Gender Equality
As part of the EDI annual report 2021-22, the University of Sunderland show how they have supported gender equality.
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As part of the EDI annual report 2021-22, the University of Sunderland show how they have supported gender equality.
The University of Sunderland has worked hard to improve the representation and understanding of gender diversity.
In 2021-22, we have aimed to continue this growth in equality and inclusion.
As part of training sessions provided, staff could take part in a Gender Diversity and Transgender Awareness Training with Laura Tokell. On Thursday 10 February, the online class explored appropriate terminology and understanding of a range of identities.
We also looked at our language and terminology this year. This was reflected in the introduction of gender pronouns on emails for staff members, and the removal of phrases such as "ladies and gentlemen" at our graduations.
The theme this year was “BreakTheBias”. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
On Tuesday 8 March we held a virtual panel discussion of Inspirational Women from the University. Hosted by Francesca Carey, Director of Home Student Recruitment, our panelists shared their experience of breaking the bias within their field.
The University is an inclusive trans-friendly culture, workplace and learning environment, free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation, where all trans people are treated with dignity and respect.
Therefore, the University decided to launch the Trans Ally Pledge. In the pledge there are simple things staff and students can do to become trans and gender diverse allies.
The University of Sunderland first earned an institutional Athena SWAN Bronze award with the School of Psychology, and this year the Faculty of Technology received the same accolade.
First established in 2005, the Athena SWAN Charter is a framework used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within Higher Education and research.
For its Athena SWAN application, the Faculty committed to a five-year action plan focussing on:
• Supporting and developing the careers of underrepresented groups
• Developing a purposeful and strategic approach to staff recruitment, progression and retention
• To consciously promote diversity in all our outreach and marketing activities
• To embed Athena SWAN principles in all Faculty objectives
50 years of legal precedent has been overturned in the USA by the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse its original opinion that women have a constitutional right to an abortion. Dr Kat Langley, Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Sunderland, discusses how the decision may be the thin edge of an eroding human rights edge.
Read more about about the Roe vs Wade debate.
A short film highlighting the harrowing consequences that Peer-on-Peer abuse has on a transgender teen has been named winner at an annual awards ceremony in Sunderland.
Read more about about the student project.
On a night that saw millions tune in to watch England women's football team beat Germany to win the Euro 2022 final – can this success translate into the investment and equality needed that levels the women’s game up to the men’s?
Read more about about the impact of the Euro 2022 final on women's football.
The University of Sunderland’s community radio station Spark celebrated International Women’s Day with a special all-female broadcast.
Thirteen identifying female presenters are taking to the airwaves until midnight tonight.
Read more about about International Women's Day at Spark.
A sailor-turned-student is hoping to show the road back to a positive mind-set, just in time for World Mental Health day on Sunday.
Andrew Marshall, 49, from South Shields, plans to drive 5,500 miles around the whole coast of the UK to highlight the issue.
Read more about about Andrew's mission for male mental health.
Recognising Rebecca's passion for the engineering industry, Tharsus wanted to support her ambitions and teamed up with the University of Sunderland.
As one of a new generation of female engineers, Rebecca is now hoping her journey will inspire other young women to take the leap into what was a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Read more about about Rebecca's ambition in engineering.
This year the University of Sunderland released inclusive language guidelines to help staff and students understand the impact of the words they use. The guidlines outlines how to use inclusive language to avoid biases, slang or expressions that exclude certain groups based on age, race, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexual orientation.
Within the guidelines it was highlighted that the language around sex and gender identity is evolving constantly and it is important to understand the difference between them. We can use gender-neutral terms, rather than those that make sex distinction.
As the University of Sunderland has secured European Social Funding (ESF), we have been able to provide a fully funded Gender and Diversity short course this year.
The course aims to increase knowledge and skills around gender diversity across the spectrum, transgender lives and the policy, practice and legislation which can ensure the students educational community is supported, included and celebrated.
Topics include:
The Menopause Staff Network had their proposal approved by the University to make a statement of commitment on Menopause.
Women will inevitably experience the menopause at some point in their lives, and not necessarily in their late forties or early fifties. It can affect younger women too through a premature or a medical or surgical menopause. It can also affect transgender and non-binary people.
The University of Sunderland want to change the narrative, reject the stigma, stop the culture of silence, get over the embarrassment and raise awareness of the menopausal transition.
We welcome feedback on Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Responsibility.
Please contact our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, justine.gillespie@sunderland.ac.uk or,
the Student Union LGBTQ+ Officer at yoursu@sunderland.ac.uk.