Aston University to support gender equality in Indian universities

• Aston University chosen to support universities in India improve gender equality
• Funded by British Council to support Indian universities develop equality frameworks
• Delegation from British Council and Indian Government visited the University on 29 March.

Aston University has been chosen to support universities in India to improve gender equality.

The Birmingham-based higher education institution is being funded by the British Council to support Indian universities in developing their own gender equality frameworks.

As part of the support a delegation from the British Council, the Indian Government Department for Science and Technology and Advance HE visited the University on 29 March. The delegation found out how Aston University has demonstrated its commitment to advancing the careers of women across all disciplines and promoting gender equality more broadly.

A tour of the campus included visits to the Advanced Prototyping Facility 3D Printing Lab and Aston Medical School.

Last year Aston University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

received Athena Swan gold – the highest accolade for higher education equality becoming just the second UK university to have an engineering department win the title.

Hannah Bartlett, associate Pro-Vice Chancellor diversity & inclusion said: “During the visit we shared our experience of working with the Athena Swan Charter.  

“We explained how we embed Athena Swan into our organisation, how the work and the self-assessment team have become sustainable in the long term, and what have been some of the benefits.

“The award involves supporting diversity and increasing opportunities for students and staff at all levels.

Dr Nisha Mendiratta, from the Indian government Department of Science & Technology said: “The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India has initiated the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) programme to support gender equality among its institutions. We are delighted to visit Aston University and have meaningful interactions with the Athena Swan team, and shared mutual experiences will pave pathways for implementation of the GATI.”