International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate ‘women’, and what better way than to acknowledge women’s progress as capable leaders of our society despite professional and societal barriers. Imagine the great powers women could achieve if we worked by helping each other rise – working as a sisterhood! Both Dr. Sayema Rahman Khan and Dr. Lei Zeng work at The University of Manchester – one in professional services and the other in academia – both with a passion for women empowerment and connected through Aurora. 

The Aurora Women’s Leadership program, offering structured training and coaching to help develop leadership skills, spans 6 months. It includes monthly sessions focusing on different aspects of leadership, supporting women with little or no experience of formal leadership, and bringing together colleagues from professional and academic backgrounds. Coupled with support offered by senior mentorship, Aurora is more than just a program – it is a transformational experience, creating a space for women to build confidence, explore leadership styles, and overcome obstacles to success. 

As current Aurora delegates of the 2025 cohort, Sayema and Lei are excited to share their journey, as well as their experiences and expectations from the Aurora program. 

Dr. Sayema Rahman Khan: Research Project Officer, Centre for Applied Pharmacokinetics Research 

My journey at The University of Manchester began as an international MSc student, followed by over a decade as professional staff. I completed my PhD part−time, balancing work, studies, and motherhood – a demanding journey driven by resilience, ambition, and a deep commitment to self-empowerment. It is a challenge that most women face as they shoulder primary caregiving responsibilities while pursuing professional goals.

Transitioning into research project management recently with a fantastic team, and the kids at school, inspired me to focus on career growth and connect with other like−minded women. The Aurora call came at the perfect time, and I am privileged to be selected in this year’s cohort. Having completed the first session ‘Identity, Impact, and Voice’, I reflect on the leadership qualities that resonate the most with me – kindness, respect, and empathy. Leadership isn’t just about authority alone as we usually see it; it is the power to make a difference to others − to open doors for others. The session also explored building rapport, speaking with influence, and using energy effectively – critical tools to amplify our voices as women leaders. 

Through Aurora, and supported by inspiring women mentors, I am embracing my authentic leadership style, learning to navigate barriers, stereotypes, and challenge my limiting beliefs. More importantly, it is encouraging me to see myself as a leader – not only for myself but for others who, like me, lack ethnic minority women leaders as role models. But my vision extends beyond my own career- as women leaders we need to champion pathways for other women, especially those who are BAME, marginalised and underrepresented in higher education. This International Women’s Day, I celebrate the power of fixing crowns, opening doors, and lifting others as we rise! 

Dr Lei Zeng: Lecturer in Fashion Technology, Department of Materials 

As an international staff member, a working woman, and a woman in engineering, I know first-hand how challenging it can be to build confidence and step into leadership in a male− dominated field. The lack of visible female role models can make it easy to feel isolated or question whether you truly belong.

Being part of the Aurora Cohort has been an incredible opportunity to connect with inspiring women who encourage me to shape the future of higher education. One of the most powerful takeaways from the first session was a quote from Prof. Sally Jackson: “If you don’t believe in yourself, who else can?” This simple yet profound statement reminded me that confidence starts from within. Another key lesson is embracing a growth mindset – the belief that abilities develop through effort and perseverance. Women in leadership often face systemic biases and self−doubt, but we must not give up. Challenges should be seen as opportunities to grow and strengthen our leadership skills. 

As women in Higher Education, we each face unique yet overlapping challenges. Aurora links us together, just like how I connected with Sayema. It empowers us by building confidence, equipping participants with skills, and expanding professional networks. As Mother Teresa put it, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.” Real change happens when we lift each other up. By fostering a culture of inclusion and mentorship, we can create those ripples – shaping a future where gender equity isn’t just an aspiration but a reality. International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress, acknowledge challenges, and reaffirm our commitment to gender equity.

You can take a look at the links below for future Aurora cohorts 

• Leadership programmes | Equality, Diversity and Inclusion | StaffNet | The University of Manchester 
• Aurora | Advance HE 
• Please feel free to contact the UoM Aurora champion Rachel.cowen@manchester.ac.uk and the central EDI team equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk  for more details.

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