“Inspiring role models can help women break down barriers”: Dr Tenia Kyriazi on embracing equity this International Women’s Day

Today is International Women’s Day, and as a university we’re coming together all week to discuss how we can embrace equity and continue to champion the empowerment of women and girls in all industries and professions.

International Women’s Day offers us the opportunity to celebrate all that women have achieved in the fight for a gender equal world – but also reflect on all that still needs to done to fight discrimination, combat stereotypes and bias, and forge equality for women and girls on a global scale.

We spoke to Dr Tenia Kyriazi, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Education & Student Experience (Interim) at Middlesex University and Deputy Director Academic Operations and Head of Law & Politics Programmes at Middlesex University Dubai, about her stellar and inspirational career in Law and Education and what still needs to be done to empower women and girls in their professional lives and beyond. 

As Dr Tenia explains, higher education institutions play a critical role in achieving equity and transforming the lives of students and communities as a whole.

1. Tell us about a moment in your career where you had to overcome adversity and fight for equity in your field.

I was quite fortunate to not have to deal with any major adversities that could undermine my career progression as a result of being a woman. I have been mentored by and worked for wonderful people, men and women, who were inspiring and empowering. They have always taught me that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. This is advice that I have been following religiously and try to pass on to the next generation of women, students and colleagues. 

At Middlesex, women are fully supported and provided with everything they need to reach their full potential and succeed. This is the case for both staff and students. Having said that, I am fully aware of the challenges that women face in their careers, just as a result of their gender, across the world. It is disheartening that in 2023, some women still have to fight for opportunities that are offered to men generously, and that they have to try much harder to get to the top.

2. In your current role, what are you doing to achieve equity and equal opportunity in the field of Law and Education?

I am a huge fan of mentoring and am impressed by the incredible impact it can have on everyone, particularly women. I have been blessed with wonderful mentors, and now I am in a position to give back by mentoring colleagues and students, all women. It warms my heart when I see them grow and succeed. Law and Education are difficult fields for women to get to the top, and this is evident by the relevant low rates of women partners and professors. 

Exposing students to inspiring role models and mentors is a good practice that can help young women address the barriers they encounter. This is something that I have focused on quite considerably in my role as an educator, often inviting successful women to share their journey and advice with students and fostering mentoring relationships.

3. How does higher education play a role in achieving equity? 

Higher education and education in general are massively important in addressing equity. Education has the power to transform the lives of students and members of the community. The right to education is a fundamental human right that consists of both the right to access education, but also the right to quality education, as they are established in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (articles 28 and 29), which is the most widely ratified human rights convention. 

As a result, States are under the obligation to ensure that children have access to high quality education. The fulfilment of this obligation can have a powerful impact on equity, setting the foundations for an equitable society and achieving these SDGs: 4 (quality education), 5 (gender equality), and 10 (reduced inequalities).

4. What’s your one piece of advice for how young women and girls can advocate for themselves in their careers and in life in general?

My advice to young women and girls - which I am fortunate to have plenty of opportunities to reiterate - is to make the most of the opportunities they get through education and to create a good network of people who can mentor and support them. Women should never stop fighting to achieve what they dream!