Dr. Eugenia Kula: A Champion of Global Exposure for Women and Youth
Having traveled to over 50 countries herself, Dr. Eugenia Kula firmly believes that travel is a vital form of education and exposure. Her dedication to empowerment is demonstrated through numerous initiatives that have opened doors for women and youth to access international opportunities.
Dr. Kula understands the value of sponsorship and has personally funded two young women to attend international training programs in Japan and India, where flights, accommodation, and tuition were fully covered. These experiences marked the first international trips for both participants, broadening their horizons and professional networks.
In 2012, Dr. Kula led two young women to Botswana as part of a Presidential Trade Mission, emphasizing her belief in “not entering alone.” The following year, during South Africa’s BRICS Chairmanship under Dr. Patrice Motsepe, she secured 10 spots for women to attend the prestigious BRICS Business Summit in Sandton. Dr. Motsepe affectionately nicknamed her “Quorum” for her ability to gather and advocate for women in high-level forums.
Her commitment continued in 2014 at the BRICS Business Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, where she brought along another woman to benefit from the international experience. In 2015, she earned a scholarship to attend a leadership course at the Geneva Institute of Leadership and Public Policy (GILPP) in Switzerland. True to her empowering spirit, she secured scholarships for two additional women.
Dr. Kula’s efforts extended to Zambia, where a young participant attended an ILO entrepreneurship course, and multiple international courses hosted in South Africa.
In 2018, as part of a Presidential delegation to the #FACOC summit in Beijing, China, Dr. Kula ensured that two more women accompanied her on this pivotal international trip.
Many of these women were traveling internationally for the first time, transforming their careers and perspectives. Dr. Kula credits male allies like Dr. Motsepe, who supported her empowerment initiatives, and continues to push boundaries, fostering global exposure and development for women and youth.
Her legacy stands as a testament to the transformative power of travel and education in creating a generation of empowered leaders.
