Antonine University (UA) participated in the closing conference of the European project for Women’s Empowerment for Leadership and Equity in Higher Education Institutions (WE4LEAD), held on April 15–16, 2026, at Aix-Marseille University (amU). This milestone marks a decisive step in advancing gender equality across higher education institutions in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

After three years of sustained collaboration and research, the conference brought together university leaders, researchers, policymakers, and governance stakeholders to reflect on the project’s achievements and define the path forward. Hosted at the Pharo Campus in Marseille, the event also marked the official launch of a new initiative, Women Leading Change, which will build on the WE4LEAD network to extend its impact.

Under the theme “Promoting Women’s Access to Leadership Positions in Euro-Mediterranean Universities: Methods and Tools to Transform Practices,” the conference highlighted the collective efforts of partner institutions in driving institutional change.

A Strong First Day Focused on Institutional Commitment and Tangible Outcomes

The opening day, April 15, was marked by high-level academic and political engagement. The inaugural session was moderated by Dr. Camille de Garidel-Thoron, President of the Téthys Network and Director of the Strategic Projects and Networks Department at amU.

Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Bassam Badran, President of the Lebanese University; Fr. Michel Saghbiny, Rector of Antonine University; Prof. Éric Berton, President of Aix-Marseille University; and Prof. Isabelle Régner, WE4LEAD Project Coordinator and Vice President for Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination at amU.

The importance of the event was further underscored by the participation of prominent institutional figures, including Ms. Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean; Ms. Nadia Hai, Ambassador and Interministerial Delegate for the Mediterranean; and Ms. Petra Kežman, Deputy Secretary General for Human Development at the Union for the Mediterranean.

A keynote session led by Dr. Anne Pépin, CNRS Research Director, and Prof. Elyès Jouini, Director of the Institut universitaire de France, explored how gender equality can drive sustainable transformation in university governance.

Throughout the afternoon, partner universities presented the project’s key deliverables. The work packages resulted in the development of practical tools designed to address gender inequalities in higher education. From Madrid to Sousse, Beirut, Marseille, Rome, Constantine, and Tunis, the presentations demonstrated both the impact and transferability of these approaches across diverse academic contexts.

Consolidation and Systemic Transformation at the Heart of the Second Day

The second day, April 16, focused on consolidating achievements and ensuring long-term impact.

Morning sessions addressed the capitalization of results, lessons learned, and the transferability of methodologies. Discussions highlighted both success factors and challenges, particularly in the collection and analysis of gender-disaggregated data. A key outcome was the presentation of the WE4LEAD MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), developed as a flagship training and awareness tool.

The program continued with strategic roundtables on public policy and leadership.

The first panel, moderated by Dr. Leila Saadé, President of the Scientific Committee of RESUFF (Réseau Francophone des Femmes Responsables dans l’Enseignement Supérieur et la Recherche), highlighted the political and academic commitment of partner institutions, bringing together presidents and rectors to reaffirm their engagement.

The second panel, moderated by Prof. Clélia Rossi-Arnaud, Coordinator of the Learning and Memory Laboratory at Sapienza University of Rome, addressed a critical question: How can project-based initiatives lead to systemic transformation? Participants outlined a roadmap for integrating gender equality into governance structures and decision-making processes.

Lasting Institutional Commitments for Gender Equality

One of the conference’s most significant outcomes was the formal commitment made by academic leaders to sustain and institutionalize the project’s achievements beyond its European funding cycle.

Presidents and rectors, including Fr. Michel Saghbiny, Prof. Bassam Badran, Prof. Lotfi Belkacem, Prof. Éric Berton, and Prof. Moez Chafra, along with representatives from University of Constantine 1, University of Constantine 3, Autonomous University of Madrid, and Sapienza University of Rome, unanimously reaffirmed their intention to embed gender equality into institutional policies through:

• systematic collection and analysis of gender-disaggregated data;
• continuous awareness-raising within governance bodies;
• establishment of dedicated institutional frameworks;
• implementation of training programs for gender-neutral recruitment and promotion;
• development of mentorship programs;
• prevention and training initiatives addressing sexual harassment, supported by dedicated listening and support units.

The conference concluded with a closing ceremony gathering academic leadership from partner institutions, marking the end of WE4LEAD while opening a new phase of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.

Antonine University’s Strong Engagement

Demonstrating its sustained commitment since the launch of WE4LEAD in March 2023, Antonine University was represented by a high-level delegation, including Fr. Michel Saghbiny, Rector; Fr. Ziad Maatouk, Secretary General and Vice Rector for Administration; Fr. Jean Al Alam, Vice Rector for Integral Human Development; Prof. Rony Darazi, Vice Rector for Cooperation and Internationalization; Dr. Huguette Abou-Mrad, Director of the Language Center and WE4LEAD Coordinator; and Ms. Odile Feghali, European Projects Coordinator at the Office of International Relations.

The delegation actively contributed to both days of discussions, reinforcing UA’s role as a committed partner in advancing inclusive governance in higher education.

WE4LEAD: A Transformative Initiative

Launched in March 2023 and coordinated by Aix-Marseille University in collaboration with the Lebanese University, WE4LEAD is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) project bringing together nine universities across the Mediterranean region, alongside RESUFF:

• Lebanon: Antonine University (UA) and Lebanese University (LU)
• Algeria: University of Constantine 1 (UMC) and University of Constantine 3 (UC3SB)
• Spain: Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)
• Italy: Sapienza University of Rome (Sapienza)
• Tunisia: University of Sousse (USO) and University of Tunis El Manar (UTM)
• Associated Partner: RESUFF

The project aims to transform governance models in higher education institutions by promoting gender equality through two core pillars:

• increasing women’s access to leadership positions;
• driving institutional transformation toward inclusive governance practices.

Key Achievements and Institutional Impact at UA

As an active member of the consortium, UA has translated the objectives of WE4LEAD into concrete and structured institutional actions, ensuring both immediate impact and long-term sustainability.

Institutionalization of Gender-Disaggregated Data Collection

The collection of gender-disaggregated data across participating universities has been a core component of the WE4LEAD project. It enables institutions to assess women’s representation and influence within higher education, particularly in relation to access to leadership and high-responsibility positions, career progression, remuneration, and international mobility.

At Antonine University, this process has now been institutionalized. Gender-disaggregated data will be collected annually by the Office of Institutional Research, allowing for evidence-based assessment, continuous monitoring of key indicators, and a structured analysis of developments across four main areas: staffing levels by category, recruitment and promotions, remuneration, and international mobility.

Recognition and Integration of WE4LEAD Training Programs

As part of its strategy to strengthen academic excellence while promoting equity across the institution, UA has committed to the long-term integration of the training programs developed within the WE4LEAD framework.

Key modules—such as Gender-Neutral Recruitment and Promotion, Gender and Leadership (WP5), and Sexual Harassment Prevention (WP6)— will be embedded within the Antonine Learning Lab (ALL) and the Office of Human Resources. This integration ensures the continuity and sustainability of capacity-building efforts across the University.

Development and Adoption of a Gender Equality Plan

In collaboration with Sapienza University of Rome, UA played a key role in the development of institutional frameworks related to gender equality. This joint effort resulted in the production of two strategic reference documents, prepared and translated into both English and Arabic:

• Guide for Drafting a Gender Equality Plan (GEP)
• Guide for the Establishment and Operation of Gender Equality Units

Building on this work, UA’s GEP was officially approved by the Administrative Council in March 2026, following a review phase that incorporated its recommendations.

The plan is structured around six major strategic axes:

1. Governance, steering mechanisms, and gender-disaggregated data

2. Assessment and reduction of pay gaps

3. Recruitment, career development, and leadership

4. Work organization, quality of life, and parenthood support

5. Prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination

6. Integration of the gender dimension into teaching and research

Establishment of a Gender Equality Unit

To ensure effective implementation, UA has established a Gender Equality Unit directly connected to the University’s governance structure, specifically the Secretary General and the Administrative Council.

The Unit will submit an annual report each fall semester outlining activities undertaken and progress achieved.

At the beginning of each academic year, the University’s gender focal point will request a report on gender-disaggregated data from the Office of Institutional Research. This report will then be analyzed and discussed with the Secretary General in order to assess progress and guide future action.

Role of the Gender Equality Unit

The Gender Equality Unit is designed to play a central, transversal role in the implementation and monitoring of the Gender Equality Plan (GEP). Its responsibilities include:

• contributing to every stage of the plan’s lifecycle, from design and implementation to monitoring and evaluation;
• ensuring that the GEP responds to the University’s needs while aligning with national and international standards;
• providing expertise in the collection and analysis of gender-disaggregated data;
• identifying strategic priorities and proposing concrete actions to address identified inequalities;
• acting as a key driver of communication and awareness around the GEP.

Creation of a Listening and Support Unit

UA has adopted formal regulations governing the prevention of harassment and discrimination. These regulations establish fair, timely, and transparent procedures for receiving and handling reports and complaints.

The Listening and Support Unit, composed of a multidisciplinary team appointed or recruited on a full-time basis, oversees the implementation and enforcement of these procedures.

Its core responsibilities include:

• Prevention: leading awareness initiatives and reducing institutional risks;
• Support and Reception: providing a safe and confidential space for individuals who consider themselves victims of harassment;
• Case Management: receiving and processing reports and complaints submitted under the applicable regulations.

Dissemination and Sustainability

The WE4LEAD dissemination strategy, jointly coordinated by Antonine University, the Lebanese University, Sapienza University of Rome, and RESUFF, addressed key priorities such as raising awareness on gender equality, promoting the project’s achievements, and sharing best practices across institutions.

To maximize impact, the strategy mobilized a diversified range of communication channels, including website development, multimedia content (videos, webinars), and media engagement.

Toward a More Inclusive Future

The long-term sustainability of WE4LEAD relies on lasting capacity building across higher education institutions. By equipping universities with self-assessment tools and sustainable training pathways, the project ensures that the promotion of women to decision-making positions becomes an institutional norm rather than an isolated initiative.

The durability of these actions will be further strengthened through the continued engagement of partner networks, ensuring long-term influence across national and international higher education communities.