Athena Swan
The Athena SwanCharter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research.
Since then the charter has expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.
The University of Essex was awarded the Athena Swan Institutional Bronze Award in November 2013 in recognition of its continuing work to support women in STEM.
Our School was also awarded the Athena Swan Bronze Award in September 2020. Our success in achieving this award has depended on the hard work of staff and students across the School and reflects the School’s commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Following on from this award we have established an Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, which will provide a more encompassing platform and enable us to broaden our inclusivity work. It will also support our ongoing evaluation to enable us to improve our equality, diversity and inclusivity practices