`A day to celebrate what has been achieved by and for women´
`During my career I have met other women who are passionate about what they do, and they have fun doing so. They have made me want to be like them´, Associate Professor at NHH, Malin Arve says.
Malin Arve is Associate Professor and Vice Rector for research at NHH Norwegian School of Economics.
Together with Associate Professor Evelina Gavrilova-Zoutman, Arve is responsible for Challenge, a program for changing the gender balance at NHH through networking, training and mentor’s advice.
IWD is about remembering
`What does International Women's Day represent to you personally? ´
`For me the date isn’t important, but that there is such a day is important. In my studies and in my career, I have come to realize that there are not enough women around me. IWD represents a possibility to create awareness about this. There are so many things going on in my life, and it is easy to forget even important things. IWD is about remembering. It is also a day to focus on the positive side of things. Not enough women do not mean no women. It is a day to celebrate what has been achieved by and for women´.
`Are there any women who have been particularly influential in your life, or who you look up to as role models? ´
`I used to think that I had no role models because I did not have this one loud authority person that I looked up to and admired, but then I realized that the best role models are the ones you take for granted and I do have some of those. Both of my grandmothers have higher education. Growing up I had no idea that there was a gender bias or that I could not become or study whatever I wanted´.
obstacles?
Having two grandmothers who exemplified this made it a reality, Arve says, even if she did not at the time realize that they were her role models.
`During my career I have met other women who are passionate about what they do, and they have fun doing so. They have made me want to be like them´.
`Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a woman in business education, and how did you overcome them? ´
`I have been lucky not to have faced any particularly difficult challenges. At least nothing that felt like such at the time. Looking back, there have been comments and suggestions about what I should or should not do. I have ignored them, partly because I have not understood why I cannot do what I want. Sometimes ignorance is bliss´, Arve says.
`Explore what business education has to offer´
`My biggest challenge is realizing that my time is not infinite, that I must prioritize and say no. This is not easy´.
`What advice would you give to women who are just starting out in business education? ´
`My advice is to explore what business education has to offer and not to be afraid of making choices based on your own interests and curiosity. Following others might have seemed like a good idea in high school, in business education and all other types of higher education follow your own interest is what allows you to become the best version of yourself. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise´.