The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted gender inequalities in academia, with women publishing fewer papers and suffering a drop in research hours. But the problem isn’t new, with the University of Luxembourg now looking to introduce a gender equality policy.
A recent internal survey at the University has revealed perceived imbalances by staff when it comes to gender equality. To address them, the University has conducted an internal audit and leveraged international benchmarking to propose policies in six different areas. The internal strategy is currently being developed, and will be re-evaluated in three years to measure results. As a woman in science, SnT’s Dr. Sallam Abualhaija recently sat down with Delano to talk about her desire to continue working in the academic world, and her sense of responsibility for being an example for others.
Her interview was published yesterday as part of Delano’s coverage of the new Uni.lu policies. You can find it here.
In the article, Abualhaija explains her intention to remain in academia. And that, underlies Delano, despite the high demand from companies for professionals from her field of expertise – language processing. As a woman and a member of a minority group, Abualhajia also wants to encourage other women to pursue careers in the academic world. “They will be great scientists, not less worthy than any male scientist,” she told Delano. “We can keep International Women’s Day until we have equity in society,” she added. “We haven’t reached this space yet and we still need to appreciate women a bit more.”
Read the article in full on Delano’s website.