New statistics from the HEA today showing that the level of women in university professorship positions has increased by just two percent to 21% over the last year is “very disappointing and requires urgent attention and focus by university management,  Joan Donegan, incoming General Secretary of the Irish Federations of University Teachers (IFUT), said today.

“Despite widespread and ongoing media attention on the issue and a detailed report and recommendations from the special committee chaired by former EU Commissioner, Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, progress appears to be occurring at a snails pace, with some universities reporting no progress or even showing a deterioration.

“Some progress, however, is occurring. A majority of universities have now attained bronze status in the Athena Swan programme, which sets targets for third-level colleges to overcome gender discrimination.

“Nevertheless the focus must remain strongly on far more determined and proactive initiatives to address discrimination and impediments to women’s career progression in academia. IFUT will continue to both work with and encourage universities in this regard.

“It will be important that we see far more significant progress when the 2017 statistics are published next year” Joan Donegan said.

For further information on this media release please contact:

John Gallagher - John Gallagher Consulting -  Tel 087 9369888

Joan Donegan - Gen. Sec. Designate, IFUT - Tel. 087 1315960