The Kick-Off Meeting (KoM) of the Elevate-HER project was held at the University of Alicante from April 24 to April 26, 2024. This significant event, organized by the project's coordinating university, began at 9:00 AM on April 24 with a welcome speech by Rosa María Martínez Espinosa, Vice-Rector for International Relations.
The launch meeting featured a brief presentation by the project coordinator in Alicante, Christina Beans. Additionally, Mrs. Martínez Espinosa led a discussion panel titled "HER Academic Story," featuring renowned academics: Prof. Fatou Bintou Sarr (UIDT), Prof. Fatou Diop Sall (UGB), Dr. Élodie Gisèle Anoumedem Mouafo (Cameroon), Dr. Bukola Omotomilola Adetola (Nigeria), and Dr. Raquel Huete Nieves (University of Alicante). They shared their experiences and the common challenges faced by African female researchers, offering valuable advice to aspiring young colleagues.
World Café Workshops: Developing an academic career for potential female researchers
Interactive workshops in a "World Café" format allowed participants to explore the theme "What does it take to develop an academic career?". These collaborative sessions covered various aspects of academic careers for female researchers, offering a wealth of perspectives and strategies.
The afternoon of April 24 was dedicated to presentations about the University of Alicante, highlighting gender demographics, services, and programs dedicated to gender equality, and support initiatives for female researchers. The day concluded at 6:30 PM with a guided tour of the university, including the library and the university museum.
Elevate-HER project overview
The Elevate-HER project, coordinated by the University of Alicante and co-funded by the European Commission through the ERASMUS+ program for education, training, youth, and sport, aims to support the career development of female researchers, particularly in Senegal. By enhancing the skills of female academics and research professionals, this project aspires to promote sustainable growth and improve employability.
Objectives and vision of the Elevate-HER project
Elevate-HER focuses specifically on equipping Senegalese female researchers with new skills and tools to increase their visibility and access to academic careers. Participants will benefit from individualized career development plans, relevant research training, and tailored mentoring sessions.
This ambitious initiative promises to make a significant contribution to the empowerment of women in academia and their sustainable integration into the research world.
The Kick-Off Meeting in Alicante thus laid a solid foundation for the future activities of the Elevate-HER project, promising a lasting impact on the academic careers of women in Senegal and beyond.
