Universities as Catalysts for Change: Advancing Gender Equality through HeForShe

HeForShe Universities Webinar panelists: Francesco Merola, Partnerships Analyst, UN Women HeForShe; Dr. Mara van Loggerenberg, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Business & Society, NYU Stern School of Business; Aparna Vagvala, NYU Stern Alumna; Moona Shaik, World Economic Forum ECP Candidate, LSE Alumna; Tafadzwa Manyanye, Immediate Past President, University of Zimbabwe HeForShe Club; Beatriz Fernandes, President, HeForShe Lisboa

Wednesday 22 April 2026 - Universities play a critical role in shaping the next generation of leaders, and with that role comes a responsibility to foster inclusive, equitable societies. On Wednesday 22 April, HeForShe hosted a global webinar where 100+ university leaders, students, academics and partners came together to share and exchange how higher education institutions are driving progress on gender equality, both on campus and beyond. 

Speakers emphasized that commitments, including those made through the HeForShe Alliance, are most effective when paired with concrete action embedding gender equality across curricula, research, and campus policies. 

In her keynote, Dr. Vinika Rao, Director of the INSEAD Africa Initiative and the Hoffmann Global Institute for Business and Society at INSEAD, underscored the responsibility universities hold in influencing young minds and advancing gender equality. She highlighted how access to research and knowledge places institutions in a unique position to shape inclusive leadership. 

“Universities are in a unique position to influence young minds, and with access to the latest research, they have a special responsibility to advance gender equality.”  - Dr. Vinika Rao, Director of the INSEAD Africa Initiative and the Hoffmann Global Institute for Business and Society at INSEAD 

The webinar also underscored the power of student engagement as a driver of change. Through HeForShe, students are not only raising awareness but also actively contributing to solutions. The panel discussion brought forward the critical role of student engagement in translating learning into impact. Aparna Vagvala, NYU Stern Alumna reflected on how participating in a HeForShe class project at NYU Stern bridged academic theory with real-world application through a consulting-style experience. 

“The HeForShe project was one of the most formative experiences of my early career. We got to take the theory from previous semesters and apply it to a real-life scenario, emulating a consulting engagement.” - Aparna Vagvala, NYU Stern Alumna 

Engagement with HeForShe is also opening pathways for students and graduates to pursue careers aligned with gender equality and social impact. Moona Shaik, World Economic Forum ECP Candidate, LSE Alumna shared how her engagement with HeForShe shaped her professional trajectory, opening pathways into international organisations and reinforcing the value of purpose-driven work. 

“Before working with HeForShe, I had already been engaged in gender equality efforts, but my consulting project with HeForShe was my first introduction to the issue at a larger scale. It shifted my career trajectory and enabled me to transition into an internship within the United Nations system.”  - Moona Shaik, World Economic Forum ECP Candidate, LSE Alumna 

Beatriz Lopes Fernandes, President of HeForShe Lisboa, spoke about the evolution of student leadership, describing how her experience leading a university HeForShe club in Portugal grew into the establishment of a registered organisation advancing gender equality. 

Student-led HeForShe clubs were highlighted as key platforms for fostering accountability and dialogue within communities, where students are creating spaces for gender equality to be understood, discussed, and advanced in meaningful ways. Tafadzwa Manyanye, Immediate Past President of the University of Zimbabwe HeForShe Club, highlighted the power of peer-to-peer accountability through HeForShe Clubs in Zimbabwe, demonstrating how student-led initiatives can shift norms and create spaces for learning within communities.  

“What makes youth initiatives effective in driving change on campus and beyond is the authentic power of peer-to-peer accountability. Through awareness campaigns and advocacy, we were able to create spaces where students can learn where they live.” - Tafadzwa Manyanye, Immediate Past President, University of Zimbabwe HeForShe Club 

Across the discussion, a clear message emerged: universities and students can leverage the HeForShe platform to move from awareness to action. By using HeForShe frameworks, and by supporting student-led initiatives, fostering collaboration, and connecting academic work to real-world challenges, institutions can drive meaningful and sustained change. 

Watch the full webinar recording here: 

Resources and Next Steps 
Universities and students interested in engaging with HeForShe can access a range of tools and opportunities to support their efforts: 

• HeForShe Barbershop Toolkit: A practical facilitation toolkit designed to support structured, peer-led discussions with men and boys on gender equality. ​
• HeForShe Action Kit for Students: This resource helps you organize HeForShe events to raise awareness of gender equality among students, faculty members, and the university administration.
• HeForShe Journals: A 4-week guide to reflect on gender roles, privileges, and stereotypes. ​
• HeForShe Newsletter: Subscribe to our HeForShe newsletter for more information about upcoming events, resources and latest research