Gender equality is essential to achieving a fair, inclusive and sustainable society. Sustainable Development Goal 5 aims to eliminate discrimination, remove barriers to participation and leadership, and ensure that women and girls have equal opportunities to succeed in education, employment and public life.
Universities have an important role to play in advancing gender equality through research, teaching, institutional culture and community engagement.
At ARU, we are committed to creating an environment where people of all genders can thrive. We work to advance equality through our teaching, research, policies, leadership development, student support and community partnerships. Our approach focuses on addressing barriers to participation and progression, promoting inclusive learning and working environments, and supporting the success of students and staff from all backgrounds.
A key part of this commitment is our participation in the Athena Swan Charter, the internationally recognised framework for advancing gender equality in higher education and research. ARU has been engaged with Athena Swan since 2012 and, in 2024, achieved an institutional Athena Swan Silver Award in recognition of sustained progress in advancing gender equity across the University. ARU is one of a small number of UK universities to have achieved this level of recognition. The award acknowledged progress in areas including enhanced, sector-leading maternity and adoption support, improved representation of women in senior academic roles, career development initiatives, flexible working arrangements and support for students and staff.
Gender equality is embedded across our academic community. Between 2014/15 and 2022/23, the proportion of professors who are women increased from 28% to 38%, while positive responses to staff survey questions relating to flexible working increased from 79% to 90%. ARU has also introduced measures including free period products across campuses, enhanced family-friendly policies, and an institutional Athena Swan Silver Action Plan for 2024-2029 focused on staff and student development, tackling unacceptable behaviours, intersectionality, and improving policies and practice.
We're also committed to addressing gender imbalances in disciplines where women have historically been underrepresented. In 2024, the University's Faculty of Science and Engineering received its own Athena Swan Silver Award in recognition of progress in promoting gender equality in STEM subjects. Initiatives highlighted by the assessment included ARU's Women in Engineering programme, support for women in career progression, leadership job-share schemes, promotion clubs, and participation in the British Council's Women in STEM scholarship programme.
Through our research, learning and teaching, operational practices and partnerships, we continue to contribute to the advancement of gender equality in higher education and wider society. By supporting women and girls in education, promoting inclusive leadership, improving workplace equality and addressing structural barriers to opportunity, we are helping create a more equitable future in line with the ambitions of Sustainable Development Goal 5.
Our researchers work across disciplines to generate evidence that advances gender equity, challenges discrimination and improves outcomes for women and girls.
We're committed to ensuring that students of all genders can access an inclusive and supportive learning environment, while addressing inequalities in disciplines and professions where women have historically been underrepresented.
Through targeted initiatives, inclusive policies and evidence-led action, we work to remove barriers to participation, progression and leadership for women and underrepresented groups.
We work with external organisations, professional bodies and communities to translate our expertise into action, from widening women's participation in STEM to strengthening women's voices in public services.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.