IUA welcomes today’s announcement by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, of the second National Review of Gender Equality in higher education. The first such review, in 2016, was a watershed for Gender Equality in Higher Education, not just in Ireland, and this second review will provide the opportunity to objectively assess progress, and provide focus and impetus to the next phase of this vital work.
It is very encouraging that both the Minister and the HEA have highlighted significant improvements in gender equality across higher education in recent years, but we are also very well aware that the scale of cultural and systemic change that needs to occur to achieve gender equality is considerable. On that basis, we welcome this review as an opportunity to assess and refresh our gender equality agenda.
Tony McMahon, IUA Associate Director for HR and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion voiced his support saying, “IUA universities are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion for all staff and students in every area of our work. This commitment requires continued evaluation of our organisational policies, procedures and culture. We have seen significant progress across higher education in the area of gender equality, but there is still much to be done. We wish the independent expert group members well in their work, and we look forward to engaging with them and supporting the review process.”
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