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LSE has received a Bronze award from charter Athena SWAN, in recognition of our commitment to gender equality.
The charter mark is given to institutions advancing gender equality in higher education, through representation, progression and success for all. It shows LSE has a solid foundation and strong evidence-based plans in place to eliminate gender bias and develop an inclusive culture.
These plans include objectives on increasing the recruitment of women and promoting the career development of female staff.
Commenting, Sofia Jabeen, Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at LSE said: “Achieving this award recognises a significant team effort, with a lot of people investing their time and commitment to achieve something in which we wholeheartedly believe.
“Now more than ever, in these uncertain times, we have to come together as a community to stamp out inequality and create an environment in which everyone can thrive. This award is a starting point, not an end in itself and we look forward to implementing our ambitious action plan.”
LSE’s Director, Minouche Shafik, added: “LSE was founded with the aim of understanding the causes of things and for the betterment of society, and that has to include understanding and, more importantly, acting on the causes of inequalities within LSE. This award recognises our commitment and actions to promote gender equality at the School.”
Athena SWAN was first established to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine employed in higher education.
It was later expanded to recognise work undertaken in the arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law, in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. It now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly.
As an institution focusing on the social sciences, LSE has only recently been eligible to apply for the award.