Athena Swan Ireland launched in February 2015 and is now celebrating its 10th anniversary – and there is reason to celebrate.
Since launching the charter, the sector has achieved gender balance among heads of higher education institutions (HEIs) and decreased the gender gap among senior academic and professional roles.
About Athena Swan Ireland
We at Advance HE have worked in partnership with the higher education and research sector in Ireland for a decade to advance gender equality, and this work has been supported by the Higher Education Authority.
Over the past decade, the sector has made remarkable strides, achieving gender balance among heads of higher education institutions (HEIs). These achievements are a testament to the sector’s commitment to creating a more inclusive future.
Athena Swan has become embedded in the Irish higher education system’ and has acted as a ‘game-changer’ in terms of awareness of gender inequality across Irish HEIs.
The Second HEA National Review of Gender Equality in Irish Higher Education Institutions.
Our members
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding efforts of our members who have been at the forefront of advancing gender equality. With 136 Athena Swan Awards across Ireland, including 114 Bronze and 22 Silver Awards, our members have made a significant impact. 115 sub-units also hold awards. This data reflects awards made up to and including the November 2024 assessment round as well as Legacy Award applications from Technological Universities, and departments that have restructured using the Award Validity Process.
Impact of Athena Swan Ireland
The impact of Athena Swan Ireland over the past decade has been significant. According to award holders, this includes:
- Improved representation of women in senior academic and senior professional roles
- Gender balance in recruitment
- Improved success rates and appointments at promotions
- Addressing of gender imbalance on key decision-making committees
- Increased intake of female students at all levels, where previously underrepresented or below national benchmarks
- Improved staff feedback on working practices and cultures.
Athena Swan Ireland Case Studies
The case studies aim to celebrate the breadth of gender equality initiatives across the higher education sector, provide Advance HE members with practical ideas, and encourage them to try new initiatives adapted to their contexts. The initiatives are drawn from a recent analysis of selected successful applications.
Athena Swan Ireland 10th anniversary event
One of the ways we celebrated the success and progress of Athena Swan Ireland was with a special event hosted by the University of Limerick, the first institution in Ireland to achieve a Silver institutional award. This event, on Thursday 30 January 2025, reflected on the charter’s impact in addressing gender inequalities, celebrated milestones achieved, and embraced goals for further progress.
A wonderful day in UL celebrating 10 years of #athenaswan in Ireland. Great hearing from those who have led the way for positive change, both at political and institutional levels @AdvanceHE @HR_EDIUL pic.twitter.com/cZ54cdrf9y
Dr. Allison Kenneally (@AlisonKenneally) January 30, 2025
Future plans for Athena Swan Ireland and beyond
To build on the success we’re currently celebrating, we plan to work with the Higher Education Authority, Athena Swan Ireland National Committee, Athena Swan Ireland Practitioner Network, and wider higher education and research sector to:
Develop a roadmap for an Irish charter award that is equalities-focused, centralising intersectionality.
Streamline aspects of the charter to help address administrative labour and provide flexibility to applicants
