The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research. Established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in STEMM employment, the Charter is now being used across the globe to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.
Dr Melanie Lombard led the application process, supported by EDI Director Dr Madeleine Pill and Head of Department Professor David Robinson, and other colleagues and academics who are working to ensure that Urban Studies and Planning is an inclusive and intersectional department.
Download our Athena Swan Bronze Award application here
Athena Swan Coordinator and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Dr Melanie Lombard said:
It is great to have external recognition of the ongoing work in USP in the area of gender equality and EDI more broadly, as seen in the Athena Swan panel’s feedback which commended ‘the Department’s approach to mainstreaming EDI and to developing a culture whereby EDI is a shared responsibility’. This award is just the starting point and recognises our commitment to addressing our gender equality issues over the next five years.
Dr Melanie Lombard
Head of the Department of Urban Studies and Planning Professor David Robinson said:
This award is testament to the commitment of colleagues who have worked so hard to promote greater understanding of gender inequalities and mainstream efforts to promote greater equality, opportunity and inclusion in the Department. The Bronze Athena Swan award recognises the progress we have made. At the same time, we need to be open and honest about the fact that there is still work to be done. As part of our Athena Swan submission we generated an Action Plan identifying key priorities and associated goals. Our attention is now focused on realising these ambitions.
Professor David Robinson