from Bangladesh, PhD AquacultureGenetics, University of Stirl<strong>in</strong>g, 2007-2010) won firstprize <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> oral presentation competition at <strong>the</strong> 2ndPhD Research Conference at <strong>the</strong> Institute ofAquaculture, University of Stirl<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong> June 2010.Dr Adetoun Mustapha (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholarfrom Nigeria, PhD Environmental Epidemiology,Imperial College London, 2002-2007) was awarded<strong>the</strong> 2010 Rebecca James Baker Memorial Prize by <strong>the</strong>International Society for EnvironmentalEpidemiology. The award, given to new <strong>in</strong>vestigatorswho have shown particular commitment toenvironmental epidemiology as a tool, recognisedhis research on <strong>the</strong> health effects of air pollution onchildren liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Niger Delta region.PublicationsDr Emmanuel Akpabio (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Split-siteScholar from Nigeria, PhD Environmental andResource Management, University of Uyo andLancaster University, 2004-2006) has published hisdoctoral <strong>the</strong>sis as a textbook, titled Integrated WaterResources Management <strong>in</strong> Nigeria: Local Factorsand Institutional Challenges (LAP LambertAcademic Publish<strong>in</strong>g, 2010).Dr Sam<strong>in</strong>a Bano (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Fellow fromPakistan, Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Biochemistry, University of WalesInstitute, Cardiff, 2008) has published Trends <strong>in</strong>Psychopharmacology: Pharmacodynamics to10 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong>s News
COVER PHOTOS(l-r, from top row)Pamela Chilubanama, 2007 <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Scholar from Zambia, PhD Environmental Law,University of Manchester (archive photo)Aishah Namukasa, <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromUganda, LLM International Law, University ofNott<strong>in</strong>gham, 2008-2009 (archive photo)Cornelia Ndifon, <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromNigeria, MPH International Public Health, Universityof Leeds, 2003-2004 (archive photo)Lynn Kuok, 2007 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromS<strong>in</strong>gapore, PhD Political Science, University ofCambridge (archive photo)Lara de Klerk, 2007 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> AnniversaryScholar from South Africa, PhD Global Governance,University of Ed<strong>in</strong>burghShamba Phiri, <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromZambia, MA Education and Development, Instituteof Education, 1992-1993 (archive photo)Adonna Jard<strong>in</strong>e-Comrie, 2007 <strong>Commonwealth</strong>Split-site Scholar from St V<strong>in</strong>cent and <strong>the</strong>Grenad<strong>in</strong>es, PhD Education for Susta<strong>in</strong>ableDevelopment, University of <strong>the</strong> West Indies at Monaand University of Liverpool (archive photo)Sook Pheng Wong, <strong>Commonwealth</strong> SharedScholar from Malaysia, MSc Cancer Cell andMolecular Biology, University of Leicester, 2007-2008 (archive photo)Anoja Wickramas<strong>in</strong>ghe, <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholarfrom Sri Lanka, PhD Forest Ecology, University ofSheffield, 1980-1983 (archive photo)Olive Sabiiti, 2009 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromUganda, PhD Law, Economy and GlobalGovernance, University of ManchesterManjula Sritharan, <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Fellow fromIndia, Tuberculosis Research, Veter<strong>in</strong>ary LaboratoriesAgency, 2007 (archive photo)Courtney Gillett, <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromBelize, MSc Democracy and Democratisation,University College London, 2009-2010Pharmacogenetics: Tryptophan metabolism <strong>in</strong>stress (VDM Verlag Dr Müller, 2010).Dr Canagasaby Devendra (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholarfrom Malaysia,PhD AnimalNutrition,University ofNott<strong>in</strong>gham 1966-1969) has recentlypublished SmallFarms <strong>in</strong> Asia:Revitalis<strong>in</strong>gAgriculturalProduction, FoodSecurity andRural Poverty(Akademi Sa<strong>in</strong>sMalaysia, 2010).Professor Debal K S<strong>in</strong>gharoy (<strong>Commonwealth</strong>Fellow from India, Sociology, Open University, 2006)has recently edited Dissent<strong>in</strong>g Voices andTransformative Actions: Social Movements <strong>in</strong>Globaliz<strong>in</strong>g World, Interrogat<strong>in</strong>g SocialDevelopment: Global Perspectives and LocalInitiatives, and Surviv<strong>in</strong>g Aga<strong>in</strong>st Odds:Marg<strong>in</strong>alized <strong>in</strong> a Globalis<strong>in</strong>g World (all Manohar,2010).Recentappo<strong>in</strong>tmentsDr Johnson Adesodun (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Split-siteScholar from Nigeria, PhD Soil Physics, University ofNigeria and University of Stirl<strong>in</strong>g, 2002-2003) hasbeen appo<strong>in</strong>ted Head of <strong>the</strong> Department of SoilScience and Land Management at <strong>the</strong> University ofAgriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.Dr Deryck Brown (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromTr<strong>in</strong>idad and Tobago, PhD Development Policy andManagement, University of Manchester, 1993-1996)has been appo<strong>in</strong>ted Senior Governance/CapacityDevelopment Specialist at <strong>the</strong> World Bank. He willbe responsible for manag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> GlobalDevelopment Learn<strong>in</strong>g Network <strong>in</strong> AnglophoneAfrica and for work<strong>in</strong>g with country managementand sectoral units to identify capacity-developmentneeds and design appropriate solutions.Edward Greenspon (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromCanada, MSc Politics, London School of Economicsand Political Science, 1984-1986) has beenappo<strong>in</strong>ted Vice-President, Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Development at<strong>the</strong> Toronto Star and o<strong>the</strong>r titles with<strong>in</strong> Star MediaGroup. He is also Chair of The GPS Project, an<strong>in</strong>itiative of <strong>the</strong> Canadian International Councilaimed at produc<strong>in</strong>g a new global position<strong>in</strong>gstrategy for Canada.Dr Venkateswarlu Kanamarlapudi (<strong>Commonwealth</strong>Scholar from India, PhD Molecular Biology,University of Sheffield, 1993-1997) has beenappo<strong>in</strong>ted Professor of Molecular Cell Biology atSwansea University, UK.Dr Donald Anthony Mwiturubani (<strong>Commonwealth</strong>Split-site Scholar from Tanzania, PhD WaterResource Management, University of Dar es Salaamand University of Glasgow, 2002-2003) spent twoyears as a Senior Researcher <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> EnvironmentalSecurity Programme of <strong>the</strong> Institute for SecurityStudies <strong>in</strong> Nairobi, Kenya, before return<strong>in</strong>g to hisposition as a Lecturer <strong>in</strong> Geography at <strong>the</strong> Universityof Dar es Salaam, Tanzania <strong>in</strong> July 2010. He hadpreviously been a Visit<strong>in</strong>g Lecturer at UmeåUniversity, Sweden, <strong>in</strong> 2008, after a post as ResearchFellow at <strong>the</strong> Council for <strong>the</strong> Development of SocialScience Research <strong>in</strong> Africa (CODESRIA) from 2003-2004.Dr Doris Onwukaeme (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholarfrom Nigeria, PhD Pharmacognosy, University ofBath 1984-1988) has been promoted to Professor <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> Department of Pharmacognosy at <strong>the</strong> Universityof Ben<strong>in</strong>, Nigeria. She is currently on a one-yearsabbatical at <strong>the</strong> Faculty of Pharmacy at <strong>the</strong>University of Lagos, Nigeria.Valérie Sara Price (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromCanada, MSc Childhood Studies, University ofEd<strong>in</strong>burgh, 2007-2008) has been appo<strong>in</strong>ted SeniorDevelopment Officer <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kenya-Uganda team of<strong>the</strong> Canadian International Development Agency(CIDA). She was awarded <strong>the</strong> position through <strong>the</strong>highly competitive Recruitment of Policy Leadersprogramme of <strong>the</strong> Canadian Federal Government,hav<strong>in</strong>g previously worked as a Program Officer at <strong>the</strong><strong>United</strong> Nations Development Programme from2006-2007.Valérie Price, former <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromCanadaDr Smita Sadhu (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Fellow from India,Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g, University of Cambridge, 2004) hasbeen promoted to Professor of Electrical Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>gat Jadavpur University, India.Dr Milika Sobey (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar from Fiji,PhD Nitrogen Cycl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Tropical Lagoons, Universityof Essex, 2001-2004) has been appo<strong>in</strong>ted WaterProgramme Coord<strong>in</strong>ator of <strong>the</strong> International Unionfor <strong>the</strong> Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Fiji. She hasworked for <strong>the</strong> IUCN s<strong>in</strong>ce 2005, when she jo<strong>in</strong>ed as<strong>the</strong> Oceania Regional Vice-Chair, follow<strong>in</strong>g herprevious position as a Lecturer <strong>in</strong> Biology at <strong>the</strong>University of <strong>the</strong> South Pacific.February 2011 11
ALUMNI PROFILEThis issue, we look at <strong>the</strong> careers of three female former <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholars: em<strong>in</strong>ent scientist DameBridget Ogilvie, diplomat and <strong>in</strong>ternational development expert Carolyn McMaster, and Deputy SecretaryGeneral of <strong>the</strong> Tra<strong>in</strong>ed Nurses Association of India Nanth<strong>in</strong>i Subbiah.Dame Bridget Ogilvie (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromAustralia, PhD Immunology of Parasites, Universityof Cambridge, 1960-1964) recollects a freedom andflexibility <strong>in</strong> her PhD studies that developed hersense of <strong>in</strong>dependence. Build<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong>seexperiences and strengths, she went on to comb<strong>in</strong>epioneer<strong>in</strong>g scientific research with senior leadershiproles. As a Research Scientist at <strong>the</strong> UK’s NationalInstitute of Medical Research, her area of study was<strong>the</strong> immune response to helm<strong>in</strong>th (worm) parasites,<strong>the</strong>n a rapidly develop<strong>in</strong>g field.Bridget held a variety of roles at <strong>the</strong> Wellcome Trust,latterly serv<strong>in</strong>g as Director. She cites her ma<strong>in</strong>achievement as <strong>the</strong> establishment of <strong>the</strong> SangerInstitute, a genomic research centre <strong>in</strong> Cambridge,UK. ‘It played a major role<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itial sequenc<strong>in</strong>gof <strong>the</strong> human genomeand was <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>in</strong>assur<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong>sequence of this genomewas not privatised butmade immediatelyavailable to <strong>the</strong> world.’The Institute is still anBridget Ogilvie, former <strong>in</strong>ternational leader <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar field of genomefrom Australia sequenc<strong>in</strong>g.Compared to when shebegan her own scientificcareer, Bridget believesthat it can be easier nowfor women to achieve ahigh-profile career, withmen shar<strong>in</strong>g family responsibilities. Although <strong>the</strong>reare many women at junior levels <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> academicbiological sciences field, <strong>the</strong>re are few <strong>in</strong> seniorleadership positions. Bridget feels that <strong>the</strong> pay gapbetween men and women needs to be addressed bymanagement, and a top-down approach is neededto ensure equality. She cites <strong>the</strong> case of <strong>the</strong>University of Cambridge, where action has seen <strong>the</strong>average salary become equal for both sexes.Carolyn McMaster (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholar fromCanada, MPhil International Relations, LondonSchool of Economics and Political Science, 1969-1971) grew up <strong>in</strong> a household <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>ternational affairs. ‘From an early age I participated<strong>in</strong> d<strong>in</strong>ner table discussions about both Canadian andworld events. A job which would allow me to workabroad was a logical choice after university.’The <strong>in</strong>sights <strong>in</strong>to <strong>in</strong>ternational relations and Africawhich Carolyn ga<strong>in</strong>ed dur<strong>in</strong>g her scholarship proved<strong>in</strong>valuable <strong>in</strong> her subsequent career. Carolyn jo<strong>in</strong>ed<strong>the</strong> Canadian International Development Agency(CIDA), and was later seconded to <strong>the</strong> Departmentof Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) <strong>in</strong>1990. There, she was Deputy Chairperson of <strong>the</strong>Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Africa Task Force, set up to manageCanada’s relations with South Africa and <strong>the</strong>Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Africa region dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> transition fromapar<strong>the</strong>id.Carolyn went on to hold a variety of posts, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gserv<strong>in</strong>g as Deputy High <strong>Commission</strong>er to NewZealand, yet she feels that <strong>the</strong> five years she spent <strong>in</strong>South Africa from 1995-2000 were her biggestchallenge. ‘Canada had played an active role <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>campaign to end apar<strong>the</strong>id and <strong>the</strong> development of<strong>the</strong> new constitution. With <strong>the</strong> advent of <strong>the</strong> firstmultiracial government <strong>in</strong> 1994, it was time todevelop a wide range of political, economic, cultural,development and academic relations.’ Sheremembers be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>spired and humbled whenwatch<strong>in</strong>g elderly South Africans wait patiently <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>blaz<strong>in</strong>g sun to vote <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1994 elections.Carolyn appreciates <strong>the</strong> importance of <strong>in</strong>ternationalscholarships <strong>in</strong> facilitat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational l<strong>in</strong>kages. ‘Ibelieve that <strong>the</strong> value of <strong>in</strong>ternational exchanges liesas much <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> exposure to different cultures andviews as <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> strict academic experience. Long may<strong>the</strong> CSC cont<strong>in</strong>ue!’Nanth<strong>in</strong>i Subbiah (<strong>Commonwealth</strong> ProfessionalFellow from India, NHS Manchester, 2009)undertook her Professional Fellowship <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area ofpatient safety and cl<strong>in</strong>ical governance, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gissues such as risk assessment and management,cl<strong>in</strong>ical guidel<strong>in</strong>es, and cl<strong>in</strong>ical audit processes.Equally important was <strong>the</strong> opportunity to visit<strong>in</strong>stitutions such as <strong>the</strong> Department of Health,National Patient Safety Agency, <strong>the</strong> General MedicalCouncil, and <strong>the</strong> World Health Organization.Nanth<strong>in</strong>i valued <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>tensive coach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> smallgroups with leaders <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field, which gave her areal <strong>in</strong>sight <strong>in</strong>to key issues.Follow<strong>in</strong>g her return to India, Nanth<strong>in</strong>i has been ableto pass on her knowledge to o<strong>the</strong>r nurses throughThe Nurs<strong>in</strong>g Journal of India and dur<strong>in</strong>g orientationand tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for student nurses all over <strong>the</strong> country.As Deputy Secretary General of <strong>the</strong> Tra<strong>in</strong>ed NursesAssociation, she prepared its policy positionstatement on patient safety, which was passeddur<strong>in</strong>g its annual conference.Nanth<strong>in</strong>i alsoappreciates how herfellowship allowedher an <strong>in</strong>sight <strong>in</strong>to<strong>the</strong> different work<strong>in</strong>gexperiences ofnurses <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rcountries. Back <strong>in</strong>India, she f<strong>in</strong>ds thatit can be difficult toimplement bestpractice at workNanth<strong>in</strong>i Subbiah, formerwhen fac<strong>in</strong>g<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Professionalchallenges causedFellow from Indiaby a lack ofresources and lownurse-patient ratios.‘I f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> mostsatisfaction <strong>in</strong>i m p a r t i n gknowledge and hands-on skills to <strong>the</strong> nurs<strong>in</strong>gstudents. My guidance and supervision <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>icalarea bridge <strong>the</strong> gap between <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ory and practicalaspects, which lead to a family’s satisfactionregard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> nurs<strong>in</strong>g services rendered.’12 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong>s News
OUR IMPACTCSC Evaluation and Monitor<strong>in</strong>g ProgrammeEVALUATING SCHOLARSHIPS IN THEHEALTH SECTORJames Ransom on <strong>the</strong>f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs of a recent report.Effective evaluation is atime-consum<strong>in</strong>g andchalleng<strong>in</strong>g process. Somemay argue that if a schemeseems to be work<strong>in</strong>g andits programmes produce asteady stream of successfulalumni, why shouldresources be spentanalys<strong>in</strong>g exactly how this happened? Butevaluat<strong>in</strong>g scholarships and measur<strong>in</strong>g impact is notonly useful, but necessary. Mean<strong>in</strong>gful evaluationcan tell us whe<strong>the</strong>r scholarship schemes aremeet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir objectives and <strong>the</strong> nature of <strong>the</strong>irshort and long-term impacts, as well as allow<strong>in</strong>g usto exam<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> effects of new policies and practices.It can also provide a stimulus to adapt and improveour schemes and a demonstration of <strong>the</strong>ir worth tofunders and o<strong>the</strong>r stakeholders.The fifth and latest publication from <strong>the</strong> CSC’sEvaluation and Monitor<strong>in</strong>g Programme assesses <strong>the</strong>impact of our scholarships <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> health sector.Examples of activity <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong>fluenc<strong>in</strong>g governmentto provide clean water to flood-affectedcommunities, coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> construction of amaternity hospital, lead<strong>in</strong>g an HIV/AIDS peereducation organisation, lobby<strong>in</strong>g government onmalaria prevention, develop<strong>in</strong>g a drug to combatAIDS, and launch<strong>in</strong>g a research laboratory. Onealumnus has been Chief Medical Officer, ano<strong>the</strong>rPermanent Secretary of a M<strong>in</strong>istry of Health, andseveral have used <strong>the</strong>ir knowledge and skills <strong>in</strong> workwith national governments, <strong>the</strong> <strong>United</strong> Nations, <strong>the</strong>The CSC participated <strong>in</strong> a panel discussion on <strong>the</strong>evaluation of health programmes at <strong>the</strong> recentDistance Learn<strong>in</strong>g 4 Health (DL4H) InternationalWorkshop hosted by <strong>the</strong> London InternationalDevelopment Centre (LIDC), and attended by over70 development practitioners from <strong>the</strong> UK andabroad.World Health Organization and <strong>in</strong>ternational NGOs.We have now moved beyond <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itial alumnisurvey, which was an extensive onl<strong>in</strong>equestionnaire, and have tried to provide a degree ofquantification where possible. In do<strong>in</strong>g so, we havehad to be careful with causation; if an alumnushadn’t received an award, would <strong>the</strong>y have stillfounded <strong>the</strong>ir own medical centre or developed anew national health policy? Our questions havesought, <strong>in</strong> particular, to avoid pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g a simplesequence of events, where, for <strong>in</strong>stance, ascholarship was followed by a promotion which wasfollowed by <strong>in</strong>creased <strong>in</strong>fluence with governmentofficials. Instead, we ask exactly what knowledgeand skills <strong>the</strong> scholarship afforded, whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>rewere difficulties <strong>in</strong> implement<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se skills andknowledge, whe<strong>the</strong>r similar opportunities exist <strong>in</strong>neighbour<strong>in</strong>g countries, and so on.This has required a more personal approach toevaluation and as such has avoided reduc<strong>in</strong>galumni to mere statistics. Our scholarships havegenerated thousands of stories, a few of which youcan read with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>se pages. One of <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholars <strong>in</strong>terviewed for <strong>the</strong>report, Clement<strong>in</strong>e Mashwama, graduated with anMSc <strong>in</strong> Community Paediatrics from <strong>the</strong> Universityof Nott<strong>in</strong>gham <strong>in</strong> 2001. She is now a SeniorLecturer and Coord<strong>in</strong>ator at <strong>the</strong> Nazarene Collegeof Nurs<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Swaziland, responsible for teach<strong>in</strong>gpaediatrics as well as exam<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, develop<strong>in</strong>g andimplement<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> curriculum. ‘I was exposed todifferent ways of do<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs,’ she says. ‘Thepaediatric sett<strong>in</strong>g was different <strong>in</strong> Nott<strong>in</strong>gham, so Inoted how th<strong>in</strong>gs were done, and study here gaveme an opportunity to apply some of <strong>the</strong>se th<strong>in</strong>gs ata later stage, such as how best to conduct <strong>the</strong>physical assessments of children. I was a generalistThe discussion explored <strong>the</strong> issues of evaluat<strong>in</strong>gdistance learn<strong>in</strong>g scholarships, draw<strong>in</strong>g onpreparatory work for <strong>the</strong> CSC’s upcom<strong>in</strong>g reporton Master’s-level awards. The CSC’s presentationemphasised <strong>the</strong> dist<strong>in</strong>ctly different contexts of UKbasedscholarships compared to those taught bydistance. ‘We expect several differences, not least<strong>the</strong> difficulties of study<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> rural or fragileenvironments, manag<strong>in</strong>g workplace commitments,and access to resources. But also that <strong>the</strong> contentstudents learn can be implemented <strong>the</strong> very nextday <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> workplace; impact <strong>in</strong> distance learn<strong>in</strong>gfor health can be <strong>in</strong>stant. And, for that reason,evaluation should be an ongo<strong>in</strong>g, live process thatreflects <strong>the</strong> very benefits of distance learn<strong>in</strong>g study.’A full report of <strong>the</strong> workshop is available atwww.lidc.org.uk/news_detail.php?news_id=104before, and <strong>the</strong> course focused my <strong>in</strong>terests andskills.’Across our awards as a whole, <strong>the</strong> report found that,while 16% of respondents to our surveys hadstudied <strong>in</strong> a health-related field, 38% <strong>in</strong>dicated that<strong>the</strong>y have had an impact <strong>in</strong> health. Alumni of o<strong>the</strong>rdiscipl<strong>in</strong>es have had an impact <strong>in</strong> health; thosestudy<strong>in</strong>g health have had an impact <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r areas.Such impact is rarely conf<strong>in</strong>ed to only one area; wefound that those who reported impact <strong>in</strong> health alsoreported a relatively high impact <strong>in</strong> job creation,science, and education. This underl<strong>in</strong>es <strong>the</strong> fact that‘development’ as a field is composed of <strong>in</strong>terrelatedand <strong>in</strong>terdependent fields, which should not be seenas isolated discipl<strong>in</strong>es. The CSC will be explor<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong>se o<strong>the</strong>r fields of development <strong>in</strong> futureevaluation work, <strong>in</strong> particular democracy andgovernance.The report, Evaluat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Commonwealth</strong><strong>Scholarship</strong>s <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>United</strong> K<strong>in</strong>gdom: Assess<strong>in</strong>gimpact <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> health sector, is available onl<strong>in</strong>e atwww.cscuk.org.uk/evaluation<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Distance Learn<strong>in</strong>g Scholar EdwardBwengye-Kahororo (right), with a district waterofficer, construct<strong>in</strong>g a temporary latr<strong>in</strong>e for floodaffectedprimary school pupilsACHIEVING GENDER PARITY:MEASURING THE CSC’S PROGRESSSarah H<strong>in</strong>z exam<strong>in</strong>es issues of gender <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>CSC's work.We know that a large proportion of current and former<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholars and Fellows are female. Wealso know, through alumni surveys, reports andanecdotal evidence, that many of <strong>the</strong>se women are14 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong>s News
oth directly and <strong>in</strong>directly work<strong>in</strong>g to redress genderimbalances <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir workplaces and wider societies.However, until recently, we had no specific researchexam<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g how well women are represented with<strong>in</strong>our own various scholarship and fellowship schemes,and whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> range and flexibility offered byrecently-<strong>in</strong>troduced schemes are actually help<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>CSC to achieve gender parity <strong>in</strong> its awards.THE HISTORICAL PICTURELook<strong>in</strong>g at nom<strong>in</strong>ations and selections over <strong>the</strong> last 51years, it can be concluded that <strong>the</strong> CSC is head<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> right direction although a 50/50 balance has yet tobe achieved. As <strong>the</strong> chart below shows, <strong>the</strong>re has beena steady <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> proportion of female Scholars<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholars and Fellows by gender, 1960-2010and Fellows, from 9% <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1960s to 42% <strong>in</strong> 2010,with a particularly strong <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1990s. Thisdrastic improvement is potentially l<strong>in</strong>ked to both <strong>the</strong><strong>in</strong>troduction of new schemes, such as Split-site andDistance Learn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Scholarship</strong>s and ProfessionalFellowships, and <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g recognition of <strong>the</strong>importance of gender equality worldwide.FROM 2000 ONWARDSAnalysis of data from recent years can be morehelpful, as it positions CSC trends <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> context ofnational and global attitudes. As such, we shouldconsider not only how many women are selected forawards, but also how many are nom<strong>in</strong>ated to <strong>the</strong>CSC by national agencies and <strong>in</strong>stitutions. Over <strong>the</strong>last 11 years, overall figures show that 39% of allnom<strong>in</strong>ees for awards were female and 61% weremale, while 42% of candidates f<strong>in</strong>ally selected forawards were women and 58% were men. As <strong>the</strong>CSC can make its selections only from <strong>the</strong> pool ofnom<strong>in</strong>ated candidates, it is worth tak<strong>in</strong>g a closerlook at how this group breaks down by region,scheme, and level of study.REGIONAL TRENDSWe found a clear dist<strong>in</strong>ction between regions withregards to <strong>the</strong> gender split of <strong>the</strong>ir nom<strong>in</strong>ees. From1999 to 2009, countries <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caribbean, NorthAmerica, Europe and Australasia nom<strong>in</strong>ated morewomen than men for<strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong>sor Fellowships, whereascountries <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pacific, SouthAsia, and sub-Saharan Africanom<strong>in</strong>ated more men thanwomen. Countries <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> FarEast had a well-balancedgender distribution. In 2010,<strong>the</strong> most recent year forwhich we have data, <strong>the</strong>rewere more female than malenom<strong>in</strong>ees from <strong>the</strong> Far East,and fewer female than malenom<strong>in</strong>ees from NorthAmerica, while Australiaachieved a good balance.It is worth not<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> tworegions with <strong>the</strong> largestabsolute number ofnom<strong>in</strong>ees, namely sub-Saharan Africa and SouthAsia, have consistentlynom<strong>in</strong>ated fewer women than men over this 11-yearperiod, but that <strong>the</strong> opposite is true <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Caribbean.TRENDS BY SCHEMEOnly one of our scholarship schemes has had morefemale than male nom<strong>in</strong>ees over <strong>the</strong> 1999-2010period: postgraduate <strong>Scholarship</strong>s for <strong>in</strong>dividualsfrom developed <strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries.However, <strong>the</strong> data does show that women havetended to do better <strong>in</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> schemes. For example,women were proportionally better represented <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> Professional Fellowship and Split-site <strong>Scholarship</strong>schemes from 1999-2009; <strong>in</strong> 2010, both ProfessionalFellowships and postgraduate <strong>Scholarship</strong>s fordevelop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Commonwealth</strong> country citizensreceived a higher proportion of female nom<strong>in</strong>ees –a positive development, as <strong>the</strong> latter scheme has byfar <strong>the</strong> largest absolute number of nom<strong>in</strong>ees.TRENDS BY LEVEL OF STUDYIn terms of level of study, <strong>the</strong> difference between <strong>the</strong>proportion of female and male nom<strong>in</strong>ees does atleast approach a 50/50 split. From 1999-2009, 57%of nom<strong>in</strong>ees for Master’s-level awards were menand 43% were women; for PhD-level awards, 58%of nom<strong>in</strong>ees were men and 42% were women.THE FUTUREAlthough significant improvements have been mades<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> early years of <strong>the</strong> scheme, <strong>the</strong>re are still afew areas <strong>in</strong> which women are notablyunderrepresented. Whilst we recognise that widerdevelopment issues, particularly <strong>the</strong> participation ofgirls and women <strong>in</strong> primary, secondary and tertiaryeducation, are beyond our control, we aim both toconduct fur<strong>the</strong>r analysis of our data and to ensurethat efforts to achieve gender parity form a core partof our activity and policy. We hope that this,comb<strong>in</strong>ed with global changes such as <strong>the</strong> reported<strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> number of women enter<strong>in</strong>g tertiaryeducation <strong>in</strong> many <strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries, willresult <strong>in</strong> more women be<strong>in</strong>g nom<strong>in</strong>ated and, byextension, selected for awards, lead<strong>in</strong>g ultimately towomen be<strong>in</strong>g fairly and equally representedamongst our awardholders.CSC EVALUATION AND MONITORINGPROGRAMMEThe CSC has undertaken monitor<strong>in</strong>gwork through annual reports from awardholders and supervisors, anonymousquestionnaires, and analyses of completionrates for many years. In addition to this, <strong>in</strong>2008, we launched an <strong>in</strong>-depth three-phaseevaluation programme, which aims to identifyand quantify <strong>the</strong> impact of our awards on<strong>in</strong>dividual scholars, on <strong>in</strong>stitutions, and on awider scale on communities and societies.To date, work has <strong>in</strong>cluded trac<strong>in</strong>g alumni andupdat<strong>in</strong>g records, analysis of key issues suchas gender balance, a large-scale alumnisurvey, and written reports detail<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> impactof alumni <strong>in</strong> specific regions and <strong>in</strong> specificsectors. For more <strong>in</strong>formation, visitwww.cscuk.org.uk/evaluation or contactevaluation@cscuk.org.ukFebruary 2011 15
NETWORKS AND EVENTSvenue to <strong>the</strong> unique sounds of <strong>the</strong> bagpipes be<strong>in</strong>gplayed from <strong>the</strong> Library steps. Scottish M<strong>in</strong>ister forCulture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop MSP,addressed <strong>the</strong> reception, speak<strong>in</strong>g about <strong>the</strong>importance of higher education and, <strong>in</strong> particular, <strong>the</strong>benefits that countries such as Scotland can reap bybr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g scholars of high <strong>in</strong>tellect to study, researchand help grow <strong>the</strong>ir economies. O<strong>the</strong>r speakers<strong>in</strong>cluded Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea, Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal andVice-Chancellor of <strong>the</strong> University of Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh, andDavid Hallam, Deputy Director of <strong>the</strong> UN and<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Department at <strong>the</strong> Department forInternational Development (DFID).citizen of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 21st century,and brought toge<strong>the</strong>r academics from across <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> as well as <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholarsand Fellows to th<strong>in</strong>k about issues relevant to <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>.Rouan Wilsenach (2010 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholarfrom South Africa, MA Creative Writ<strong>in</strong>g, University ofEast Anglia) noted that ‘The concept of “activecitizenship” arose early on, and this idea ofeducat<strong>in</strong>g and empower<strong>in</strong>g people liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries became <strong>the</strong> major thrustof discussion dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> conference’.Dr Uduak Udom, 2010 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> ProfessionalFellow, speak<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> CSC Welcome Programme2010CSC WELCOME PROGRAMME 2010New <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholars and Fellows werewelcomed to <strong>the</strong> UK dur<strong>in</strong>g a Welcome Programmegraciously hosted by <strong>the</strong> University of Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh from14-15 November 2010. The cont<strong>in</strong>ued support of <strong>the</strong>Scottish Government for <strong>the</strong> CSC allowed <strong>the</strong> event tobe held outside London for <strong>the</strong> first time. An array oflectures and discussion sessions were arranged,enabl<strong>in</strong>g award holders to meet <strong>the</strong>ir awardadm<strong>in</strong>istrators as well as network with <strong>the</strong>ir peers.The programme began with well-received speechesdetail<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> policies, procedures and visions of <strong>the</strong>CSC, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> hope that all award holders willcont<strong>in</strong>ue to see <strong>the</strong>mselves as ‘<strong>Commonwealth</strong>Scholars for life’. This was followed by <strong>the</strong> launch ofUniversities UK’s new policy brief<strong>in</strong>g on universitiesand development, and a panel discussion on itsimplications for future policy. The second dayfeatured a talk on British politics and <strong>the</strong> 2010 GeneralElection, given by Professor Just<strong>in</strong> Fisher, Director of<strong>the</strong> Magna Carta Institute at Brunel University, and <strong>the</strong>launch of <strong>the</strong> new CSC onl<strong>in</strong>e Directory (see page 3).The University of Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh also hosted a reception at<strong>the</strong> Playfair Library on <strong>the</strong> first even<strong>in</strong>g. A traditionalScottish welcome was provided, as guests entered <strong>the</strong>THE COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCEThe first annual <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Conference washeld from 10-12November 2010,at CumberlandLodge, W<strong>in</strong>dsor,UK. Jo<strong>in</strong>tlyorganised by <strong>the</strong>CSC, <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong>Foundation and<strong>the</strong> Institute of<strong>Commonwealth</strong>Studies (ICS),<strong>the</strong> conferenceexplored what itmeans to be aCSC PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS – HAVE YOU SIGNED UP?The CSC has n<strong>in</strong>e Professional Networks, open toboth current Scholars and Fellows and alumni, <strong>in</strong> arange of professional subject areas:• Gender• Health• Education• Governance, civil society and communitydevelopment• Environment• Agriculture and rural development• Science and technology• Legal• Faiths and civil societyNatasa Mavronicola (2010 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Scholarfrom Cyprus, CPGS Human Rights, University ofAn <strong>in</strong>teractive session at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> ConferenceMembers receive quarterly e-newsletters and canalso post items to <strong>the</strong> network. To jo<strong>in</strong> a network,or to change your contact email address to ensureyou cont<strong>in</strong>ue to receive e-newsletters, visitwww.cscuk.org.uk/professional_networks.aspWe are constantly work<strong>in</strong>g to widen <strong>the</strong> scope of<strong>the</strong> Professional Networks, and <strong>the</strong> Agriculture andRural Development Network now has a L<strong>in</strong>kedIngroup, to enable greater <strong>in</strong>teractivity amongstmembers. A new Professional Network <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> areaof f<strong>in</strong>ance and enterprise is also planned for launch<strong>in</strong> 2011. If you have any views or feedback, pleasecontact us at comments@cscuk.org.uk16 <strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong>s News
COUNTRY PROFILE –CAMEROONNOMINATION PROCESSThe M<strong>in</strong>istry of Higher Education oversees <strong>the</strong><strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong> nom<strong>in</strong>ation process <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> Republic of Cameroon. <strong>Scholarship</strong>s arepublicised via press and radio and at universities.Applications are handled by <strong>the</strong> Cameroon<strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>.Applications are presented to an ad hoc M<strong>in</strong>isterial<strong>Commission</strong>, which also comprises representativesfrom state universities, for review. The nom<strong>in</strong>ees are<strong>the</strong>n forwarded to <strong>the</strong> CSC for f<strong>in</strong>al selection. Thenom<strong>in</strong>ation process takes around four months <strong>in</strong> total.Selection criteria <strong>in</strong>clude:• academic excellence• consistent academic profile• fields of study <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with national developmentpriorities• priority for young Assistant Lecturers want<strong>in</strong>g topursue PhD studyInternational scholarship schemes such as<strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong>s are important toCameroon <strong>in</strong> many ways. A spokesperson from <strong>the</strong>M<strong>in</strong>istry says ‘It helps <strong>in</strong> staff<strong>in</strong>g our universities. Itenables students to major <strong>in</strong> priority fields of studynot offered <strong>in</strong> our country, and relevant to <strong>the</strong>development of Cameroon’.ALUMNI‘W<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong>completely changed my life’. The reaction of DrEneke Tambe Bechem is typical of Cameroonianalumni. She studied for a PhD <strong>in</strong> Plant and SoilScience at <strong>the</strong> University of Aberdeen from 2000-2004. Upon her return to Cameroon, Eneke becamean Assistant Lecturer at <strong>the</strong> University of Buea. ‘Thetechniques learned <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> course of my research arevery important <strong>in</strong> my career. Teach<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong>university has been a great opportunity for me toserve my country and to contribute towards nationbuild<strong>in</strong>g.’Dr Nelson Ntonifor was a <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Fellow at<strong>the</strong> University of Read<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 2000, <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>identification and characteristics of pesticides. ‘My<strong>Commonwealth</strong> Fellowship made an <strong>in</strong>credible,irreversible positive change <strong>in</strong> my university teach<strong>in</strong>gcareer and also broadened my understand<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong>A chameleon, one of many animal species native to Cameroonglobal university community.’ Dur<strong>in</strong>g his Fellowship,he found that colleagues at Read<strong>in</strong>g were veryapproachable, ‘greatly facilitated knowledgeacquisition and <strong>the</strong>ir shar<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>in</strong>valuableexperiences has made me more competitive<strong>in</strong>ternationally’.Nathalie Mongue Me-Nsope, who was awarded a<strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong> for an MA <strong>in</strong> WomenStudies at <strong>the</strong> University of York <strong>in</strong> 2003, is currentlypursu<strong>in</strong>g a doctoral degree <strong>in</strong> Agricultural Economicsat Michigan State University <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA, specialis<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> gender justice and environmental change. Shepreviously worked for <strong>the</strong> Gender and Developmentdivision of INSER, a development consultancy firm<strong>in</strong> Cameroon. Nathalie says ‘The time spent at <strong>the</strong>University of York and <strong>in</strong> particular at <strong>the</strong> Centre forWomen’s Studies was <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of a veryimportant journey <strong>in</strong> my life. While at York, I workedwith great professors, who heard me, understoodmy <strong>in</strong>terest, and provided me with guidance on howto acquire <strong>the</strong> skills necessary to accomplish mycareer goals’.Dr Christiana Abonge neatly summarises <strong>the</strong> impactof her award: ‘<strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong>s play avital role <strong>in</strong> enhanc<strong>in</strong>g academic careers <strong>in</strong>develop<strong>in</strong>g countries’. She was awarded a<strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong> to study a PhD <strong>in</strong>Gender and Microenterprise Development at <strong>the</strong>University of Leeds <strong>in</strong> 2004; her research ‘explored<strong>the</strong> contributions of enterprise support programmes,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g microcredit and women’s smallbus<strong>in</strong>esses, to poverty alleviation, which is one of<strong>the</strong> Millennium Development Goals’. Aftercomplet<strong>in</strong>g her PhD <strong>in</strong> 2010, Christiana has obta<strong>in</strong>eda position as an Assistant Lecturer <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Departmentof Women and Gender Studies at <strong>the</strong> Universityof Buea.Yaoundé, <strong>the</strong> capital city of Cameroon© John Friel © Marco SchmidtFebruary 201119
The <strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong> <strong>Commission</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>United</strong>K<strong>in</strong>gdom (CSC) is responsible for manag<strong>in</strong>g Brita<strong>in</strong>’scontribution to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong> andFellowship Plan (CSFP).The CSC supports around 700 awards annually. Awards arefunded by UKaid from <strong>the</strong> Department for InternationalDevelopment (for develop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries) and <strong>the</strong>Foreign and <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Office, <strong>the</strong> Department for Bus<strong>in</strong>ess,Innovation and Skills and <strong>the</strong> Scottish Government (for developed<strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries), <strong>in</strong> conjunction with UK universities. The CSCalso nom<strong>in</strong>ates UK citizens for scholarships to study <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries under <strong>the</strong> CSFP.The CSC makes available seven types of award:· <strong>Scholarship</strong>s for PhD research· <strong>Scholarship</strong>s for Master’s study· Shared <strong>Scholarship</strong>s with UK universities <strong>in</strong> support of Master’s programmes· Academic Fellowships for staff serv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g country universities· Split-site <strong>Scholarship</strong>s for PhD students to spend up to one year <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK· Professional Fellowships for mid-career professionals <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g countries· Distance Learn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Scholarship</strong>s for develop<strong>in</strong>g country students to study UKMaster’s degree courses while liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own countriesThe CSC is a non-departmental public body <strong>in</strong> its own right, and members areappo<strong>in</strong>ted <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with <strong>the</strong> Code of Practice of <strong>the</strong> Office of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Commission</strong>er forPublic Appo<strong>in</strong>tments. The <strong>Commission</strong>’s secretariat is provided by <strong>the</strong> Associationof <strong>Commonwealth</strong> Universities; f<strong>in</strong>ancial management and welfare support forscholars is provided by <strong>the</strong> British Council.The CSFP is an <strong>in</strong>ternational programme under which member governments offerscholarships and fellowships to citizens of o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Commonwealth</strong> countries. The Planwas established at <strong>the</strong> first <strong>Commonwealth</strong> education conference <strong>in</strong> 1959 and isreviewed by m<strong>in</strong>isters at <strong>the</strong>ir triennial meet<strong>in</strong>gs – <strong>the</strong> only scholarship scheme <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> world to receive such high-level recognition.www.cscuk.org.uk<strong>Commonwealth</strong> <strong>Scholarship</strong>s News is published for <strong>in</strong>formation purposes only and no liability is accepted for its contents by <strong>the</strong> CSC or by any contributor to it. While all reasonable efforts havebeen made to ensure that <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong>re<strong>in</strong> was correct at <strong>the</strong> time of compilation, it should not be regarded as def<strong>in</strong>itive and no responsibility is accepted for <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>clusion oromission of any particular item. The op<strong>in</strong>ions expressed are those of <strong>the</strong> authors and do not necessarily represent <strong>the</strong> views of <strong>the</strong> CSC.This magaz<strong>in</strong>e is pr<strong>in</strong>ted us<strong>in</strong>g vegetable-based <strong>in</strong>ks on Ecoplex paper, made from 100% post-consumer waste fibre to Blue Angel standard RAL UZ-14. It is chlor<strong>in</strong>e free, uses no optical brightenersand has one of <strong>the</strong> lowest energy requirements and smallest carbon footpr<strong>in</strong>ts of any coated paper.