UCD awarded Athena Swan institutional Silver Award
Posted 3 September, 2024
University College Dublin has won a silver institutional Athena Swan award for its leadership in advancing gender equity, equality, diversity and inclusion.
The (opens in a new window)Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research.
Advance HE Ireland, the awarding body commended the university’s robust structures and processes supporting equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI); its evidence of leadership in the area; and its senior commitment and clear governance structures with a Vice-President for EDI, Vice-Principals for EDI, the EDI Sub-Committee of UMT with several Sub-Groups and Working Groups and an EDI Unit.
It drew specific attention to the implementation of the university’s last Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP).
Under this plan, the university achieved gender balance across its Governing Authority, Academic Council and University Management Team.
It also saw the appointment of the university’s first female president and a steady improvement in gender balance at senior academic levels - 24% women at Full Professor level in 2019 to 32% in 2024 and from 30% women at Professor level in 2019 to 44% in 2024.
The university’s publication of a new Bullying and Harassment policy and a Sexual Misconduct policy, and the subsequent work to implement a supporting framework including the establishment of the Dignity and Respect Support Service, were specifically highlighted as good practice for the sector.
While declaring the award a significant milestone for the university, (opens in a new window)UCD President Professor Orla Feely said “our work will continue through the implementation of the Gender Equality Action Plan GEAP 2024 – 2029 as we proactively address gaps and pursue opportunities.”
She acknowledged the many people that played an important role “in building an inclusive culture in UCD and helping to achieve this award” including: (opens in a new window)Professor Colin Scott and (opens in a new window)Professor Emma Sokell, who co-chair the Gender Equality Action Group; Marcellina Fogarty, Senior EDI Manager; the members of the Gende: Equality Action Group and the EDI team.
She also welcomed the recent appointment of (opens in a new window)Professor Aoife Ahern, the Principal of the UCD College of Engineering and Architecture as the new Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at UCD who will build on the many achievements of Professor Colin Scott who previously held the role.
“The new University strategy will reflect the important role that EDI plays in ensuring our University is a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for our students and employees and in building a strong sense of belonging,” the President concluded.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
