Marching forward together to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive UT – join us!
For International Women’s Day 2025 (8th of March), with the theme: MARCH FORWARD, we reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in creating a fair and just world. At the University of Twente, this day holds special significance as we celebrate the achievements of women who have excelled and driven innovation in a historically male-dominated fields. Their accomplishments, highlight the immense talent and ingenuity women bring, even in the face of systemic barriers designed to exclude them.
In Dutch academia, it is well-known that, on average, more women than men enrol in bachelor’s and master’s programme and they are also more likely to complete their degrees. Despite progress, women are still underrepresented in academic careers, as reflected in the lower percentages of female professors in the Netherlands. While wage disparities between men and women have narrowed, women are still more likely to earn less than their male counterparts.
Furthermore, diverse, equitable, and inclusive research is at the heart of this issue. The growing global efforts to restrict studies on sex, gender, diversity, and inclusion are deeply concerning. Without a strong and unified response, these developments risk undermining the hard-won progress made in the Netherlands in sex- and gender-sensitive research. Consequences of restrictions disproportionately affect women, girls, and minority groups, but ultimately, they weaken society as a whole. The importance and value of inclusive research cannot be overstated. That is, only by ensuring that research fully reflects and addresses the needs of our diverse population can we achieve meaningful and equitable advancements.
Breaking barriers and valuing contributions and achievement
Looking at UT, we know that our university was established during a time when active participation of women in technical education and research was not even considered. This history leaves us with a clear responsibility to remain vigilant in breaking down any lingering barriers or outdated practices. It’s vital that we ensure women have fair and equal opportunities to thrive. Acknowledging this history is not about getting stuck in the past, it is about committing to a future where everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity, class, gender, and other individual characteristics can flourish and genuinely feel they belong.
Celebrating women’s achievements is essential, but it’s not enough. While we acknowledge the remarkable contributions women have made in research, teaching, and leadership, we must go further. Diversity, equity, and inclusion must be ingrained in every aspect of our structures and ways of working—not treated as merely ambitions. This means creating an environment that not only welcomes women but actively supports their growth and advancement at every stage of academia and beyond.
Jointly marching forwards to accelerate change
Let us now MARCH FORWARD. As we do, let’s reaffirm our commitment to creating a university where equity isn’t just a value but a lived reality. The progress that has been made thus far cannot stop. We must continue to stand with women and to advocate for equal rights, respect, and justice. So let us honour the women who inspire us and push us to strive for better. We want women (and our networks) to have a seat at the table, so their expertise informs decision-making at every level. By prioritising and embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion, we can ensure our university becomes a place where everyone’s potential is realised, and no achievement goes unnoticed.
Join the March – Make Your Voice Heard!
On March 6th at 12:00, we will gather at O&O Square to march forward together—celebrating the successes of women at UT while also shedding light on the challenges that remain. This is more than a walk; it’s a statement. A statement that diversity, equity, and inclusion matter—no matter the times.
We invite all students, staff, and faculty—regardless of race, ethnicity, class, gender, or age—to stand together and show that at UT, we are committed to a future where everyone belongs and thrives.
Your presence matters. Your voice matters. Let’s march forward—together!
This event is organized as a sucessful collaboration of various groups here at UT:
DE&I Team UT, EO4all, EQUITY/P-NUT, Studium Generale, Technology for Women's Health, OBP-vrouwennetwerk and WANT.
For questions about this event, please contact the DE&I Team via e-mail.
----
On March 20th, there is also another event organized by Studium Generale in context of International Women's Day 2025:
Design: the woman as norm
You can find more information on this event here.
