Lifting Each Other Up

The Lifting Each Other Up (LIFT) project is a networking initiative at UHasselt that connects and empowers women in academia. Together, we are building a warm, inclusive community where solidarity, well-being, and professional growth take center stage. By lifting each other up, we elevate ourselves and our university.

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LIFT WHAT?

Logo LIFT & Partners

Lifting Each Other Up is a networking initiative launched by five female academics affiliated with UHasselt. With this project, they aim to build a sustainable network that empowers women academics and encourages mutual support. Through activities such as mentoring, networking events, and inspiration sessions, the project contributes to greater equality, opportunities, and well-being for women at UHasselt.


The Sakura Fund for Future Generations, committed to promoting a fair and sustainable society, supports this initiative. The project will run from May 2025 to May 2028, offering a diverse program of events and activities for women employees at UHasselt.

Learn more about the foundation

LIFT WHO?

This network initiative targets women academics and researchers affiliated with UHasselt. Additionally, women staff members within the broader university community, at all career levels and in all jobs, are also welcome to participate and benefit from the network, activities, and support the project provides. #womenonly

WHY LIFT?

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In 2016, only 24% of academics in the EU25 were women.
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In 2017, 26% of the Flemish ZAP staff (professors) were women.
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If current trends continue, gender equality in the Flemish academic world will not be achieved until 2050.

Inequality in numbers remains a structural problem that limits women’s access to higher academic positions and hinders structural change in terms of inclusion and feeling recognized.

The Lifting Each Other Up project’s mission is to support women academics at UHasselt in their professional and personal development. By building a strong network, we aim to contribute to greater gender equality, equal opportunities, and a safe, inclusive working environment.

We believe that connection and mutual support are key to achieving sustainable change within academia. In this way, we help build a university where everyone feels valued and heard.

EVENTS & LINKEDIN COMMUNITY

JOIN OUR LIFT LINKEDIN COMMUNITY

Stay connected with the LIFT network through our closed LinkedIn group - a space created exclusively for women working at UHasselt.

Here, we share updates about the Lifting Each Other Up initiative, upcoming events, inspiring articles, research, and other relevant resources.
Not only will the LIFT team share information, but members are also warmly encouraged to contribute their own insights, articles, experiences, and inspiration. Together, we build a stronger and more supportive community.

Would you like to join?
Request access via the link below. Once your UHasselt affiliation is confirmed, you’ll be added to the community. 

JOIN THE GROUP HERE

EVENT #1 - FACING THE FACTS: STATISTICS ON WOMEN IN (OUR) ACADEMIA

Thursday, 2 October 2025 
UHasselt - Campus Diepenbeek
3pm - 4pm: Lectures (building D, A102) 
4pm - 5pm: Networking drinks (building E, floor A)

Join us for the launch of the LIFT project at our first networking event! Connect with colleagues, share experiences, and discover how we can build a stronger network for women staff members at UHasselt together.

Open to: all women staff members of UHasselt, at all career levels, in all jobs.
Program: short project introduction, lectures from Prof. Dr. Veerle Draulans and Prof. Dr. Dounia Bourabain and networking moment with drinks & bites.

More information & registration here!

EVENT #2 - THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING

Friday, 23 January 2026 
UHasselt - Campus Diepenbeek
3pm - 4pm: Lecture
4pm - 5pm: Networking drinks
Specific location to be announced soon!

Join us for the second Lifting Each Other Up networking event, where women staff members at UHasselt come together to connect, share experiences, and strengthen professional relationships. 

Open to: all women staff members of UHasselt, at all career levels, in all jobs.
Program: lecture from Yvonne Benschop and networking moment with drinks & bites.

More information & registration here!

TEAM & CONTACT

OUR FOCUS

empowerment - equality - inclusion - connection - collaboration - sustainability - solidarity - mentoring - networking - women only - …

CONTACT

Locatie

Wetenschapspark 24, 3590 Diepenbeek

Have you spotted us in the UHasselt Magazine - July 2025 edition?

We’re excited to share that our project has been spotlighted in the UHasselt Magazine!

In the interview, we talk about the inspiration behind our initiative, the challenges we faced during the launch, and our ambitions for the future.

👉 Read our interview about the launch of our project here!

Let us know what you think and thank you for supporting.

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