At the University of Mons (UMONS), rector Laurence Ris has shared her perspective on the crucial role of equality and diversity in today's and tomorrow's academic landscape. She notes that while she never saw her gender as a career obstacle, she acknowledges the existence of both visible and subtle challenges within the academic environment she experienced.
Laurence Ris advocates for change through constancy, coherence, and determination. She firmly believes universities should be places where no personal characteristic—gender, social or cultural background, disability, age, or sexual orientation—hinders life choices, opportunities, career paths, or merit recognition. She views equal opportunities not as uniformity but as enabling everyone to reach their full potential, an objective she feels is not yet fully met.
She highlights the work already accomplished at UMONS, particularly the Gender and Diversity Plan, which has spurred numerous actions. For her mandate, Laurence Ris aims to consolidate this momentum, working closely with her equity, diversity, and inclusion advisors, Dimitri Cauchie and Claire Martinus.
The rector stresses the need for a collaborative approach that extends beyond a single institution. She seeks to enhance dialogue with other universities, higher education networks, civil society actors, and public authorities. The goal is to position UMONS as a committed and recognized contributor to a more equitable and inclusive academic environment, thereby supporting broader societal transformations.
Initiatives like ISALA NOVA are particularly important to Laurence Ris, as they facilitate institutional transformation through a participatory, research-based approach. These initiatives involve the university community in identifying barriers and developing practical solutions, fostering a collective dynamic and promoting a more inclusive institutional culture.
