The Business School prides itself on supporting the most diverse body of staff and students at the University of Aberdeen. With campuses in Aberdeen, Qatar, and China, our People have very wide-ranging intersectional diversities and needs that contribute to the equation of Gender Equality. We take all of these into consideration when planning and executing our activities. Our Athena Swan activities are just one aspect of how we address our equality, specifically around Gender Equality. To acknowledge this commitment, we have been awarded the Athena Swan Bronze award for our work advancing gender equality in all of our activities, which was renewed in 2024. This award from Advance HE’s Athena Swan Charter recognises our commitment to the advancement of gender equality in a robust and strategic manner in all areas. In addition, our strategies to address gender equality both in our Aberdeen and overseas campuses have been commended within our award.
The School’s successful application was led by Dr Mark Whittington, working closely with Dr Varuni Wimalasiri, Uzoamaka Akinteye and Senior Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner, Clare Matysova. The Business School EDI committee comprised the self-assessment group for the assessment and represented staff from across academic, professional services and students at the school.
Dr Mark Whittington, who lead the school’s submission in 2024 said: “We are delighted to have achieved a renewal of our Athena Swan Bronze Award, first awarded to the Business School in 2017. It reflects our commitment to embedding EDI principles across the School and to creating an inclusive culture for all. Producing the 76 page report was a massive team effort and we now have the challenge of delivering our plans.”
Dr Varuni Wimalasiri, is currently the lead for Athena Swan for the school. Our EDIC remains the primary self-assessment group. University and School staff and students are also consulted regularly to understand the effectiveness of our approach to Gender Equality.