On October 22, the first edition of “Manip Fum’ss” took place on the Arts et Métiers , Lille campus—an event organized by female students to discuss the role of women in engineering studies and in industry. For the occasion, several female alumni reflected on their career paths to share their experiences with the campus’s female students.
The driving force behind this initiative is Sanaé Pulcini, a sophomore in the Grande École Program who is actively involved in both her class’s activities and student wellness initiatives on campus.
"Manip Fum'ss": An event to highlight women engineers
Behind this first edition of “Manip Fum’ss” is Sanaé Pulcini, a sophomore in the Grande École Program. Also serving as the wellness coordinator on the Lille campus, she reflects on her journey, her commitment to students, and the reasons that led her to organize this event dedicated to the role of women in engineering studies and industry.
What is your background, and why did you choose Arts et Métiers ?
I completed a PT/PTSI preparatory program before enrolling at Arts et Métiers. I chose this school for its highly technical focus, which emphasizes hands-on learning, but also for its holistic education, which values camaraderie. I had been assured that the atmosphere among the student cohorts was unlike any other and that the vast majority of students found their place there and felt at home. I was able to confirm this as soon as I arrived.
How do you feel today about your experience atArts et Métiers ?
I’m truly thriving at this school. Beyond a very comprehensive academic education, it offers the opportunity to get involved in a particularly vibrant community life. Here, we learn to take on responsibilities and live together. I especially appreciate that the classes are small: they form a close-knit group where everyone knows each other and mutual support is a core value. It’s a life experience I recommend to anyone interested in the world of engineering.
You're one of the students involved in student well-being issues. What does that role actually entail?
On the Lille campus, there are four of us students managing this initiative. We are committed to serving as mental health liaisons for students on campus and to listening to their needs and challenges. To this end, we have completed training on gender-based and sexual violence (VSS) and on mental health (PSSM) so that we have the best tools to support our peers. We’re also familiar with all the support services offered by the administration, which works closely with us. Our role is to provide information and guidance to those who need it.
Why did you want to get involved in this project?
I wanted to get involved with my class and feel like I was making a difference. The role of wellness leader—which involves looking out for my classmates—was the one that suited me best. For me, the most important thing about college is feeling good about it: without that, it’s hard to move forward and succeed. So, dedicating my time to helping others, listening to them, and helping them overcome their challenges was a priority for me.
How did the idea for Manip Fum'ss come about?
The “Manip Fum’ss” (Fum’ss = Woman) aims to highlight female students in our class, as well as alumnae. My classmates and I noticed that no female students were holding high-visibility leadership roles among first-year students. We didn’t want female students to—sometimes unconsciously—set limits on how they get involved in their class. We wanted to send them a message: dare to do whatever you want.
That's how the idea for the activity came about. We then wanted to expand it to the professional world and the entire graduating class, to encourage everyone to dare to do what they want, regardless of prejudice.
What were the goals of this event?
Our primary goal was to show that female students have been able to find their place, despite their small numbers. We also wanted to bring back alumnae so they could share their experiences of the progress women have made, both at our school and in the workforce. Finally, we aimed to address the stereotypes and inequalities that persist, because it is through raising awareness that we can train a generation of engineers free of prejudice, where everyone has a place.
Was there a story that particularly stood out to you during the evening?
Several stories left a lasting impression on me: inappropriate and derogatory remarks made during job interviews; female students’ fight to be allowed to wear pants instead of skirts as part of their uniform; and their struggle to establish women’s sports teams within the association. These stories serve as a reminder that the rights we enjoy today were hard-won by those who came before us. And that it’s up to us to carry on the fight.
What message do you hope to convey through this event?
That no doors are closed. Despite the stereotypes, it’s up to us to be bold and show that we’re capable of anything, so that in the future this won’t even be an issue. It’s also important to me to include men in this effort, because these beliefs shouldn’t be carried solely by women. I also hope they’ll realize that gender has nothing to do with any of this.
What message would you share with a high school or college student who is hesitant to pursue a degree in engineering?
Go for it, because you’ll fit right in. Be confident that you can do it, because you can. The place where you belong is simply the place where you want to be; likewise, the job that’s right for you is the one you want to have. Everyone should keep that in mind.
Why was it important for you to organize this event?
This is an issue that concerns me and affects me personally. More broadly, I believe it is essential to fight so that everyone can be who they want to be in a society that is still too often constrained by norms. It is an honor and a pleasure to be able to share this message, which is so important to me, with our school community. I hope this evening has helped, even if only a little, to encourage everyone to get involved in this cause and to reflect on these issues.
