Gender equity has been a point of attention at Maastricht University since its early years. In 1980, Riet Drop became the first female professor at the then-Rijksuniversiteit Limburg, appointed by royal decree. Her role in medical sociology marked an important step in academic representation during the university’s formative period (Klijn, n.d.; Maastricht UMC+, n.d.).
In recent years, UM has focused on strengthening its organisational structures, expanding its workforce, and professionalising its governance. This includes the growth of academic staff, along with steady financial development that supports the university’s broader ambitions. Within broader institutional developments, the number of women in professorial roles has gradually increased. However, women remain underrepresented at the highest academic ranks, highlighting the ongoing need to improve gender balance in senior positions (Maastricht University, n.d.-r).
To support this effort, UM promotes initiatives such as FEM (Female Empowerment UM), a university-wide network that encourages female leadership, mentorship, and inclusive policy development. FEM plays an active role in professional development and awareness-raising, helping to embed gender equity into the university’s wider strategy for sustainable institutional growth (Maastricht University, n.d.-s). Efforts such as FEM reflect UM’s ongoing attempts to align internal structures with long-term goals for a more inclusive academic environment.
FEM´s Logo (Maastricht University, n.d.-u)
For more information, explore FEM’s publications and resources on gender equity at UM.