Presentation Information
[HbDz7mzy-05]The UK’s Athena Swan gender equality charter: Reflections on a Gold Award
Professor Rob Jenkins (Department of Psychology, University of York, UK)
Background / Context
It is a longstanding observation that the proportion of men in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects typically exceeds the proportion of women in those subjects.
Key Issues or Challenges
This observation raises at least two concerns. First, women may face unnecessary obstacles when pursuing careers in STEM. Second, society may be failing to realise up to half of its STEM potential.
Approach / Perspective
A number of initiatives have been developed to address these concerns. The UK’s Athena Swan Charter is an accreditation scheme for higher education and research institutions in the UK, established to recognise and promote commitment to advancing gender equality.
Key Messages
In this talk, I will provide an overview of the Athena Swan scheme, the engagement of my academic department with the scheme, and some reflections on our recently renewed Gold award, drawing on personal experience leading our self-assessment team. I will also survey independent evaluations of the scheme’s strengths and limitations.
Implications for Science and Society
I propose that aspects of the Athena Swan Charter could inform equality initiatives in other settings.
It is a longstanding observation that the proportion of men in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects typically exceeds the proportion of women in those subjects.
Key Issues or Challenges
This observation raises at least two concerns. First, women may face unnecessary obstacles when pursuing careers in STEM. Second, society may be failing to realise up to half of its STEM potential.
Approach / Perspective
A number of initiatives have been developed to address these concerns. The UK’s Athena Swan Charter is an accreditation scheme for higher education and research institutions in the UK, established to recognise and promote commitment to advancing gender equality.
Key Messages
In this talk, I will provide an overview of the Athena Swan scheme, the engagement of my academic department with the scheme, and some reflections on our recently renewed Gold award, drawing on personal experience leading our self-assessment team. I will also survey independent evaluations of the scheme’s strengths and limitations.
Implications for Science and Society
I propose that aspects of the Athena Swan Charter could inform equality initiatives in other settings.
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