For the first time in more than five centuries, Galicia may see a woman become rector. This milestone goes beyond the university’s walls: it reflects changes in Spanish society and raises important questions about equality and access to leadership roles. While most students and postgraduates are women, men still hold two-thirds of professorial positions, making the upcoming election a symbol of shifting tides in the academic hierarchy.
This Thursday, the University of Santiago (USC)—the oldest in the region and one of the first in the country—will hold an election that has already made history. Four women are vying for the top position: Rosa Crujeiras, Maite Flores, María José López Couso, and Alba Nogueira. All are recognized experts in their fields, with impressive track records and management experience. For the first time in many years, not a single man is running for university leadership, itself an unprecedented moment for Galicia.
The path to change
The road for women to reach the heights of academic power in Spain has been long and challenging. Just sixteen years ago, only one woman dared to run for rector of USC, when women accounted for just 12% of professors. Today, that figure has risen to 36%, but true equality still remains elusive. The candidates point out that they still face extra obstacles: from biological factors affecting their careers, to caring for elderly relatives, and overcoming a male-dominated competitive culture that often discourages potential female contenders.
Among the candidates are Rosa Crujeiras, a statistics specialist and former director of the CITMAga research center; Maite Flores, professor of optics and co-founder of a technology company; María José López Couso, philologist and former dean as well as vice-rector; and Alba Nogueira, the first professor of administrative law in Galicia, leading a research group on equality and social rights. Their backgrounds illustrate the evolving face of Spanish science and education.
Voting and Expectations
Over 28,000 members of the university community are taking part in the elections, the vast majority of them students. For the first time, voting is entirely online, which should increase turnout and youth engagement. Last time, with just one rector candidate, only 6% of students voted, while the faculty turnout reached 77%. This time, suspense remains until the end: experts believe that high competition and the digital voting format will lead to unexpected results.
Within the university, many note that the outcome of the vote is unpredictable. Four strong female candidates, each with her own program and vision for the future, make the choice especially difficult. The new rector is expected to become not only a symbol of change but also a driving force behind reforms that will impact not just the university but the entire regional education system.
Context and Trends
In recent years, Spain has witnessed a growing number of women taking leadership positions in science and education. Similar changes have also taken place at other universities across the country: in Barcelona and Madrid, women have already headed leading institutions, sending a strong signal to the entire system. However, the path to equality remains lengthy: men still dominate the professorial ranks and leadership roles at most Spanish universities. The recent elections in Santiago could serve as an example for other regions, accelerating change and opening up new opportunities for women in academia.
At the same time, interest in gender balance in higher education is growing across Europe and around the world. Some countries have already introduced quotas and special support programs for women scientists. The Spanish experience shows that change is possible even without formal restrictions, if society and academia are willing to engage in dialogue and reform. The outcome of the elections at the University of Santiago could serve as a starting point for new discussions about the future of education and the role of women in science.
