Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) is a charter established by the British Equality Challenge Unit in 2005 and implemented by the UK Resource Centre that recognises and celebrates good practice towards the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all.
The Athena SWAN charter was established to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) employment in higher education and research.
In May 2015 the charter was expanded to include non-STEM schools, professional and support staff, technical staff, and trans staff and students. The first awards to non-STEM university departments were announced in April 2016. The charter also recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.
Members who sign up to the charter are expected to apply for an Athena SWAN award, at Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Each award is valid for three years.
They commit to adopting ten principles, which focus on promoting and supporting gender equality for women. In particular, the charter aims to address what is known as the “leaky pipeline” of women progressing to senior roles in science by removing obstacles to their advancement, ensuring equal pay and mainstreaming support, through action at all levels across the department or organisation.
An exploratory study of women's and men's perceptions of Athena SWAN was broadly positive and highlighted the significance of government funding being linked to SWAN awards, but it also raised the limits of the process to change longstanding and entrenched issues in society.