Athena Swan Ireland’s 10th anniversary comes round with plenty to celebrate, but challenges still to overcome.
Athena Swan Ireland launched in February 2015 with the goal of addressing gender inequality in the Irish higher education sector. Since then, all of Ireland’s universities and institutes of technology, as well as a number of colleges, have participated in the charter.
Impact of the charter
This widespread take-up has resulted in 133 award holders across the country and significant impact on the sector. It has seen improved representation of women in senior professional and academic roles, gender balance in recruitment, better success rates for promotions and better gender balance on key decision-making committees.
Other indicators of impact include increased intake of female students where previously there was underrepresentation, and improved feedback from staff on working practices and cultures.
The Second HEA National Review of Gender Equality in Irish Higher Education Institutions found that:
“Athena Swan…has become embedded in the Irish higher education system’ and has acted as a ‘game-changer’ in terms of awareness of gender inequality across Irish HEIs”.
Celebratory event
The University of Limerick was the first institution in Ireland to achieve a Silver institutional Athena Swan award, so it was fitting that it hosted our 10th anniversary celebration on Thursday 30 January.
This was a great opportunity to reflect on the charter’s impact in addressing gender inequalities and to celebrate milestones achieved. It was also chance to recognise that further challenges remain, and to embrace goals for further progress.
Learn more about the impact Athena Swan Ireland has had over the last 10 years.
