Tag Archives: Athena Swan

Unconscious Bias Training Isn’t a Magic Wand

Posted on June 22, 2019 by Athene Donald

This week saw a sober assessment of the impact – both positive but also depressingly negative – of schemes to improve gender equality. As the Athena Swan Review Group wrestles with how to improve their own awards, it is important … Continue reading →

Posted in Equality, Science Culture | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Our Bullying Culture

Posted on October 14, 2018 by Athene Donald

Many of you will have already seen the OpEd I wrote in the Guardian last week on the subject of bullying and harassment in our universities. I was heartened by the response it received, in so far as it was … Continue reading →

Posted in Equality, Science Culture | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Now I understand Proust better (but feel less positive about Athena Swan)

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Athene Donald

You know the story about Marcel Proust and the madeleine – how the memories came flooding back when he nibbled at one with a cup of tea. I always thought this was slightly ridiculous, but perhaps ageing means I now … Continue reading →

Posted in Women in Science | Tagged , , | 29 Comments

Eradicating Gender Stereotyping: How can Athena Swan Awards Help?

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Athene Donald

There is nothing like seeing gender stereotyping through reverse eyes to highlight its stupidity. Women are used to intrusive, inappropriate questions about their looks and dress, even in professional situations (see this recent story about Russian astronauts for an example); … Continue reading →

Posted in Science Culture, Women in Science | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Why Such Tepid Governmental Aspirations?

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Athene Donald

The Government talks about ‘naming and shaming’ to close the pay gender pay gap, aspiring to close it within a generation. It is perhaps worth remembering when the Equal Pay Act came into force – 1970! 45 years on and … Continue reading →

Posted in Equality, Women in Science | Tagged , , | 3 Comments