Women lead many of today’s groundbreaking scientific initiatives, tackling some of society’s toughest challenges.

Science benefits from diversity and inclusion. Yet, gender bias is still a major issue.  Take heart failure trials, for example—over a span of more than 15 years, men were included three times more often than women.

Science needs to change, fast, to reflect the world we live in.

Through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) research funding programme, women scientists are addressing these gaps, breaking barriers, and changing the way we understand the world—making sure science works for everyone.

Carrying forward Marie Skłodowska-Curie’s legacy, they’re proving that when women lead in science, the whole of society benefits.

As Skłodowska-Curie once said: “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” These scientists are helping us understand — and change — the world for the better.

Here are five inspiring women-led projects addressing urgent issues, from medical research to social inequality — proving that curiosity, determination and inclusion can lead to meaningful change.

Helping migrant women get the education they deserve

Education is power. But, for many migrant women, barriers to literacy stand in the way of empowerment and inclusion. The Gender, Migration and Illiteracy: Policy and Practice for Social Integration (GEMILLI) project, led by MSCA fellow Margarida Martins Barroso, is focusing on this issue.

GEMILLI looks at the experiences of migrant women learning a new language and culture, showing the challenges of gender, migration and literacy. The project highlights how public policies often overlook the realities these women face — treating them as a single group, rather than individuals with diverse challenges. More than just identifying problems, GEMILLI pushes for solutions, calling for more inclusive systems that make education accessible for all.

Rethinking care work: it is time for a change

Care work — mostly done by women — is often undervalued, underpaid or even unpaid. The Civil Society Organizations and the Politics of Long-Term Care Reform (AGenDA) project, led by Rossella Ciccia, is fighting to change that.

As Europe’s population ages, care policies need a major rethink. Right now, women are at a disadvantage — both as caregivers and as those most likely to need care later in life. The AGenDA project examines how gender, migration and social inequalities shape care systems, advocating for fairer cost-sharing and gender-sensitive policies.

AGenDA is bringing new perspectives to the table; helping create a future where caregiving is fairly supported, and care systems work for everyone.

Fighting gender bias at birth

In some parts of the world, people still prefer sons over daughters. The consequences? Gender imbalances, social inequalities and even increased violence against women.

The GlobalKnoT project, led by MSCA fellow Laura Rahm, examines how global programmes—especially those led by the United Nations—are working to stop gender-biased sex selection and female genital mutilation.

These interventions range from social campaigns to large-scale data monitoring efforts that track harmful gender norms.

By working with policymakers, communities and international organisations, GlobalKnoT is helping to show new ways to protect women and girls— turning research into real-world impact.

Closing the gender gap in leadership

Women make up half the workforce, yet they only hold 17% of senior leadership positions in the EU. One reason? Leadership is still seen through a mainly male-dominated lens. The WOMLEAD project, led by MSCA-fellow Caren Goldberg, is searching to change that.

The project looks at how leadership is measured and why traditional models favour masculine traits. It focuses on the concept of servant leadership, which values ethical, relational and emotional qualities higher – traits often associated with women. By shifting the ways, we assess leaders and training people in soft skills, WOMLEAD aims to challenge biases and make leadership more inclusive

A simple idea with big potential: redefine leadership, and the gender gap starts to close.

Making universities safer for everyone

Sexual harassment and gender-based violence in academia often go unreported, leaving victims without support and, most importantly, institutions not being held to account. Project UniswithHeart is working to change that.

By connecting survivors, creating zero-tolerance policies and pushing for institutional reforms at tertiary education institutions, this MSCA-funded project, led by Ana Vidu, is making universities a safer and more inclusive space. One of its achievements is the creation of student-led support networks that help survivors of gender-based violence navigate the complex reporting systems and challenge the institutionalised barriers victims have to face.

With their research spanning multiple countries and through fostering collaborations with policymakers, UniswithHeart is proving that real change is possible and achievable, if institutions put people first.

Celebrating Women in Science

Want to learn more about how the EU is supporting women in science and promoting gender equality in research? Check it out here: Gender in EU Research and Innovation – European Commission.

For more information about MSCA funding and projects, check out our webpage.