Pintra (EN) Blog
That time of the month and no tampons or sanitary pads with you? Because no woman should have to experience stress over what is essentially a basic necessity, our university became the first in Flanders to provide free menstrual products in all toilet facilities. An initial evaluation shows that the project has been an overwhelming success. ‘Students sometimes literally tell us we saved their day.’
On Saturday 9 August 2025, UAntwerp participated in Antwerp Pride, as per yearly tradition. This time, the personalised float was shared with AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp, Antwerp Maritime Academy (HZS) and KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
The Diversity & Inclusion Team organised focus groups to explore the experiences of colleagues with disabilities. Those with invisible disabilities, such as autism, ADHD, or chronic illnesses, often hesitate to speak up, fearing misunderstanding or lack of change. The discussions highlighted a strong need for role models, a safe environment, and clear information about available support. Flexibility in work arrangements and practical adjustments were also seen as essential. Two colleagues share their experiences here.
March 8 marks International Women’s Day. With 52% female employees, UAntwerp seems to be performing well in terms of gender equality. But there’s a caveat: in the highest academic ranks, eight out of ten professors are still men. “How can women advance? The first step is to talk about your ambitions.”
Diversity as an added value and inclusivity as the norm – these areas of focus of UAntwerp do not only apply to UAntwerp’s education and policy, but also to the structure and usage of its buildings. We talked to Maddie De Pauw, expert construction projects, about an inclusive campus.
On Saturday 12 August, UAntwerp once again participated in Antwerp Pride with a personalised float and live DJ set. Our university was one of 74 delegations at the biggest Antwerp Pride ever.
In early June, our university launched an appeal to share experiences and suggestions with the aim of improving diversity, which was named ‘Black Lives Matter @ UAntwerp’. This resulted in a flurry of reactions and initiatives. But what has happened since then? Time for an update.