Queen's University Belfast recently received the institutional Athena SWAN Gold Award in recognition of its significant advancements in promoting gender equality in higher education. This accolade made Queen's the first institution on the island of Ireland and the second in the UK to earn this esteemed award. To celebrate this achievement, the SWAN co-champions were invited to participate in several celebratory events, and I attended the following two.

'Reflections: A 25-year Journey in Gender Equality’ was a valuable panel discussion held on the 30th of May in the Canada Room and Council Chamber in the iconic Lanyon building. In conversation were current and former key members of Queen's Gender Initiative (QGI) and Athena Swan committees. I felt proud to know several initiatives that were taken early on by Queen's and have matured today. For example, Queen’s has had Childcare provision on campus since 1970.

The main celebration event was held later the same day at the Whitla Hall. There were a few hundred people in attendance and we all got a beautiful lapel pin with Athena SWAN gold written around the Queen's insignia. Most of us chose to wear it as it gave a warm feeling of achievement and belonging.

The ceremony was hosted by Queen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer and graced by very inspiring speeches from two remarkable women leaders: the First Minister, Michelle O'Neill MLA, and Deputy First Minister, Emma Little Pengelly MLA - who is also a former Queen's graduate. I personally found the story of the Student's Union President, Beth Elder very moving as she shared how the University enabled her to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. The event concluded with a formal lunch for key stakeholders in the Great Hall with food carts just outside the Lanyon building for everyone else.

This event celebrated everyone within the University who contributed to SWAN over the past number of decades, including our own school of EEECS which currently has a Silver Award. These events left me proud to be part of the institution that endorses the critical importance of gender equality in higher education and is committed to do more. We all have a crucial role to play in this context.

By Dr Ayesha Khalid

Senior Lecturer and EEECS SWAN Co-Champion

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For further information on Athena SWAN at EEECS, please contact our SWAN champions Dr Ciara Rafferty and Dr Ayesha Khalid.