EDI | Athena Swan Frequently Asked Questions
Athena Swan stands for ‘Athena Scientific Women's Academic Network’. It's a charter established in the UK and Ireland that aims to advance gender equality in higher education and research institutions.
Originally focused on the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM), it has since expanded to include arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and law (AHSSBL).
The Athena Swan charter is a framework designed to transform gender equality in higher education and research.
It supports higher education institutions, academic departments, and professional units in impactful and sustainable gender equality work and helps to build capacity for evidence-based equality work across Irish legal equality grounds. Find out more.
Athena Swan has both institutional and departmental awards in three categories: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
All institutions and individual departments must first apply for a Bronze award, before moving up to Silver and Gold awards as appropriate.
DCU actively engages with the Charter by applying for an Athena Swan award every four years.
We carry out regular self-assessments of gender equality and EDI and develop action plans to address any gaps or challenges identified.
Every employee can engage with Athena Swan in DCU by participating in Athena Swan surveys and focus groups.
You may also have a chance to engage with Athena Swan within your department by sitting on the school’s self-assessment team or EDI Committee, supporting the development of an Athena Swan application or with the implementation of an action plan.
DCU’s Deputy President holds oversight for Athena Swan in the University as the Vice President for Diversity and Equality.
An Athena Swan DCU Working Group ensures progress with Athena Swan action plans, and reports to our EDI Steering Committee and EDI sub-Committee of the Governing Authority.
Our dedicated Athena Swan Officer in the DCU People EDI Unit supports institutional plans and departments engaging with the process.
The Athena Swan charter supports us in our goal of addressing systemic inequalities and embedding inclusive cultures in our institution.
It provides us the unique opportunity to critically self-assess our position with regards to equality, diversity and inclusion and identify gaps and opportunities that we can address.
All academic departments in DCU are in various stages of engaging with the Athena Swan charter.
Information on which departments currently hold an Award can be found on our website. This is updated regularly as new awards are attained.