Progress toward gender equality in science has long been treated as an afterthought—recognised in principle, but rarely prioritised. In a striking coincidence, just as the world marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, the reorganisation at a faculty of the University of Twente was yet another example of how systemic changes can damage hard-won gains. This International Women’s Day, we aim to highlight the ongoing struggle on gender equality within academia.
Concerns
Some serious concerns among researchers and students were raised by the recent reorganisation at our faculty (Science and Technology, TNW). While the university faces significant financial challenges, TNW was hit hard not only by the expected consequences but also by unintended ones. The most unpleasant one is the decline in the number of women in science, which, let's face it, was already low.
Diversity considerations
In 2023, a self-evaluation report on the research of the TNW Faculty was published, which, among other topics, examined gender diversity. The report stated that the University of Twente invested in increasing the number of women in academic top positions, leading to a notable rise in female associate professors. Kudos for that. It also dutifully highlighted that overall growth in the number of female academic staff remained a challenge. This makes us, and hopefully the reader as well, question where this challenge lies. If gender diversity is indeed on the faculty board’s lists, why are three of the four female full professors who were hired using grants to promote diversity now “threatened with dismissal”? It makes us wonder whether gender diversity is only considered when it aligns with financial motivations, such as grant applications or the availability of funding.
Targets
For 2025, a university-wide target was set to have 25% female full professors. As of 28 February 2025, the university has 24% female full professors [1], meaning this target has not been reached. To reach the target, four extra female full professors should have been appointed before 2025. Instead, the percentage of female full professors at the university will drop to 23% due to the decisions made during the reorganisation. The fact that the reorganisation worsened this progress comes with great sorrow. The TNW faculty set internal targets to have 10% female full professors (in fte) by 2025, which was reached before the reorganisation (13% without compensation for fte). Now, despite that already being a ridiculously low percentage, it is no longer a reality (8% without compensation for fte). This regression contradicts the university’s stated commitments and raises concerns about priorities.
Uncertainties
Science moves forward through the contributions of everyone, academic staff, researchers, support staff, and students. By failing to consider all the consequences of the decisions, the university makes the path forward in academia even more difficult, particularly for those already underrepresented. PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, who were initially assured that they wouldn’t be affected, are also experiencing uncertainty and disruption. These changes discourage the next generation of scientists, further widening the gender gap in academia and beyond.
Genuine commitment
We, the writers of this letter, urge both UT’s current (and future) faculty board and the executive board to incorporate gender diversity in their long-term vision. Not as a branding strategy, but as a genuine commitment to equity. This means that the policies should go beyond just hiring female staff, by creating a support system that allows them to develop their activities in the most optimal way.
Women in academia should not be treated as a reserve army—brought in when needed for grant applications and diversity metrics, then dismissed when structural changes occur. The university must recognise that gender diversity is not a tool for marketing or external funding, but a core value that strengthens research and education.
Signed,
Worried employees and students within 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 2 anonymous employees. The board of the Women’s Academic Network Twente supports this letter.
[1] According to HR dashboard on gender diversity consulted on 28-02-2025.
