MONTERREY, Nuevo León.- The Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) is commemorated International Women's Day with significant initiatives focused on women's rights and empowerment. Throughout the month of March 2025, UANL is hosting approximately 180 academic and cultural events across 52 of its departments. These events include forums, conferences, workshops, and exhibitions, all aimed at raising awareness and promoting gender equality within the university community.
One of the hallmark events is the Women Leaders Forum, which featured notable figures such as Margarita Ríos Farjat, the Minister of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, and Carmen Enedina Rodríguez Armenta, the Subsecretary of Higher Education. These leaders shared their personal and professional experiences, discussing the challenges they've faced and the ways they've overcome them to become national and international references.
UANL's rector, Santos Guzmán López, expressed his commitment to creating spaces for dialogue and reflection on gender equality. He stated, "En la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León estamos convencidos de que la educación es el motor del cambio, por ello, hemos trabajado incansablemente para construir una comunidad universitaria más equitativa, diversa e incluyente." (At the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, we are convinced education is the engine of change; hence, we have tirelessly worked to build a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive university community).
Ludivina Cantú Ortiz, UANL's Secretary of Equality and Inclusion, emphasized the importance of continuing to work on bridging the gender gap, promoting concrete actions to eliminate violence and discrimination. She remarked, "No se trata de una celebración, sino de una conmemoración de los esfuerzos que las mujeres de todas las generaciones hemos tenido que hacer para conseguir nuestros propósitos." (It is not about celebration, but rather about commemorative efforts of women across generations to achieve our purposes).
The UANL has made substantial strides over the past decade to promote equality. It has established the Unidad para la Igualdad de Género (Unit for Gender Equality) and developed protocols to prevent and address gender violence. These initiatives aim to eliminate discrimination and create equal opportunities for all, particularly within academic and professional settings.
Throughout March, participation numbers reflect the university's commitment: there are over 113,000 female students, 3,478 female faculty members, alongside 566 female researchers, 361 female inventors, and 1,040 female athletes. The institution is not only focusing on these numbers but is also integrating gender perspectives across its educational programs, including offering Master’s degrees in Gender and Sexual Diversity Studies and various undergraduate courses with gender-inclusive curricula.
Additional scheduled activities include the upcoming conference, "La Ley Olimpia contra la violencia digital" (The Olimpia Law Against Digital Violence), which is set for March 14, 2025, at the auditorium of the Raúl Rangel Frías University Library. This event will contribute to discussions on how legislation affects women's rights and protections against digital violence.
UANL’s all-encompassing agenda for International Women’s Day not only acknowledges the significance of gender equality but reinforces the institution's responsibility to create safe and inclusive environments for women. The university aims for this month’s activities to inspire actionable changes and create lasting dialogues within the community.
With the continuing participation of many departments at UANL—from high schools to various faculties—these efforts are geared toward fostering an environment where women can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. It demonstrates UANL's dedication to advancing gender equity, allowing its community to reflect, dialogue, and take meaningful actions toward achieving equality.