The Equality Challenge Unit’s (ECU) Athena SWAN Charter was established in the UK in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research. The charter has since expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, including the underrepresentation of men where appropriate, and not just barriers to progression that affect women. Intersectionality is a key principle of the expanded charter, in particular the intersection of gender and ethnicity.
In a major national initiative supported by the Higher Education Authority, the Athena SWAN Charter was launched in Ireland in early 2015. Maynooth University joined six universities, 14 institutes of technology and the Royal College of Surgeons in signing up to the charter. By being part of Athena SWAN, higher education institutions in Ireland are committing to a progressive charter; adopting these principles within their policies, practices, action plans and culture.
Maynooth University will resubmit an Athena SWAN Bronze Award application by 30th November 2017 for the expanded Athena SWAN Charter. The application is being prepared by the Maynooth University Self-Assessment Team (SAT) which was appointed with attention to gender balance, diversity in career stage, representation from different departments and faculties, and membership of relevant university committees. The SAT is chaired by Professor Linda Connolly, Director of the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute (MUSSI).
The application process will generate an in-depth gender audit of the university’s structures, policies, processes and culture, to inform an overall Gender Equality Action Plan in support of the University’s application. All academic departments are invited to engage in the application process and associated initiatives.
The Department of Geography is proud to be playing a central role in the Athena SWAN process. Our Head of Department Professor Gerry Kearns sits on the SAT, while researcher and occasional lecturer Claire McGing has been appointed as the university's Athena SWAN Project Officer.
For further information about Athena SWAN and MU's self-assessment process see https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/athena-swan