In a commentary, SMU President Professor Lily Kong discussed the challenges in advancing women in academia, particularly concerning geographical mobility and its impact on career progression. Prof Kong highlighted the opportunities and expectations brought forth by hypermobility, emphasising the gender-based barriers, especially evident when international events are centred on the Global North. She also shared her perspective on overcoming these challenges through the utilisation of digital scholarship and the promotion of inclusive institutional cultures, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive support mechanisms to address persistent gender disparities in academia effectively.