International Women’s Day at Schiller: How We Turned a Global Celebration into a Month of Impact

International Women’s Day at Schiller: How We Turned a Global Celebration into a Month of Impact

In 2025, Schiller expanded International Women’s Day into a month-long initiative across its global campuses, transforming March into a dynamic platform for leadership, career development, and civic engagement. From industry-led sessions to hands-on research and global discussions, students experienced a powerful blend of academic learning and real-world impact.

Through the “Give to Gain: Global Voices for Gender Equality” campaign, students across campuses engaged in a wide range of experiences—from leadership panels and community partnerships to employability bootcamps, academic research, and alumni storytelling. Together, these initiatives reflected Schiller’s commitment to advancing gender equality, leadership, and global citizenship.

A Global Campaign Inspired by SDG 5: Gender Equality

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and the International Women’s Day theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” Schiller’s month-long initiative focused on turning conversation into action. Rather than limiting engagement to a single day, the university created sustained opportunities for students to:

  • Explore women’s leadership across industries

  • Engage with equality and social justice topics

  • Connect academic learning with real-world challenges

  • Participate in global conversations across campuses

Community Engagement in Heidelberg: “Give to Gain”

At Schiller’s Heidelberg campus, students participated in a community event at the Deutsch-Amerikanisches Institut Heidelberg under the theme “Give to Gain.” The event brought together students, professionals, and local leaders to discuss collaboration, equality, and civic responsibility.

Highlights included opening remarks from Dr. Lena Jöhnk on the power of community dialogue, insights from Deputy Mayor Stefanie Jansen on care work and civic participation, and interactive contributions through a “Wall of Wisdom,” where attendees shared reflections on leadership and empowerment

Women in Leadership in Madrid: Power, Purpose, and Real Careers

At the Madrid campus, students attended “Power & Purpose: Women in Leadership,” a roundtable featuring professionals from diverse industries. The panel included leaders from organizations such as: Microsoft, Hays, and EY. Speakers shared honest insights into navigating non-linear career paths, the importance of curiosity and adaptability, leadership in evolving global industries.

The event concluded with a networking session, giving students direct access to mentors and industry professionals.

Employability in Action: Industry Insights Across Campuses

As part of International Women’s Month, students in Madrid and Paris participated in employability-focused sessions designed to prepare them for the global workforce. The Employability Bootcamp featured contributions from IBM, Accenture, and EY. Students explored artificial intelligence in professional environments, leadership in times of disruption, and strategies for entering competitive industries.

Research with Real-World Impact: Human Rights in Madrid

Schiller’s commitment to experiential learning was further demonstrated through student-led research projects on politics and human rights. Students engaged directly with activists from Amnesty International, conducting interviews and gathering firsthand insights into advocacy and political change. This initiative allowed students to apply political science concepts in real-world contexts, develop research and analytical skills, and engage with global issues such as human rights and representation.

Inspiring Voices in Paris: Resilience, Careers, and Global Perspectives

At the Paris campus, students attended an event organized by the Student Council featuring powerful personal stories from women in the community. Speakers included Monika Pallai, who shared her journey from homelessness to working in government. Schiller alumna Carmen Terzian also discussed her career in finance and her experience navigating challenges as a woman in the workplace These stories highlighted resilience, adaptability, and the importance of continuing forward despite obstacles—key themes of International Women’s Day.

Alumni Impact: Advancing DEI on a Global Scale

As part of the month’s initiatives, Schiller spotlighted alumna Emmanuelle Sylvain, now a Global DEI Specialist at Save the Children International. Her work focuses on anti-racism and inclusion, global equity strategies, creating safer, more inclusive workplaces.

Leadership Perspective: A Message from the President

The month kicked off with a message from President CEO Marta Muñiz emphasized that gender equality is not a one-day conversation, but an ongoing responsibility. She highlighted the role of education in advancing equality, the importance of empowering future leaders, and Schiller’s commitment to creating opportunities for women across its global community.

Looking Ahead

At Schiller, the conversations sparked during International Women’s Month don’t end in March. They continue in classrooms, careers, and communities around the world—because building a more inclusive future requires ongoing commitment, collaboration, and action.