On March 13th, UI GreenMetric IG Live took the stage again to strengthen the discourse around sustainability in higher education. This time, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University and Adam Mickiewicz University, we discussed the topic of “Women’s Leadership in the Future of Sustainable Campuses.” This discussion aligns with the recent celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th.

Showcasing real examples of women’s leadership in higher education and sustainability, the event featured Prof. Sherine Farouk, Associate Provost and Member of the Sustainability Strategic Committee at Abu Dhabi University (ADU), UAE, and Lead of the Communal Activation Pillar in the UAE Universities Climate Network (UCN), as well as Anna Schmidt-Fiedler, Head of the Social Innovations and Sustainability Office at Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland. The session was moderated by Riska Hariyadi, Communication Specialist at UI GreenMetric. The talk provided valuable insights into the incredible impact women’s leadership is having on sustainability efforts in educational institutions, including how women leaders are uniquely positioned to foster inclusivity and diversity, overcome challenges, and drive environmental action.

“The ability of women to address sensitive social issues that often disproportionately affect them can foster a culture of change in society that is more inclusive. Adam Mickiewicz University understands this challenge and has therefore initiated many programs to incorporate a gender-balanced approach through participatory research, as well as the use of feminine language that diminishes the centrality of masculine terms in professional settings,” shared Anna Schmidt-Fiedler when asked about the unique qualities women bring to leadership. She also noted that Adam Mickiewicz University has been a front-runner in implementing women’s leadership, as it is one of the few universities that has appointed a woman to the rector position.

In addition to the qualities of women that foster an inclusive working environment, Prof. Sherine Farouk shared that many strategic positions in Abu Dhabi have been filled by women. Women have also become pillars of decision-making in areas such as teaching, sustainability, and community engagement at her respective university. However, she acknowledged that challenges for women still exist. “Collaboration is key to positioning women in strategic roles. The absence of sufficient mentorship programs is one challenge, but maybe if we allow competition, it could benefit women by providing equal opportunities to showcase their leadership skills, excel, and break down barriers to top positions,” she explained.

In her closing statement, she also recommended the creation of female-focused sustainability fairs or workshops to strengthen women’s role in leadership. This recommendation resonated deeply, as it directly addresses the lack of mentorship that often hinders women’s growth. Such events could serve as valuable platforms for women to connect, gain direct mentorship, and find role models to inspire and guide their own leadership journeys.

UI GreenMetric has taken many aspects related to women into account, including the conscious decision to add indicator that support women’s natural needs while enabling them to function professionally in universities. This initiative aims to encourage universities around the world to adopt behavior changes that are both more sustainable and inclusive. This commitment to equity fosters leadership opportunities for women, driving sustainability efforts and promoting a more inclusive and thriving academic community.

UI GreenMetric is dedicated to sustaining these crucial conversations and actions to advance sustainability in higher education. This IG Live discussion is one of many initiatives that UI GreenMetric is carrying out to encourage sustainable practices across universities globally.

To keep up with upcoming events and sustainability efforts, make sure to follow UI GreenMetric on its social media channels.

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Written by Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist