Celebration of International Women's Day 2026

Shiny Fails, Resilient Women

By Stéfanie André (in Dutch and Konstantina Kilteni (in English)

Failure is often treated as something to avoid, hide, or quietly move past. Yet in both our professional and personal lives, moments of failure are inevitable — and, more importantly, deeply instructive. Shiny Fails invites participants to explore failure not as a flaw but as a fundamental part of growth. Rather than imagining our careers, studies, or life paths as straight lines, this workshop offers space to acknowledge the bends, the detours, and the unexpected turns that shape who we are and how we move forward.

During this interactive session, we reflect on the pressures—particularly those experienced by women in academia, the workplace, and our communities—to present polished success at all times. Together, we will examine how embracing our missteps can build resilience, foster creativity, and strengthen solidarity. Participants will engage in guided conversations and light exercises that help reframe failure as a source of insight, humour, and connection.

Shiny Fails is designed as a warm, open environment where stories are shared, norms are challenged, and new perspectives emerge. Whether you join as a scholar, a professional, a student, or a community member, this workshop encourages you to celebrate your crooked paths — and to see the shine in every stumble.

This workshop can be followed in both English and Dutch. The Dutch workshop will be given by Stéfanie André, and the English workshop by Konstantina Kilteni.