Gender Equality in Engineering: An Institutional Reflection

Abstract

The Athena Swan Charter is a globally applied framework for fostering and maintaining gender equality within higher education (HE) and research. The original aims of the charter (2005–2015) were to acknowledge commitments to, encourage initiatives for, and recognize achievements in advancing women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) subjects. The charter has evolved and in 2015, Athena Swan was extended to recognize commitment to gender equality across all disciplines, professional and support staff, as well as intersections of gender and race, and trans inclusion. In 2021, following an independent review, the transformed Charter was launched including a commitment to transform gender equality for all gender identities, academic disciplines, and in professional, technical and operational (PTO) directorates. Consequently, criteria for the award of a Charter Mark include recognition of and plans for addressing priority issues, progress toward and success in achieving and transforming gender equality, and, at the highest level of award, contributions to best practice and supporting others.