Women in Academia: A Conversation with Bogumiła Kaniewska on the Continuing Need to Support Women in Science

6._kaniewska_rektor_prof_bogumila_kaniewska_fot_adrian_wykrota2.jpg, default, Bogumiła Kaniewska, photo: Adrian Wykrota

The first female rector in the hundred-year history of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań reflects on the glass ceiling, shifting academic cultures, and why supporting women in science remains a pressing issue. An excerpt from Beata Kukiel-Vraila’s book ‘Archaeology Without Make-Up’.

We invite you to read an excerpt from Beata Kukiel-Vraila’s book Archaeology Without Make-Up: Conversations (Polish Archaeological Institute at Athens, 2025). We would like to thank the author and the publisher for granting permission to publish it.

Beata Kukiel-Vraila: You are the first woman to hold the position of Rector at Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań in its more than 100-year history. You have also held other senior positions within the university, those that were traditionally reserved for men. Do you feel that you are paving the way for other women and that your success goes beyond the personal and has a broader significance?

Bogumiła Kaniewska: The more involved I become in all of this, the stronger this feeling grows. I’ll be honest and admit that at first, I didn’t feel this way at all. I simply followed my own path, the one that seemed right and interesting to me. It wasn’t until the topic of the rector’s election came up that I realized how important it was to those around me – not just to women – and that it could be a turning point.

Before that, a colleague and I served as Vice-Rector. Our presence on the rector team has led to a doubling of women’s representation in top university positions as in almost 100 years, only two women had held such high positions. As a result, I became increasingly aware that I was paving the way for other women. It became clearer to me that it wasn’t just about what I was doing or what I was deciding, but that there were people for whom this mattered more, those who might be looking at me and wondering if they, too, are capable of taking on certain responsibilities. When we see someone who has done it – when there are role models – it becomes easier for others to believe they can do the same. Therefore, I’m aware of this impact, but I try not to overburden myself with it.

BKV: What do you believe contributed to the fact that women did not apply for the top position at a university with such a long-standing tradition? It certainly wasn’t due to a lack of intellectual potential among women. Was it a matter of insufficient openness, or perhaps some kind of mental, psychological barrier?

BK: I believe several complex factors contributed to this situation. First, there was the prevailing belief that it was, after all, a 'man’s world', meaning that men were more likely to occupy high-ranking positions, not just rector- ships. In other words, this was a matter of tradition on the one hand and societal expectations on the other. Traditionally, women have been responsible for raising children and, later, for caring for other family members, such as elderly parents. As a result, they often bear a much greater burden of domestic and caregiving responsibilities. Overcoming the stereotype of the gendered division of labour and the framework that confines women to traditional roles has been a slow process.

Another factor, I would argue, is the reluctance of many women to make such a significant commitment. Additionally, there is the issue of the 'glass ceiling' where women have historically taken longer to advance in academic careers. Even today, fewer women hold full professorships ad personam, partly due to factors like maternity leave or the inability to take long-term fellowships because of the demands of raising young children. Therefore, there are many reasons why pursuing this type of career re- mains more challenging for women, even today.

BKV: You are undoubtedly right. However, careers for women in science are not impossible. Take, for example, the achievements of the Polish scientist and Nobel Prize winner Marie Skłodowska-Curie. She raised two daughters and faced many personal challenges, but this did not stop her from reaching the pinnacle of scientific achievement.

BK: Absolutely. Do you remember the famous photo of Marie Skłodowska-Curie with the members of the French Academy, where she is the only woman in the group? It also underscores the immense self-discipline and mental strength she had to muster.

BKV: And what about you? What qualities made you reach for something that women had not persued before?

BK: In my case, I think it’s calmness. I’m naturally a calm person, with a strong ability to handle stress. This has always been the case, even before exams. Stressful situations tend to motivate rather than paralyze me. It’s more of a natural talent, a gift, than a skill I’ve developed over time. It’s also, more or less seriously, a matter of genetics. I come from a family that has always been deeply involved in various social causes, especially my father. One of my friends even described it as 'innate activism'. It’s a certain drive to react and get involved in causes. You could say I absorbed it with my mother’s milk; though in this case, it was more my father’s milk. [laughter]

I’ve also benefited from having a certain distance from myself and the ability to separate my professional role from who I am as a person. This is extremely difficult, especially today, when there are so many scandals and unflattering comments, as anyone can say anything on the internet. In such situations, identifying too closely with one’s function can be devastating. Of course, it’s impossible to be completely detached and not react emotionally at all. Everyone reacts, both women and men, but the ability to separate yourself and say, 'I am me, not just my role,' allows you to endure. And then there’s the sense of responsibility: That’s probably the most important thing. When you are responsible for more than just yourself, over- coming difficulties becomes easier. Perhaps because it feels more necessary.

BKV: You describe your father as a social activist. Was he also involved in scientific work?

BK: My father was a teacher and trade union activist. He taught history and, later in his career, served in educational administration.

BKV: Was he also a humanist? The reason I ask is that it is common for us to share similar interests with our parents.

BK: I’d say I became a Polish philologist like my mom, while I got my activism from my dad. [smile]

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Professor Bogumiła Kaniewska, Rector of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (UAM), photo: Adrian Wykrota

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BKV: It’s a good combination. As you’ve taken on these increasingly senior positions, have you had to give up anything – any part of yourself – or put something aside?

BK: Yes, I have definitely had to postpone plans, especially those of an academic nature. They have had to be less intense and sometimes delayed, because running a university requires not only a significant time commitment but also an intellectual one. This conflicts with academic work, particularly in the humanities, where research primarily involves reading, writing, interpreting, and analyzing. At the moment, I am not able to balance these aspects in a satisfactory way, so my scientific ideas will have to wait for a while.

BKV: Running a university undoubtedly requires decisiveness and firmness, the qualities often stereotypically associated with masculinity. Yet, when I look at you, I see that you manage to maintain your femininity as well and that everything seems to be in balance.

BK: That’s good to hear. However, I don’t believe we need to shed certain qualities when we take on a new role. Quite the opposite. Of course, some things need to be learned, but we reach where we are primarily because of who we are. Therefore, we shouldn’t radically change if the qualities we represent have helped us get to this point. In any case, I’ve decided that I don’t want to change my behavior. I am certainly firm when I need to be, but I am also someone who is very open to conversation, willing to listen to others’ opinions, and capable of balancing these aspects.

When something really needs to be resolved – when we have to cut the Gordian knot – firmness is necessary. But the ability and willingness to negotiate, reach a common position, and listen to advice are also invaluable in this role. So, I believe there’s no need to give up qualities that are stereotypically seen as feminine. That said, I know many women who are much firmer than the men I know. This kind of distinction doesn’t always need to be made.

BKV: You support policies promoting equal opportunities. The 'When Science is a Woman project' was launched at AMU in 2018 thanks to your initiative as Vice-Rector at the time. Together with another Vice-Rector, Professor Beata Mikołajczyk, you led the team that implemented this programme over the following years. How do you assess it in retrospect? Did it achieve the expected results? Has it raised awareness within the university community?

BK: I believe this initiative has led to significant changes. When we launched the project, we aimed to explore how social roles affect women’s careers in academia, and whether our university supports the development of those careers. On the one hand, we wanted to highlight the achievements of con- temporary female researchers and shed light on the contributions of those who have shaped the history of our university, often uncovering their little-known accomplishments. On the other hand, we sought to present the university as a place that is welcoming and supportive of women’s aspirations. After all, the first honorary doctorate in the history of our university was awarded to Marie Skłodowska-Curie.

In just a few years, we have undertaken numerous initiatives, many of which have involved our colleagues at various levels. We established the 'Women’s Laboratory', which welcomes both experienced female researchers and those at the start of their academic careers, including PhD students involved in research projects, as well as administrative staff who support the work of scientists. In this space, we showcase the university’s 'best practices' for balancing research and teaching with other responsibilities, such as motherhood and childcare.

We also emphasize the commitments made by the university and demonstrate how they are being fulfilled through the implementation of the HR in Research Charter and the European Charter for Researchers. We introduce female researchers to various available opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and other resources. A key feature of the 'Women’s Lab' is the discussion sessions, where we listen to the needs of our female colleagues and gather suggestions for new initiatives through direct conversations at several 'thematic tables'.

We have organized multiple conferences, including at science faculties, where representatives from various scientific disciplines participated and engaged in interdisciplinary discussions on selected issues. Additionally, we conducted a series of equality surveys focusing on bullying and harassment, aimed at assessing the self-perception of women working at our university. Moreover, we created a special 2024 calendar to highlight the presence of women in science across all fields, featuring individual biographies of female scientists. In the main building of the university, we named a large lecture hall after Professor Ludwika Dobrzyńska-Rybicka, one of the first female researchers at the University of Poznań and the second woman in Poland to be awarded the rank of associate professor. We also organized a series of exhibitions that not only celebrated our scientists but also honoured outstanding women in the arts and culture.

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Professor Bogumiła Kaniewska, Rector of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (UAM), during a procession marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of Poznań University, photo: Władysław Gardasz

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I believe this project has made a significant impact and has led to substantial action, not only for women but also for the broader concept of 'diversity' at the university. We have introduced feminine forms into the official language of the university, incorporated them into the university’s statutes, allowing their use in official documents, and developed what we call an equality language manual. While our primary focus is on Polish, we also aim to explore how this phenomenon is reflected in other languages and how the public debate on 'equality language' has evolved in European countries. These are all tangible achievements. Furthermore, the shift in awareness that you mentioned is also a key success of this programme.

BKV: So how should you be addressed? 'pani rektor' czy 'pani rektorko'?

BK: I can be addressed in any way that is correct in Polish, but it should also respect grammatical conventions. For example, we don’t say 'panie rektorze' – which sometimes happens – but 'pani rektor' or 'rektorko' – definitely. To be honest, I’m not particularly fond of the feminine form 'rektora'. I don’t like how it sounds, even though I know it’s correct, so I prefer the form 'rektorka'. It feels more in harmony with the Polish language and sounds more approachable.

BKV: So is your signature always that of the 'rektor' or does it sometimes reflect the feminine form 'rektorka'?

BK: Sometimes I sign as 'rektor'. In certain situations, I use this more traditional form. I believe that feminatives should not be introduced in a forceful or coercive manner, and that if a language offers two or even three options, the user should be allowed to choose the one that suits them best, as this allows the language to remain flexible. A forceful imposition of one form over another is often harmful and triggers resistance. On the other hand, by gradually raising awareness and offering different options, even those who were initially opposed to feminine forms often address me as 'pani rektor' (Mrs. Rector), simply because it’s a matter of getting used to it. We train the ear to accept certain forms.

BKV: So, raising awareness rather than imposing it, is a good policy?

BK: Yes, this is – I would say – soft awareness-raising. As for the 'Rector’s Office', this is the name of the organizational unit. Changing it to 'Rektorka’s Office' would require a change in regulations, stamps, and so on. I don’t think it is necessary at the moment.

BKV: You are a literary scholar. Translating Anglophone prose, especially children’s literature, into Polish is your passion, not least as an acade- mic. 'Alice in Wonderland' has a special place on this list. Certainly, it is not the only important book in your life?

BK: Of all the books I’ve translated, this one is undoubtedly the most significant to me, not only because it was the most challenging to translate, but also because it became my greatest adventure as a translator. However, there are other works that hold a special place in my heart. I feel a deep connection to the novels of Wiesław Myśliwski, which served as the foundation of my dissertation and which I often revisit.

As for children’s literature, The Six Bullerby Children holds cult status for me. It’s a book I can read over and over again; it’s both witty and insightful. I’m not particularly original in this regard, though, as when I conducted a survey among my students asking which book had the greatest impact on their childhood, The Six Bullerby Children was the clear winner.

Among the more entertaining reads, I have a passion for crime novels, which I devour as a way to unwind. Many books have shaped me at different stages of my life. If I had to choose a favorite, it would likely be the poetry of Krzysztof Kamil Baczyński. Later, I was drawn to the dramas of Young Poland, which I read with great enthusiasm. I also spent a long time reading Stasiuk, and I have a particular fondness for the short stories of Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz; Panny z Wilka (The Maids of Wilko) and Brzezina (The Birch Wood) are among my favorites. We can pull books from various shelves, but not from the science fiction section, because it’s simply not my thing. Why? I have no idea. [smile]

BKV: Is there anyone in particular who has helped shape the way you work?

BK: Yes, there is, without a doubt. In terms of the administrative path, I had a mentor, my colleague and former Dean, Professor Józef Tomasz Pokrzywniak, who believed in me deeply and strongly encouraged me to take on the role of Dean. Later, he put in a great deal of effort to persuade me to resign as Dean and accept the offer of Vice-Rector. In that sense, Professor Pokrzywniak was my mentor.

There are times when I ask myself what Tomasz would have done in a particular situation, and I try to emulate his way of managing the faculty, which was both conciliatory and firm. I often try to mirror his approach to action and thought, as well as his attitude towards his subordinates: His kindness, and especially the way he was always ready to help in difficult situations. In terms of academic guidance, my master is Professor Seweryna Wysłouch, who taught me literary theory, interpretation, and the professional approach to literature. She was also my master in the broader sense, as a university teacher. I have modeled myself on her in many ways.

BKV: What does the Polish Archaeological Institute at Athens mean to you? Structurally, it is part of AMU, and its premises were officially opened during your term as Rector. You also inaugurated its activities at a ceremony held at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens in 2021.

BK: PAIA is undoubtedly a source of pride for me. As a university, we have the unique privilege of being able to organize its work. It is certainly a dream place for many humanists; thanks to the Institute, one can pursue the humanities in an interdisciplinary way. It also serves as our showcase to other universities, demonstrating our strength in archaeology and beyond. Moreover, it is a very important institution where we promote Polish culture and science within an international context in Greece, a country with which we have strong and well-established relations.

The University of Thessaloniki is our European partner, so the presence of our institute in Athens significantly strengthens this collaboration. I am therefore very pleased that this institute has been established and that I have had the opportunity to contribute to it in some way.

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Cover of the book ‘Archaeology Without Make-Up: Conversations’, edited and interviews by Beata Kukiel-Vraila; publisher: Polish Archaeological Institute at Athens; series: PIAA Culture, Vol. 1, photo: Polish Archaeological Institute at Athens

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BKV: If you were to assess where you are now, is this the point you aimed to reach? Did you ever imagine that this would be the path you’d take?

BK: Absolutely not. If anyone had told me, even after my habilitation, that I would one day become the rector of this university, I would have dismissed it as completely unrealistic and would have said I would never accept such a role. My ambitions were focused more on an academic career, and in that respect, I would say they have both been fulfilled and unfulfilled at the same time. They have been fulfilled because, a few years ago, I was awarded the title of professor, which is the highest honor one can achieve in an academic career in Poland.

However, this does not mean I am satisfied with what I have accomplished so far. I still have many unrealized ideas, but I am already looking forward to the time when my term as rector ends in three years. At that point, I will be able to return to reading, writing, and perhaps translating, the activities I have come to love. It is important to keep the path forward open.

Bogumiła Kaniewska – Polish literary scholar, translator, and professor of humanities, a specialist in the history and theory of literature and in contemporary literature. She was Deputy Director for research at Adam Mickiewicz University Institute of Polish Philology (2005–2012) and the Dean of the AMU Faculty of Polish and Classical Philology (2012–2016). Between 2016 and 2020, she was Vice-Rector for Student Affairs. Since 1 September 2020, she has been Rector of Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań. Between 2020 and 2024, she was Chairwoman of the Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities, and in 2024 was elected President of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland. An author and co-author of nearly 100 scholarly articles and books. Her academic interests are primarily 20th-century literature and literary criticism. A translator of English prose, particularly children’s literature, which is her great passion.

The title of the article was provided by the Culture.pl editorial team.

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