Gender Equality has been a significant sectoral EDI priority, highlighted by the Report of the HEA Expert Group, and the subsequent publication of the Gender Taskforce Report.
HEA National Review of Gender Equality in Irish Higher Education Institutions
The reports make key recommendations to advance gender equality in higher education and emphasize the need for coordinated efforts across universities, including sharing ideas and best practices. To support sustained progress, both the HEA Expert Group and the Gender Equality Taskforce recommended regular progress reviews. In line with this, the HEA conducted a Second National Review of Gender Equality in Irish HEIs, published in December 2022. This review acknowledged significant progress, issued further targeted recommendations, and reaffirmed the importance of continuing the implementation of earlier recommendations.
Initiatives to Advance Gender Equality
Athena Swan Ireland
Our gender equality agenda is supported by a dedicated accreditation scheme, Athena Swan, which was developed by AdvanceHE (UK), and introduced to Irish HE in 2015. Today, the Charter has been adapted and refined to the Irish Higher Education context, and all IUA universities have attained Athena Swan a minimum of Bronze status, which is a key indicator of progress on equality and diversity.
Senior Academic Leadership Initiative (SALI)
The Senior Academic Leadership Initiative (SALI) was launched in 2019 in response to a 2018 Gender Equality Taskforce analysis highlighting the underrepresentation of women at professor level in Irish higher education. While women made up 52% of lecturers, only 27% were professors. To address this imbalance, the Taskforce recommended creating gender-specific senior academic posts to drive rapid and lasting change.
SAGE Charter/Research Projects
The IUA has formally endorsed the SAGE Charter of Principles for Gender Equality which supports structural, cultural and political change to eradicate sexism, bias and other forms of discrimination in research and higher education.
IUA’s Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is Tony McMahon