Women at the centre of knowledge: shaping the future of science and leadership

"I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy." — Marie Curie, physicist. (1867 - 1934) 

For a long time, women have had to fight for their place in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as in decision-making positions, facing institutional and cultural barriers that limited their access to research and leadership roles. According to UNESCO, they represent only one-third of researchers, and in certain disciplines such as mathematics and engineering, the figures are even lower. Yet in recent years, a quiet but persistent change has taken place: women are gaining visibility and leadership, redefining knowledge production and the search for solutions to global challenges. 

In institutions such as Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), this change is tangible. On a campus where nearly 70 % of students are women, female leadership is not the exception but the norm. Departments are headed by women, research projects are led by them, and the student body is predominantly female. In such an environment, the notion of a “glass ceiling” seems a distant memory. 

"Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi promotes women’s leadership through a culture that combines academic rigour, personalised support and visible role models in key positions," explains Dr Concetta La Rocca, Italian lecturer and specialist in modern philology. Governance reflects this commitment: nearly 60% of the Board of Trustees are women. For sociologist Dr Clio Chaveneau, Associate Professor, "The strong presence of women in leadership and management positions is essential: empowerment is not only about obtaining rights, but also about being socially recognised as a legitimate leader. SUAD helps to normalise this visibility in a prestigious, state-supported and internationally connected environment.” 

Women shaping the academic ecosystemWomen shaping the academic ecosystem 

The campus itself, which brings together over 90 nationalities, becomes a space where disciplinary expertise, intercultural awareness and female mentorship intersect to build an inclusive academic ecosystem. “The presence of women normalises their leadership and sends a clear message: academic, scientific and decision-making positions are fully accessible to them,” emphasises Dr Lama Tarsissi, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science and UAE Ambassador for Women in Mathematics. 

In this context, women’s leadership is not merely participatory: it represents a redistribution of academic power, the legitimisation of their institutional roles and a broader cultural transformation. As Dr Chaveneau notes, SUAD acts simultaneously “on structures and representations” by ensuring women’s access to positions of responsibility while also reshaping perceptions of leadership and authority within the academic community. This dual approach creates an environment where women’s ambition is not only accepted but expected. Their contribution extends to research, societal initiatives and international collaborations, reinforcing the inclusive identity of the university.

Challenging global trends in STEM 

In STEM, SUAD constitutes an exception. Dr Tarsissi organises initiatives such as International Women in Mathematics Day, Women in STEM panels, Career Talk – Women in Engineering (in partnership with the EU and CCI France-UAE), as well as exhibitions showcasing female researchers. These actions strengthen women’s presence in science and provide concrete role models for students. “SUAD provides social, cultural and professional capital highly valued in the local labour market, enabling women to access scientific pathways that were previously less accessible,” observes Dr Chaveneau. 

Language also contributes to empowerment. Dr La Rocca explains that over the past twenty years, Italian has progressed towards greater gender equality, with increased visibility of professional feminine titles such as avvocata, presidentessa, ministra, or ingegnera. “The circulation of terms such as agency, representation or inclusivity shapes a new linguistic awareness. For students, this vocabulary legitimises their presence in positions of power. Progress is slow and requires time, but it is essential.” 

Institutional commitment and international partnershipsInstitutional commitment and international partnerships 

At SUAD, women’s empowerment is enacted through concrete and international programmes: mentoring initiatives (with over 70% of participants being women), the Women Empowerment Club, workshops on public speaking, discourse analysis and intercultural communication, as well as international conferences. This commitment is also reflected symbolically across campus, where key spaces have been named in honour of influential women, including Umm Kulthum Hall (formerly the Oval Room), dedicated to the legendary cultural icon, the Marie Curie Amphitheatre, and the Germaine Tillion Garden, affirming the visibility and legacy of women in academic and cultural life. 

The Women@Dior & UNESCO programme exemplifies this approach: each year, five students are selected to follow a programme combining personalised mentorship by Dior professionals, modules on leadership and inclusion, and concrete projects (Dream for Change) transforming engagement into tangible actions for women and girls. In 2025, the university enriched this dynamic with cultural, scientific, and artistic projects, including a call for proposals on the voice of women and the Lumières de Femmes exhibition showcasing 23 Francophone artists. This commitment also extended to academic reflection and advocacy, with events such as the talk “When Matilda Shows Up”, addressing gender bias in science, and the celebration of International Women in Mathematics Day, highlighting the role and visibility of women in mathematical research. Together, these initiatives place students at the heart of knowledge production and social action. 

Research initiatives complement this commitment. Women in Research for Sustainability highlights SUAD female researchers contributing to climate science, while the Blooming Futures report, co-authored with Greenpeace MENA, illustrates the rising influence of young Emirati and international women researchers. “These initiatives place women at the centre as knowledge producers, and not simply as objects of celebration,” stresses Dr Chaveneau. 

A more ambitious and globally engaged generationA more ambitious and globally engaged generation 

The effects are visible. Students display greater ambition and autonomy in global debates on gender equality, both within campus life and beyond. Alumni continue this trajectory, accessing professional and academic spheres where they can influence change. Among the class of 2025, Sara Al Raeesi, holding a double master in Environmental Sustainability: Law and Policies, noted during the graduation ceremony her learning to “be firmly grounded in knowledge while ready to apply it globally.” Now Senior Specialist for Business Partnerships and Communications at ADNOC, she demonstrates how academic training translates into tangible impact in the sustainability and communications sector. 

Maryam Alzaabi, graduate in Applied Foreign Languages, distinguished herself not only through her mastery of several languages but also through her advocacy for accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities, presented at the Inclusive Workplaces Summit. Other alumni, such as Aysha Shaaya, represented SUAD internationally as cultural ambassadors, for example at Expo 2025 in Osaka, reinforcing the idea that academic achievements serve as a springboard for global intercultural initiatives. 

For sociologist Dr Clio Chaveneau, “Education becomes a lever for empowerment, expanding what is conceivable and achievable for women in academic and professional life.” In a world where gender disparities persist, the campus provides a glimpse of what equitable leadership and intellectual engagement can look like.