Male leaders across several Irish HEIs have come together to discuss why gender equality matters for men in a new podcast released to mark International Men's Day 2022.
The podcast, featuring participants from South East Technological University, Munster Technological University, Technological University of the Shannon, Technological University Dublin, the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dundalk Institute of Technology and the Higher Education Authority, is a collective approach to examining the role of men in achieving gender equality in the sector.
In a wide ranging discussion, the contributors discussed their own personal journeys and reflections on gender equality, what men can do to improve gender equality at their respective universities, why men are sometimes reluctant to get involved in gender equality work, why allyship is critical, gender quotas and the concept of meritocracy, and the benefits of gender equality for men themselves.
Speaking ahead of International Men’s Day, Dr Ross Woods, Head of the Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Higher Education Authority said, “Gender inequality is an issue which affects everyone. While we’ve made great advances in higher education in recent years, it is often our female colleagues who have carried that load. International Men’s Day is a good opportunity to highlight the vital role of male staff in supporting and advancing this agenda”.
David Denieffe, VP Academic Affairs (Student Life, Teaching and Learning) SETU welcomed the podcast saying, "I was delighted to contribute to the podcast, alongside my colleagues from across technological higher education. It provided us with an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of hearing men's voices and support for gender equality. We hope this serves as a reflection on the necessity for men's commitment to gender equality on this International Men's Day”.
The podcast was hosted by Dr Ross Woods, Head of the Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Higher Education Authority. Ross was joined by colleagues from across the HE sector including David Denieffe, VP Academic Affairs (Student Life, Teaching and Learning) at SETU, David Smith, President of IADT, Michael Loftus, VP External Affairs at MTU, Dr Liam Brown, VP Research Development & Innovation at TUS, Dr Martin McHugh, Head of the Department of Visual and Human-Centred Computing at Dundalk Institute of Technology, and Dr Philip Owende, Assistant Head of Academic Affairs at TU Dublin.
The podcast is available at the following links: