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Department of Statistics

Athena Swan Accreditation

Dr Alisa KirichenkoLink opens in a new window talks about her career in statistics

Athena SWAN is a project for the advancement of gender equality in academia. In particular it is committed to the promotion of the careers of women in science, engineering and technology in higher education and research, which aims to increase significantly the number of women recruited to top posts in academic and professional roles.

Along with only nine other departments at the University of Warwick, we are proud to have been awarded a Silver award, based on the following five criteria:

  • A: Structures and processes underpin and recognise gender equality work.
  • B: Evidence-based recognition of the key issues facing the department.
  • C: Action plan to address identified key issues.
  • D: Demonstration of progress against the applicant’s previously identified priorities.
  • E: Evidence of success addressing gender inequality.

By being part of Athena SWAN, institutions are committing to a progressive charter; adopting the following ten key principles within their policies, practices, action plans and culture:

  1. We acknowledge that academia cannot reach its full potential unless it can benefit from the talents of all.
  2. We commit to advancing gender equality in academia, in particular addressing the loss of women across the career pipeline and the absence of women from senior academic, professional and support roles.
  3. We commit to addressing unequal gender representation across academic disciplines and professional and support functions. In this we recognise disciplinary differences including the particularly high loss rate of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM)
  4. We commit to tackling the gender pay gap.
  5. We commit to removing the obstacles faced by women, in particular, at major points of career development and progression including the transition from PhD into a sustainable academic career.
  6. We commit to addressing the negative consequences of using short-term contracts for the retention and progression of staff in academia, particularly women.
  7. We commit to tackling the discriminatory treatment often experienced by trans people.
  8. We acknowledge that advancing gender equality demands commitment and action from all levels of the organisation and in particular active leadership from those in senior roles.
  9. We commit to making and mainstreaming sustainable structural and cultural changes to advance gender equality, recognising that initiatives and actions that support individuals alone will not sufficiently advance equality.
  10. All individuals have identities shaped by several different factors. We commit to considering the intersection of gender and other factors wherever possible.

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