‘I was convinced of it – that it had to happen like this’: In conversation with Professor Berteke Waaldijk and Dr. Leni van Strien on interdisciplinary solidarity in Celtic Studies, Gender Studies and Liberal Arts at Utrecht University (Utrecht, June 2023)

Abstract

In April 2023, an interview took place with professor Berteke Waaldijk (Liberal Arts, UU) and Dr. Leni van Strien (Celtic Studies, UU, retired) about the interdisciplinary and female solidarity that gave rise to the creation of Gender Studies and Liberal Arts as independent sections within Utrecht University. According to Dr. Van Strien, two things are important for women in Academia: that you are in a position where you have something to say (i.e. can exert some influence), and that you have strong support networks in place.