On this International Women’s Day, ENHANCE is proud to present its 2024 Annual Report on Diversity & Impact, underscoring our unwavering commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity (IDE). This year’s report highlights our transformative strides in building a more inclusive and equitable environment, showcasing a year filled with significant milestones and the launch of key initiatives.
Among the many 2024 highlights, ENHANCE is especially proud of the inauguration of the ENHANCE Diversity Office and the launch of the Diversity Seed Fund in the past year. These initiatives are designed to drive sustainable change and empower marginalized groups within our community. Additionally, the Impact Orientation Event and a variety of outreach activities reflect our dedication to fostering an inclusive culture both within and beyond the ENHANCE alliance. The report emphasizes our cross-cutting, impact-driven approach, ensuring that IDE principles are embedded into every level of governance, education, and collaboration across our member institutions. It also underscores the progress made towards gender equality within our alliance, a fundamental area of focus as we work to ensure that all voices are heard and represented.
Hannah Worringer, Work Package Lead and Impact Officer of ENHANCE, echoed this sentiment, adding, “Our work focuses on creating a culture of learning, collaboration, and inclusion. Sustainable impact is only achievable when diversity is at the heart of every action we take.”
“We believe that impact and diversity are inseparable. True innovation and transformation in higher education are only possible when we create spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered,” said Melih Özkardeş, Head of the ENHANCE Diversity Office and Ombudsperson of the Alliance. “We invite everyone in our community to join us in building an inclusive future, especially in these challenging times, where rising anti-diversity sentiments fueled by disinformation threaten to undermine the progress we’ve made.”
The report also features statements from key leadership figures within the alliance, including Prof. Dr. Hab. Inż. Krzysztof Wilde, Chair of the ENHANCE Board of Directors and Rector of our ENHANCE member Gdańsk University of Technology. “Diversity and impact orientation are the cornerstones of our governance, shaping our daily work and our vision for the future”, said Prof. Wilde.
This year’s Annual Report highlights ENHANCE’s holistic strategy, which focuses on active outreach, bottom-up engagement, peer-to-peer learning, and empowerment as critical drivers for lasting, transformative impact. These pillars are designed to ensure that our community members are equipped to lead with purpose, equity, and inclusivity.
As we celebrate the achievements of women and marginalized communities on International Women’s Day, ENHANCE remains steadfast in its mission to create lasting, positive change in higher education. We will continue working tirelessly to ensure that inclusion, diversity, and equity are not just ideals but living, breathing principles that guide everything we do. Join us in our commitment to building an inclusive future for all.
Access the 2024 ENHANCE Diversity & Impact Report here:
