Promoting gender equality and diversity
We’re advancing gender equality and women's leadership in academia through our Fostering Women’s Leadership in Ukrainian Academia project
Project summary
The Challenge
In times of crisis, gender equality and diversity are more critical than ever to foster adaptive and resilient leadership.
The Approach
International collaboration to develop inclusive professional development activities and resources, fostering dialogue and sharing best practices around gender equality.
The Outcome
The research acknowledges and addresses the different problems women face, including disability, age, displacement and the after-effects of war.
Lead academics
Dr Stella Gonzalez-Arnal
Project funded by
Project Partners
Impact beyond borders
Our research will contribute to economic development, social welfare and the sustainable recovery of Ukraine post-war.
The Challenge
In an era where gender equality and diversity in leadership are more critical than ever, the University of Hull and Mariupol State University (MSU) are pioneering a groundbreaking initiative to catalyse change and foster inclusivity in academia. This research specifically targets the challenges faced by Ukrainian institutions and their displaced academic communities due to ongoing conflict.
The Fostering Women’s Leadership in Ukrainian Academia project aims to advance gender equality and women's leadership in academia through an intersectional and culturally responsive approach.
The initiative builds on the University of Hull’s current partnership with MSU - and will engage academic staff and students in Ukraine and the UK to develop and share inclusive practices and policies.
The research team
Dr Stella Gonzalez-Arnal, University of Hull
Dr Natalia Marakhovska, Mariupol State University
The Approach
A Foundation of Collaboration
The initiative builds on the strategic partnership between the University of Hull and MSU, leveraging the rich academic and cultural synergies between our two institutions. Dr Stella Gonzalez Arnal (UoH) and Dr Natalia Marakhovska (MSU) lead the charge, promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in academia. Their goal is to kickstart a big change towards making academic spaces inclusive, where everyone gets a say and all talents are valued.
Inclusive Excellence
The project includes professional development courses and an international workshop to foster dialogue, share best practices, and propel the narrative of women's leadership and intersectionality in academia onto the global stage. A highlight is the ‘Inclusive Leadership in Academia through Cultural Immersion’ course aimed at empowering MSU academics with the skills to cultivate a culturally responsive and inclusive teaching and leadership landscape.
A Call to Action
The initiative invites the broader university community and stakeholders to engage, support, and amplify its goals.
Key activities include a professional development course on inclusive leadership, an international workshop, and the creation of a project webpage for disseminating resources. The research contributes to economic development, social welfare, and the sustainable recovery of Ukraine post-war.
Our inclusive and inspiring programme
Launch event: Beyond Displacement/Exile: Building a Future for Women Leaders in Academia, University of Hull, 19 June 2024
The event offered the opportunity to discuss how universities can support displaced/exiled staff and students, and promote the leadership of women and diverse groups in academia. It shared good practices transferable to other higher education institutions and a non-academic context.
Watch Beyond Displacement Video - Part A
Watch Beyond Displacement Video - Part B
Research workshop on trauma and post-war recovery, University of Hull, 2 - 3 July 2024
Academics from the University of Hull and Mariupol State University explored synergies for future collaboration on trauma and post-war recovery, including a presentation by Dr Stella Gonzalez-Arnal entitled ‘Beyond Displacement/Exile: Building a Future for Women Leaders in Academia’.
Inclusive Leadership in Academia through Cultural Immersion, 28 October – 8 November 2024
This 30-hour professional online development course, designed to cultivate leadership qualities and EDI awareness, inspired and empowered 40 educators and inclusion workers from Ukrainian and overseas institutions.
The course prepared participants to create inclusive learning environments. By delving into concepts of gender, disability, age, cultural background, and other categories of difference, participants learned to design innovative courses that cater to diverse student needs. This transformative experience has positioned participants as leaders in creating a more inclusive and equitable higher education landscape in Ukraine.
Comments from participants:
‘I appreciated the breadth of topics covered; however, the examination of inclusion in education was particularly relevant for my work’
‘During the course, I myself got rid of certain stereotypes…’
‘I realised the importance of using different mediums, for example, art, to develop empathy and understanding’
Workshop (IAE) - Women's Leadership for Resilience and Transformation, 24 March 2025
By combining academic discourse and practical insights from NGOs, this international workshop created a platform for exploring the complex issues of women's leadership and gender equality. It amplified the voices of displaced women, celebrating their resilience and creativity, and inspiring action towards a more inclusive and equitable world inside and outside academia.
The Impact
Impact Beyond Borders
The collaboration between the University of Hull and Mariupol State University serves as a model for international partnerships, highlighting the power of unity, innovation, and a shared commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive world.
The significance of this project extends beyond the academic community; it shows how determined educators and leaders are, even when things get tough. By exploring different perspectives, the research acknowledges the different problems people face, like gender, disability, age, and being displaced from their homes.
It's not just about helping women and others who aren't represented enough in academia become better leaders. It's also about helping Ukraine recover after the war and making life better for everyone there.
Publications and events
II International Conference – Political and Economic Self-Constitution: Migration, Inequalities and Discrimination, 7-8 July 2024
'Empowering Women Leaders in a Time of Crisis: Fostering Inclusion in Ukrainian Academia’, Stella Gonzalez-Arnal and Natalia Marakhovska in Bondarevska, I., Giacomozzi, A. I., & Karakatsani, D. (Eds.). (2024). Proceedings of the II International Conference Political and Economic Self-constitution: migration, inequalities and discrimination [E-book]. Florianópolis: UFSC. ISBN 978-85-8328-324-9.pp pp 4-7
More information about this event
Download the conference proceedings
Intercultural Competences and Inclusive education event, 3 December 2024
Dr Natalia Marakhovska participated in an online World Café, which brought together 72 members from 18 European University Alliances to discuss impactful best practices for professional development in teaching and learning. During the session on 'Intercultural Competences and Inclusive Education,' Dr Marakhovska presented findings, highlighting an intersectional and culturally responsive approach.
More information about this event
Leadership and Community Development workshop, 27 May 2025
Dr Stella Gonzalez-Arnal delivered the presentation ‘Intersectionality and Women’s Leadership at Academia and Beyond’ to this workshop, programmed as part of the British Council funded project, ‘Community participation for the civic university’ led by Dr Catherine Wynne.