University Honoured For Boosting Women's Equality

Thursday, 5 May 2016 09:12

The University of Bradford has received a prestigious award for their commitment to tackling women’s inequality in higher education.

The Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) has honoured the University with an Athena SWAN bronze award, one of only seven institutional awards throughout the UK.

ECU’s Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research.

In May 2015 the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.

This is the first time that Bradford has been recognised under the charter and opens the way for individual Faculties, Schools and Departments to apply for recognition in the future.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Cantor said: “The University has a tremendous commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity. We believe strongly that a vibrant intellectual atmosphere derives from a mix of people from different backgrounds.

“Achieving an Athena SWAN bronze award is testament to our continuing drive to reach our full potential by giving opportunity to the talents of all."

More from Local and National News

Leeds Man Jailed for 12 Years After Horrific Campaign of Domestic Abuse

A Leeds woman has bravely spoken out in court after suffering extreme physical and psychological abuse from Nathan Russell, who has now been jailed for 12 years.
MK’s Most Popular Library Expands with Flexible Spaces for All

Milton Keynes Central Library is undergoing major updates: more public computers, flexible book storage, a dedicated study area and larger children’s zone make it more adaptable and inclusive.
West Yorkshire Police Officer Charged with Sexual Assault

A 43-year-old West Yorkshire Police officer has been charged with three counts of sexual assault relating to incidents in York city centre.
Bradford’s Cllr Kamran Hussain Recognised Nationally for Outstanding Community Leadership

Bradford councillor Kamran Hussain has been shortlisted for Community Champion at the 2025 LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards — highlighting his significant impact across the district.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland Opens for 20th Anniversary Season at York Designer Outlet

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland returns for its milestone 20th year, unveiling new festive features, dazzling decorations and the North’s largest outdoor ice rink.
Final Leeds Brown Bin Collections Before Winter ‘Hi-Bin-ation’

Leeds’ garden waste collections will pause for winter as the final round of brown bin pick-ups begins from 17 November.
Detectives Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Dewsbury Disorder

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after a 21-year-old man was critically injured during a violent incident in Dewsbury.
Millions of Tenants Protected Under New Awaab’s Law Reforms

From 27 October, new housing safety rules known as Awaab’s Law come into force — compelling social landlords to fix emergency hazards within 24 hours and protect millions of tenants from dangerous conditions like black mould.
Bradford Expands ‘New York’ Style Housing First Approach to Tackle Homelessness

Bradford Council is expanding its successful Housing First programme — inspired by New York and proven in Finland — to offer ten more places, helping more people with complex needs move from homelessness into stable, supported housing.
Kensington Palace Marks 150th Birthday of Punjabi Princess and Suffragette Sophia Duleep Singh

A major new exhibition, The Last Princesses of Punjab, will open at Kensington Palace on 26 March 2026 to celebrate the 150th birthday of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh — the trailblazing Punjabi royal and suffragette — exploring the lives of the remarkable women who shaped her story.
SENDIVERSE Festival Unites Bradford Through Creativity and Inclusion

A celebration of creativity and belonging, The Leap’s SENDIVERSE Festival brought together over 1,700 people across Bradford for a series of inclusive arts and cultural events designed with and for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Burnley Collision

Police are appealing for information after a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a crash on Crown Point Road, Burnley.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm