Challenges to Gender Equality in Academia at the University of Twente
Despite recognition of the importance of gender equality in the realm of science, real progress has often been sidelined. Recently, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, the University of Twente faced organizational changes that jeopardized previously achieved advancements in gender equity within its faculty of Science and Technology (TNW). As we observe International Women’s Day, it becomes essential to address the continuing battle for gender equality in academia.
Concerns Arising from Recent Changes
Recent restructuring within the TNW faculty has raised significant concerns among faculty members and students alike. Financial challenges are impacting the university, but the unintended consequences of the reorganization have hit particularly hard. Of grave concern is a noticeable drop in the representation of women in the scientific community—an area where numbers were already less than satisfying.
Examining Gender Diversity Efforts
A self-evaluation report published in 2023 on TNW’s research initiatives made important observations regarding gender diversity. While the University of Twente has been proactive in increasing the number of women in senior academic roles, leading to a rise in female associate professors, the overall number of female academic staff remains troublingly low. Questions arise about this paradox: if enhancing gender diversity is indeed a priority for the faculty board, why are female full professors—specifically those recruited through diversity grants—facing potential dismissal?
Targets Yet to be Met
Looking ahead, the university set an ambitious target of achieving 25% female full professors by 2025. As per data from February 28, 2025, the current figure stands at 24%, falling short of the goal. In light of the recent reorganization, there is a projected decline to 23% in female full professors, raising alarm about the university’s commitment to this objective. Meanwhile, the internal target for the TNW faculty—a modest 10% female full professors by 2025—has now regressed from an earlier achievement of 13% to a distressingly low 8%.
Uncertainties for Future Generations
The advancement of science hinges on contributions from all groups within academia, including faculty, researchers, support staff, and students. By neglecting to fully evaluate the ramifications of its decisions, the university complicates the academic landscape for underrepresented groups. This uncertainty extends to PhD and postdoctoral researchers, who were initially assured that their positions would remain intact, yet now find themselves amidst instability. Such changes threaten to deter aspiring scientists, thereby widening the gender gap even further.
A Call for Genuine Commitment
In light of these ongoing challenges, we call on both the current and future faculty board, as well as the executive board at the University of Twente, to prioritize gender diversity as a fundamental component of their long-term vision. This should not merely function as a branding initiative but rather reflect a serious commitment to equity. Policies must extend beyond recruitment to include mechanisms that support women in their professional development.
Women in academia should not merely serve as a statistic, brought in for grant applications and diversity metrics only to be sidelined during structural transitions. The university needs to acknowledge that gender diversity is a core value that enriches both research and education.
Conclusion
Signed,
Concerned Employees and Students from the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Twente:
Hanna Reijneveld, Ege Hosgor, Nataliya Debera, Giulia Allegri, Saskia Lindhoud, Sara T.R. Velasquez, Sandra Michel – Souzy, Éverton Fernandes da Cunha, Annagioia Furegon, Giulia Li Castri, Amarna Pels, Sander Reuvekamp, Anna Mazzetto, Thomas Buijsen, Mathijs Damhuis, Alessandro Borrini, Mireia Vilar Hernandez, Robin Meeuwisse, Hazal Koyuncu – Çetinkaya, Gianian Wang, Vitória Chiella Santin, Yuqing Zhang, Marco van den Hout, Riccardo Zinelli, Femke Witmans, Jose Alejandro Montenegro Orenday, Mohammad Saghafi, Sonia Garcia Blanco, Dawson Bonneville, Carlos Osornio Martinez, Nadia Chahir, and two anonymous employees. The Women’s Academic Network Twente also endorses this letter.
Source: HR Dashboard on Gender Diversity, consulted on February 28, 2025.
