Faculty of Arts Athena Swan

The Faculty of Arts began it's Athena Swan journey in 2020 with the development of the self-assessment team (SAT). The SAT comprises of both academic and professional service staff. All academic departments within the Faculty are represented on the SAT, as well as members from the Limerick and Thurles campuses. 

The team was chaired by the Dean of Arts, Prof. William Leahy and Vice-Chair, Dr Joan O’Sullivan. The SAT conducted a comprehensive review of gender equality involving a faculty-wide survey and multiple focus groups with staff and students, the results of which were compared with results from similar academic departments and institutions. A final self-assessment report was issued to the Athena Swan judging panel earlier this year.

In September 2022, the Faculty received the news that the bronze application had been successful and work now focuses on implementing the four year action plan. Click here for more about Faculty of Arts Athena Swan Bronze Award. 

On 9 October 2024 all staff and students were invited by the Faculty of Arts Athena Swan Steering committee to join in a day of celebration and a visible commitment to the ongoing promotion and support of equality, diversity and inclusion in MIC. As members of the Athena Swan Ireland community, we have joined a global community with a shared goal of addressing systemic inequalities and embedding inclusive cultures in higher education. 

Athena Swan Day featured a number of events for both staff and students to attend including a keynote on Modern Ireland and Intersectionality: ‘All our Inequalities are Connected’ delivered by Dr Amanullah De Sondy, Head of the Study of Religions Department at University College Cork in Ireland and Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Islam. This was followed by a roundtable discussion on ‘Communicating Diversity: Interrogating Languages of Inclusion and Exclusion’.  In the afternoon, Dr Paul O’Brien led a guided walk on: ‘Hidden History of LGBT’ and Limerick exploring the story of the Limerick LGBT+ landscape over the course of several decades. 

A documentary called Migrant Stories was also shown to students throughout the day, which was developed by MMCN (Midwest Migrant Community Network) with the aim of sharing stories of migrants and their experience of living in Ireland. 

A short student film created by Dr Marc Scully, Nicky Fennell and Mary Kate Fitzgerald was also shown that explored the “stereotypes that come with being an MIC Student and how students managed their own personal identities within these”. To view click the link below. 

Dean of Arts Professor William Leahy noted that "Our first Faculty of Arts Athena Swan day was a fantastic success. The excellent keynote led to a thought-provoking roundtable discussion; the video produced by students was insightful; the LGBT+ walking tour was fascinating; the discussions that took place throughout the day were empowering. The day demonstrated cultural change in action and showed that while such change is hugely important it can also be fun! My thanks and congratulations to everyone involved."

Athena Swan Day 2024 - Programme of Events

10am - Opening Ceremony

Acting President, Prof Niamh Hourigan, opened the day by saying a few words about the Athena Swan charter principles, which provides a framework to advance gender equality in Higher Education institutions.

10.20am - Who is Mary I?

Dr Marc Scully and Nicky Fennell introduced a short film that explored the 'stereotypes that come with being an MIC student, and how students manage their own personal identities within these'.

Pop-up Performance by Wandering Stories took place at various locations throughout the day.

1pm - Modern Ireland and Intersectionality: "All our inequalities are connected"

Dr Amanullah De Sondy, Head of the Study of Religions at UCC and Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Islam. 

1.30pm - Roundtable discussion: Communicating Diversity: Interrogating Languages of Inclusion and Exclusion

Participants: Dr Amanullah De Sondy, Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Islam, UCC and broadcaster; Lylian Fotabong, PhD in Applied Linguistics, MIC; Tamar Nijm, MA in Applied Linguistics, MIC; Dr Olha Lukianshenko, Post-doctoral researcher, MIC, IRC MUSPACE project; Dr Ailbhe Kenny, Associate Professor of Music Education, MIC, PI on the IRC MUSPACE project.

Organisers: Dr Sabine Egger and Dr Mairead Ní Bhriain

2.30pm - Guided Walk: Hidden History of LGBT+ Limerick with Dr Paul O'Brien

Starting close to the childhood home of Christopher Isherwood on whose book Cabaret was based, the walking your told the story of the Limerick LGBT+ landscape over the course of several decades. Well-known venues and hidden local gems where the local community gathered, danced and fought for their rights. The early days of Pride, the establishment of the Gay Switch Board, and the foundation of the Red Ribbon Project.

4pm - Official Closing of Athena Swan Day: Dean of Faculty of Arts, Professor William Leahy

Migrant Stories

The Migrant Stories video was developed by MMCN (Midwest Migrant Community Network) with the aim of sharing stories of migrants and their experience of living in Ireland. All those within the video are living and working in the Midwest of Ireland and contribute to the health, education and social care institutions and services. Their hope is that the stories they share and their perspectives will contribute to a broader dialogue on inclusion and belonging. The video developed by Josh Biggs, Michael Corcoran and Sandrine Ndahiro - thre students who have migration backgrounds or heritage.