A Word from the Rector

Published on March 4, 2026 

More than 6,000 of us bring the University of Geneva to life every day, serving our 18,000 students, our researchers, and more broadly, the community that hosts and supports the University. In an institution as rich and diverse as ours, internal communication is an essential factor for greater cohesion. This new monthly newsletter aims to contribute to that cohesion by providing a privileged channel for information between the Rectorate and UNIGE employees, while shedding light on the strategic issues shaping our academic community.

Among these, the place of women at the University remains a major issue, situated at the intersection of our history, our present responsibilities, and the ambitions we hold for the future. Equality Week, currently taking place until March 10th, offers an opportunity to deepen this reflection by acknowledging the progress achieved — notably a proportion of women among the professorial staff (35.2%) that exceeds the national average (30.8%) — while also recognizing the distance still to be covered. Despite the progress we have made, the proportion of women in the most senior professorial positions remains insufficient. This reality reminds us that equality cannot be measured solely by access to education, but also by career prospects, the conditions under which responsibilities are carried out, and the full recognition of skills and merit.

Our university has, for many years, been firmly committed to taking concrete action in this regard, through career support measures, sustained attention to structural biases, and the promotion of a respectful and inclusive environment. These efforts are yielding results, yet they must be pursued with consistency and determination. The initiatives proposed during Equality Week, as well as the recent work devoted to the history of women in higher education, contribute to sustaining this momentum and strengthening our shared commitment.

As the first woman to be called upon to serve as Rector of our institution, I am fully aware of the symbolic and collective significance of these developments. They are not endpoints, but milestones along the way. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who, through their work and dedication, help advance equality on a daily basis. Together, we will continue to make our university a place of excellence, equity, and openness for all.

Audrey Leuba