We are opening doors into the academic world for more women, and in itself that makes me feel good. - Nashwa Eassa

Not only that, they also function as inspiration for girls and young women, and show that it is possible for them to go to university, if they can receive scholarships and the right support.

I was speechless when they told me that I had been awarded an honorary doctorate. It’s a great honour. I’m convinced that it can also provide motivation for girls and young women – they see that traditional patterns can be broken, and they can gain the courage required to invest in their future.

Women in academia must work twice as hard to prove that they are competent. Men don’t have to exert themselves in the same way. I can see this structure everywhere: in Sudan, in other developing countries, and also in Sweden. Men have the top jobs in the academic world. Much remains to be done here.