Going into the CIVICA Honours Seminar at IE University, I expected something academically intense, focused on gender equality, policy, and economics. What I didn’t fully expect was how engaging and personal the experience would feel by the end, not just intellectually, but socially as well.
One of the first things that stood out was the people. I got to connect more deeply with students from my own university, while also meeting participants from different countries, disciplines, and academic backgrounds. Even though we all come from very different places and lead very different lives, it was surprising (and comforting) to realize how similar many of our questions, concerns, and motivations were. That shared curiosity created an open and collaborative atmosphere where conversations felt honest and enriching.
Academically, the seminar pushed me to move past simplified ways of thinking about gender equality. Instead of framing inequality as a matter of “right versus wrong,” we were encouraged to look at how it persists through complex combinations of social norms, institutional design, economic incentives, and historical context. One of my biggest takeaways was realizing that many things are the way they are for very complicated reasons. Acknowledging that complexity doesn’t mean accepting inequality: it means understanding it well enough to actually change it. What stayed with me most is the idea that real change rarely happens overnight. It often comes from small, incremental shifts in behavior, policy design, and expectations. When people begin to act “a little less” according to harmful norms, society eventually starts to follow. It’s slow, but it’s possible.
A particularly memorable moment was the fireside chat with Cecilia Malmström. Hearing her speak so openly about finding and defending her voice as a young woman in a male-dominated political environment was inspiring in its honesty. It was a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t always about being the loudest in the room, but about clarity, persistence, and staying grounded when the space isn’t built for you.
The visit to the BBVA headquarters added an important real-world dimension to the seminar, showing how discussions around gender equality and sustainability translate into concrete strategies within a large organization. The experience came full circle with the Policy Reform Challenge. Working on a proposal to redesign Italy’s paternity leave policy made it clear how much policy design and not just laws on paper really matters, and reinforced the idea that gender equality and good economics are deeply connected.
I would recommend the CIVICA Honour Seminars to anyone curious about how social issues turn into real policy and institutional change. It’s a space to think critically, learn with others, and sit with complexity, while meeting people who genuinely challenge and inspire you. I’m deeply grateful to IE University and CIVICA - The European University of Social Sciences for creating this experience. It’s one I’ll carry with me well beyond the classroom.
by Rosa Cicchetti
Read more: My Experience at the CIVICA Honours Seminar at Sciences Po: Negotiation Skills for Climate Policy
