Athena SWAN Bronze for: International recognition for its work in equality and inclusion
An international recognition that reaffirms UCY’s institutional commitment to an inclusive work and learning environment
The University of Cyprus was granted the Athena SWAN Bronze award following a successful evaluation by the internationally acclaimed organisation Advance HE, as part of the Athena SWAN pilot programme for Cyprus. The program was implemented during the 2023-2026 period, initiated and funded by Cyprus’s Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA), involving the Cypriot universities. This distinction marks the successful completion of a rigorous process of adapting the international evaluation framework to the Cypriot academic environment and recognizes the development and implementation of policies and practices that foster an equitable and inclusive work and learning environment.
The UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality at UCY played a key role in coordinating and successfully completing the process, taking the lead in coordinating the overall endeavor and process in close collaboration with UCY’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity (DEI) Office and all the other competent services. The data collection and analysis process and the preparation of the application were based on the work of UCY’s dedicated Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team (SAT). The team’s members worked methodically at all stages of the process, contributing decisively to the formulation of evidence-based policies and the development of an ambitious, yet realistic Action Plan for the enhancement of gender equality, to be implemented during the period 2026-2030.
The support of UCY’s senior leadership was particularly significant, as it contributed substantially to the progress and successful completion of the entire project, thereby demonstrating the University's commitment to the principles of equality and inclusion. This accomplishment is the result of collective work and collaboration among various academic and administrative units of the University. The conferral of the Athena SWAN Bronze award is a significant achievement for the University of Cyprus and, at the same time, a starting point for the continued implementation of the Action Plan and the consistent integration of practices that foster a more equitable and inclusive university environment.
The Athena SWAN Bronze Award, which is valid until the end of April 2030, confirms the University of Cyprus’s steady progress toward continuously improving its policies and practices relating to equality and inclusion. UCY remains committed and goal-oriented to creating a modern, fair, and supportive academic environment for all the members of the university community.
More information about the Athena SWAN framework and the award:
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