Effective Supports for Women Computer Science Academics: Practice Based Insights in an Irish Context

Abstract

This paper focuses on the under-representation of women computer science faculty and describes an intervention programme called Athena SWAN which has been recently embraced by many Irish third level institutions as part of their efforts to promote gender equity. It details four practice-based initiatives that have been recently implemented within the University of Limerick as part of this programme that have proven effective, outlining the processes undertaken and their practical outcomes. In doing so, it highlights the importance of this intervention process but also draws attention to the need for wider cultural change in supporting gender equity and removing the workplace barriers that impede advancement and retention of women computer science faculty.