Strong Women, Shared Leadership, and a Commitment to Equality

A message from Dr. Marta Muñiz, President CEO

As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, I want to reflect upon the pursuit of gender equality is not limited to a single day of recognition. It is an ongoing commitment that calls for reflection, action, and collective responsibility across our campuses and communities.

From Family to Leadership: The Women Who Inspire Me

From my great-great-grandmother to my sisters and me, my family has been made up entirely of women, generation after generation. Growing up as a kid in Madrid, Spain, I remember my great-grandmother – an only child – telling me stories about how she raised her 15 daughters during the Spanish Civil War. There were no sons. This group of strong women was essential for supporting my mother and her two sisters, who had no brothers either, to grow after they lost their own mother at a very young age. With the support of her family, my mother became the first woman in our line to attend university. She always encouraged my sisters and me – like the generations before, we have no brothers – to believe in ourselves and pursue our independence while exemplifying that helping others is the best way to achieve fulfillment and happiness.

The strong and united women in my family have shaped not only my life, but my vision for leadership. From generation to generation, they passed down resilience, courage, and a deep sense of shared responsibility—qualities that continue to inspire me every day in my work at Schiller International University. Their example reminds me that leadership is about empowering others and creating opportunities for them to grow and thrive.

Higher Education as a Driver of Equality

Higher education plays a critical role in shaping more just and equitable societies. Universities are spaces where ideas are challenged, perspectives are shared, and future leaders learn not only knowledge, but responsibility. At Schiller International University, this commitment is deeply embedded in our mission: to create a learning environment without borders, where diverse perspectives come together to address global challenges, break down barriers, and ensure equal opportunities for all.

Focus on SDG5: Gender Equality

As part of the GEDU Global Education Group, this year, Schiller is placing a strengthened focus on Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. While our university contributes to many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our programs, partnerships, and community engagement, this focus allows us to further highlight and expand the actions we take to advance equality across our classrooms, campuses, and global community.

This year, the United Nations theme for International Women’s Day — “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” — aligns closely with our approach. Through our month-long Give to Gain: Global Voices for Gender Equality campaign, we are translating this global call into action at Schiller. The campaign amplifies the voices of our community, showcasing how education, leadership, mentorship, and advocacy contribute to a more just and equitable world, locally and globally.

Taking Action at Schiller: Students as Leaders for Equality

At Schiller, we actively translate our commitment to gender equality into initiatives that empower women, support inclusive leadership, and foster equity:

• Community partnerships: Collaborating with local schools and organizations to inspire young women and expand access to education.
• Workshops and panels: Hosting discussions that raise awareness, develop leadership skills, and highlight the achievements of women in all fields.
• Institutional leadership: Creating opportunities for women to take on academic and professional leadership roles, ensuring diverse voices are shaping our community.

Our students are at the heart of this mission. They are the changemakers of tomorrow, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation to advance gender equality in their future careers and communities. By giving their voices, ideas, and energy, they contribute to a more just, equitable, and inclusive world—demonstrating that higher education is not just about learning, but about actively shaping society.

Advancing Equality as a Shared Mission

At Schiller, reducing inequalities and promoting opportunity for all is not symbolic — it is central to who we are. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that equality is something we build every day: in our classrooms, workplaces, and communities. Through education, leadership, and collective responsibility, we continue shaping a world where equality is the standard, not the exception.