It was the CICES Women's Association's turn to celebrate March 8th, with a panel discussion focused on "Women's Representation in Decision-Making Bodies: What Impact?" The meeting, held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, addressed the place of women in leadership positions and the impact of their leadership. Through observations, obstacles, and solutions, the meeting highlighted persistent challenges, but also the key role of women in achieving more inclusive and balanced governance.

In her opening remarks, Ramatoulaye Gueye, President of the CICES Women's Association, noted that despite progress in education, entrepreneurship, and administration, women's presence in decision-making spheres remains limited, including within CICES itself. She explained that while women are increasingly visible in certain sectors, they remain a minority where strategic decisions are actually made, thus hindering their ability to influence the institution's direction.

She also emphasized that representativeness is not measured solely by numbers, but also by an effective role in governance. She noted that when women lead, they bring rigor, ethics, and a sense of responsibility, contributing to tangible results. This dynamic is essential for CICES to move forward in a balanced way, fully integrating female leadership into its processes.

To further illustrate this point, Khady Dièdhiou, Director of Human Resources at the Food Technology Institute (ITA) and a panelist at the event, detailed the main obstacles faced by women. She mentioned imposter syndrome, which leads some women to wait until they are "perfectly ready" before taking on responsibilities, unlike men who more readily assert themselves. Added to this are the fear of social judgment and the dual burden of family and professional responsibilities, which complicate access to leadership.

Ms. Dièdhiou also highlighted the socio-cultural and institutional obstacles, exacerbated by the lack of visible female role models. To overcome these challenges, she emphasized the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and celebrating women's achievements to inspire future generations.

Towards a more balanced governance

The panel facilitated a constructive dialogue on ways to increase women's participation and promote success across all sectors. The CICES Women's Association thus reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for equality and inclusion. This event takes place within a global context of celebrating women's rights, while also providing a concrete space for reflection on overcoming persistent obstacles.