Vet EDIAS Update
The School’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Athena SWAN (Vet EDIAS) Committee organises many events and initiatives which support our agenda of promoting gender equality, diversity and inclusion for all faculty, staff and students. Below, we provide you with updates on some of the recent events and campaigns which have been organised by the Vet EDIAS Committee. Find out more about the work of the committee and upcoming events on our website: https://www.ucd.ie/vetmed/about/athenaswan/
International Day of Women and Girls in Science - 11 February 2022
To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, students Chloe and Shermin, Senior Technical Officer Amanda and Associate Professor Marijke talked about how important science is in their lives. You can see their interviews (opens in a new window)here on Twitter.
Dean’s Inclusion Award 2021 - 21 February 2022
On 21 February, we were delighted to gather in-person at UCD’s University Club for the presentation of the Dean’s Inclusion Award 2021 to Dr Niamh Nestor, Veterinary Student Adviser. The award was presented by Prof Michael Doherty, Dean and Head of the School of Veterinary Medicine, to Niamh for being a tireless and devoted advocate for our students. Niamh is also co-Chair of UCD’s EDI LGBTQI+ Subgroup and member of the schools EDI/Athena SWAN committee. Here is an excerpt from her powerful acceptance speech:
‘We can’t talk about equality and inclusion without talking about intersectionality – the notion that all oppression is linked. In this, we have to interrogate our own privilege and ensure a diversity of voices in our leadership and decision-making structures. We are all allies in this fight, but in that fight we have to remember that inequality for one is ultimately inequality for all. In particular we remember our brothers and sisters the world over who do not enjoy the privileges we do. I want to say a special word to the students who are here today. I’m so proud of your generation – your bravery, self-awareness and the way you stand up for what is right and just. Building on the work of those who have gone before us, my generation is hopefully continuing to pave the way for you and for future generations. Finally, I would like to dedicate this award to my beautiful Nanny who bore the inequalities meted out to her sex with grace, compassion, and reluctant acceptance and no small amount of righteous anger and frustration. I took inspiration from her as a young girl – she was the first feminist I knew – and I truly wish she could have experienced a different kind of world where her talents, her smarts and her power could have been recognised in a way that fulfilled her.’
Pictured (l to r): Prof. Stephen Gordon, Dr. Niamh Nestor, Prof. Michael Doherty, Dr. Cliona Skelly
International Women’s Day - 8 March 2022
To mark International Women’s Day 2022, we collected some thoughts on microaggressions within our community and how we are overcoming these challenges. Changing little things can make a big difference. See our social media post at the link below for more details:
(opens in a new window)https://twitter.com/ucdvetmed/status/1501099918559227906
UCD Values in Action Awards 2020
Congratulations to UCD MENU (Multicultural Employee Network) on receiving the UCD Values in Action award 2020. Dr Arun Kumar, Lecturer and Assistant Professor in the School of Veterinary Medicine and MENU Co-Chair, received the award on behalf of MENU from outgoing UCD President Prof Andrew Deeks on 9 March in the University Club.
Pictured (l to r): Prof Andrew Deeks, Dr Arun Kumar
International Transgender Day of Visibility - 31 March 2022
To mark International Transgender Day of Visibility 2022, we collected testimonies from members of our community on the importance of pronouns and assumptions about gender vs professions. See our social media posts at the links below for more details:
(opens in a new window)https://twitter.com/UCDVetAthSWAN/status/1509448300977692675
(opens in a new window)https://twitter.com/UCDVetAthSWAN/status/1509447515531366401