“I am inspired to see how young students and women develop their inner strength and their belief in themselves when I link them to scholarly and life-enriching opportunities.

Professor Antoinette Lombard is the head of the department of social work and criminology at the University of Pretoria (UP). She has served on an impressive array of professional bodies that include the Interim Council for Social Work, the South African Council for Social Service Professions, and the Professional Board for Social Work. She represents the Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions on the board of the International Association for Schools of Social Work, and is the programme director of Fordham University’s Ubuntu Exchange Programme with UP.

To add to this impressive list, she serves on the editorial board of several international and national journals and has more than 50 publications, including journal articles, six book chapters and a book on community development under her belt.

What inspires such a prodigious talent?

“I am inspired to see how young students and women develop their inner strength and their belief in themselves when I link them to scholarly and life-enriching opportunities,” says Lombard. “I am also inspired to witness the personal and professional development of postgraduate students and the difference they make through their research studies to bring about a more sustainable and just future for all, especially girls and women.”

For Lombard, the dialogue around women is being increasingly recognised, thanks to the hard work of dedicated women achievers who sit at the forefront and make sacrifices to create pathways for other women and girls. These are the pioneers and creators of new futures and those who break down the barriers of gender inequality.

“There is a steep road ahead, especially for future generations, if the practice of girl marriage in South Africa serves as one example,” she says. “It is important that women believe in themselves and the contributions they can make. Approach people with respect, embrace different viewpoints while believing your own view is as important as others, and strive for excellence. Remain enthusiastic to discover and to learn, so you can create pathways for others.”

— Tamsin Oxford

LinkedIn: @antoinette-lombard