University receives prestigious Silver Athena Swan recognition
The University of Manchester has proudly received a prestigious Silver Athena Swan award, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusivity throughout the institution. This recognition signifies the progress made in creating a more balanced and diverse environment for all students and staff, regardless of their gender or sex identity.
The Athena Swan Charter provides valuable support to universities in addressing gender disparities and fostering inclusivity across all disciplines and roles. This Silver award acknowledges the university’s efforts in advancing gender equality and endorses its future plans to overcome any remaining challenges and embed inclusivity for all individuals within the institution.
To achieve this award, the university conducted a thorough self-assessment, evaluating what has worked well and what areas require further improvement to achieve full gender equality. Valuable input was gathered from surveys and conversations with members of the university community and wider society. Comprehensive analysis of student and staff data was also conducted, ensuring a community-led approach to gender equality and making certain that the Athena Swan initiative brings about meaningful change.
In collaboration with the university community, a progressive action plan has been developed, aligning it with the institution’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy. Over the course of a five-year action plan, the wider community will be consulted to address ongoing gender equality challenges and remain vigilant for emerging issues.
Nalin Thakkar, Vice President for Social Responsibility, acknowledges the progress made but emphasizes the need for further efforts to achieve complete gender equality. It is recognized that not everyone experiences the positive impacts equally, and gendered issues persist. The university is committed to adopting an intersectional approach, considering issues specific to different characteristics, and working together to achieve their equality, diversity, and inclusion ambitions.
For more information, interested parties can refer to the university’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy, explore the Athena Swan initiative at the University of Manchester, and discover the empowering platform Women@Manchester.
